Leaseholders hesitant to escalate complaints due to redress system
2 months ago | 2 comments
Any thoughts on new build ‘Fleecehold’?
12:02 AM, 30th April 2026, 4 days ago
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Hello, I am thinking of buying a NEW build on an estate where the developer wants to charge £252 per year for ‘kids playgrounds and maintenance of the verges’ – and they want to charge this as soon as you move in, before any playground or verges exist!
Unfortunately, this is not capped, nor is the yearly rise. I am very sceptical that once the builders hand this over to a management company, which unlike leasehold, cannot be changed by the residents, then this charge will become the new leasehold cash cow.
The ‘sales’ person ensures me the rises will be ‘reasonable’ but can’t give me a guarantee – I think we all know what that means.
Additionally, the broadband is initially (2 years I think) through a company appointed by the builders, and is not one of the recognised broadband providers.
I would be interested in any thoughts on these points, or anyone with experience of these.
Thank you,
Derek
Tags:
developer appointed broadband new build, estate management charges new build, fleecehold charges new build estates, new build service charge playground fees, uncapped estate charges management company UK
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Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 413
4:54 PM, 30th April 2026, About 3 days ago
Ref: Mark Weeden
Agree and the freehold reversion held in the Man Co and each house has a lease and when last property sold, each resident has lease with share of the freehold interest-
So each resident has 2 roles
1 . As lessee under terms of lease
2. As shareholder bound by Man Co. Articles
Purchasers need to read the lease and take advice from properly qualified in share of freehold solicitor
before a decision.
Transfer of freehold means taking over repair obligations and poor construction without recourse to the original developer
Member Since April 2025 - Comments: 4
9:03 PM, 2nd May 2026, About 19 hours ago
Don’t do it. I live in a fleecehold property – one of nine detached houses in a cul de sac, no play areas. Our original fee 26 years ago was £80 a year. It’s now £90 a month.
We’re currently trying to get reimbursed after being charged for gardening that hasn’t happened for months and inflated, estimated insurance costs which are three times the actual.
We have the right to appoint another agent. Doing this is complicated and lengthy. Ask yourself if you really want to take on a director’s role where you actually live.
Those with play areas are responsible for upkeep including repair costs due to vandalism – these facilities are available for use by the general public not just those living there and contributing. I would never do it again.