MHCLG publishes summary of responses to consultation on restricting ground rent for existing leases
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued a summary of consultation responses on problems caused by existing ground rents, including financial burdens, lack of transparency and impacts on selling leasehold homes. Many respondents said leaseholders pay ground rent for no clear service, with increases over time and risks such as forfeiture. The consultation sought views on five options to cap ground rents, including a peppercorn cap, an absolute maximum value, a percentage of property value, returning to the original amount or freezing current levels. A significant majority of leaseholders supported the peppercorn option, while freeholders and investors generally opposed it, raising concerns about loss of income, asset values, investment impacts and possible legal or compensation issues.