Is the leasehold system a rip-off?

LEASEHOLDS on new-build houses are despicable (Mail), and this matter must be treated like the PPI mis-selling scandal. The Government must demand that all payments are reimbursed by the companies who sold on the freeholds to make a quick buck. ALAN STILL, Ilford, Essex. SOLICITORS and conveyancers do alert their clients and mortgage providers to ground rent increase clauses in a lease (Letters) — which could mean it doubles every ten years. However, in many cases, the homebuyer is wearing rose-tinted glasses and will not read or act upon advice. Most want to move in to their new home as quickly as possible. It is not the solicitor’s fault if buyers do not calculate what the future ground rent might be. R. HAILSTONE, Teignmouth, Devon. SURELY, it is time to consign the leasehold system to history. Just because a flat sits on a shared piece of land doesn’t mean someone else should profit from it year after year. A home is the biggest investment we make and we need to be better protected. C. GORNIOK,Normandy, Surrey. LEASEHOLD properties are a throwback to feudal times. I bought my home six years ago with an annual ground rent of £55. I’ve been told it would cost £2,210 to buy the freehold — the equivalent of 40 years of ground rent. ROGER BROWN, Worsley, Manchester. SAJID JAVID, the Communities and Local Government Secretary, is to be congratulated for tackling exorbitant ground rents on newbuild homes. But what about huge fees for renewing the term of the leasehold as the term shortens? PHILIP HODSON, Newmarket, Suffolk.