Southport’s fight against leasehold properties has made big advances on two fronts with a landmark decision by a major house builder and the formation of a residents’ action group.
David Wilson Homes have announced they will end leasehold sales and in future offer only freehold properties while leasehold residents in Ainsdale have banded together to press for reform of the property market.
“ I welcome this news from David Wilson Homes and I fervently hope that this is the breakthrough and that other house builders will follow their lead and realise that leasehold is a feudal system and belongs in the past,” said Cambridge Ward Councillor Pat Keith, who has led the anti-leasehold campaign in Southport.
“ The fact that Ainsdale residents have formed their action group is also very welcome and highlights the pressing need for the voices of leasehold owners to be heard following the Government’s announcement that they intend to abolish the system.”
Councillor Keith and Ainsdale representative, Councillor Lynne Thompson, attended the residents’ meeting when it was revealed that the newly formed group are seeking legal advice on the entire process of leasehold sales.
“ The residents quite rightly want legal clarification on issues such as covenants, restrictive regulations on property improvements, ancillary charges and the roles of estate agents and solicitors in the sales of leasehold properties,” said Councillor Thompson. “ I am delighted to say that Councillor Keith and I are launching Southport Against Leasehold, a pioneering campaign that we hope the rest of the country will emulate and will also spur the Government to take swift action and fulfil their promise.”
,Andrew McGovern, Chair of the Links View Ainsdale Residents Association, said : “ We had a great turnout for the AGM which is hardly surprising, as people are fed up with the unfair cost associated with buying a leasehold property. If purchasers knew at the offset the extent of the related charges they would think twice.
“ I believe we have generated the necessary local momentum and focus on leasehold sales so we can now work as one group.
“This will give us the best platform to achieve our common goals. It was reassuring to have local council representation and we welcome their ongoing support and help”.
Councillor Fred Weavers, who represents Kew Ward where David Wilson Homes are building 600 houses, said: “ I’m very pleased at their decision to scrap leasehold sales and offer freehold properties but I’m also concerned about current residents of leasehold properties. I’ll be very interested to learn what their situation is if they wish to buy their freehold.”
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