“You’re basically the ones that appoint a managing agent who will then tend to the building and do the day-to-day management of the block,” said Scoffin of commonhold. That, he said, means tenants would have a personal interest in ensuring a well-maintained property. “When you buy a flat, you own it, you control it and you’ve got democratic self-rule.”
The security of owning a flat indefinitely could, however, increase property prices, putting people off the traditional first rung of the housing ladder. Leasehold supporters use potential higher costs to argue for the system’s continuation; Platt said ground rent — spread across the duration of a lease — ultimately reduces flat prices.
The calling of a snap general election, in which the opposition Labour Party is expected to secure a landslide victory, has put the issue of leasehold back in the spotlight. While Labour is committed to abolishing leasehold — its manifesto pledges to “finally bring the feudal leasehold system to an end” — it has backed off an earlier commitment to do so within its first 100 days of government.
Expect the lobbying to continue if Labour does win. Platt said the RFA is keen to work with Labour on improving legislation. “We can really do something quite exciting that will hugely benefit residents because that’s what we all want,” he argued.
Come July 4, leaseholders through sheer numbers could form a substantial voting bloc — even if their home-owning brethren ultimately outnumber them.
“This is millions of people, many of whom are … single-issue voters,” said Scoffin. “This issue alone will decide who they vote for.”
