Redrow, Bovis, Bellway & Countryside Leasehold Houses – How to Buy the Freehold
While leasehold houses built by Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon have attracted the most publicity, they are not the only developers who sold leasehold houses. If your home was built by Redrow, Bovis, Bellway, or Countryside, you may still be dealing with a leasehold and wondering what your options are. This page explains the background for each developer, why the problem arose, and how you can move towards buying your freehold.
Thinking about Buying the Freehold of your Redrow, Bovis, Bellway & Countryside Leasehold House? Call our expert team on FREEPHONE 0800 1404544 for FREE initial phone advice – with no strings attached.
Why Some Developers Sold Leasehold Houses
During the 2000s and 2010s, several large builders chose to sell houses on a leasehold basis. Some included ground rent clauses that doubled every ten years, while others used different forms of escalation. Although most developers have since stopped the practice, thousands of households are still affected today.
Redrow Leasehold Houses – What Owners Need to Know
Redrow built a number of leasehold houses during this period. While the scale was smaller than some rivals, affected homeowners still faced escalating ground rents and difficulty selling. Like other developers, Redrow came under CMA pressure to remove unfair terms.
If you own a Redrow leasehold house, it is worth checking whether your lease contains ground rent increases above inflation. Even if not, buying the freehold will future-proof your home and remove uncertainty.
Bovis Homes Leasehold Houses – A Legacy Issue
Bovis was a significant player in the leasehold houses market. Many estates built in the 2010s were sold with just a leasehold title, often with rising ground rent terms. After Bovis merged into the Vistry Group, it no longer sells new houses on a leasehold basis. But thousands of older Bovis properties remain.
Owners of these homes should consider enfranchisement now, as the law is more favourable than it used to be.
Bellway Leasehold Houses – Common Ground Rent Concerns
Bellway is one of the UK’s larger housebuilders and, like Bovis, was criticised for its leasehold practices during the peak years. If you live in a Bellway leasehold house, the chances are your freehold has since been sold to a third-party investor. That does not stop you from buying it—our team can approach the investor and negotiate on your behalf.
Countryside Leasehold Houses – Regional Hotspots
Countryside was also investigated by the CMA (the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority – an independent government department that protects consumers). While most of its leasehold stock was flats, some houses were caught up in the same issues. In certain parts of the country, particularly the North West, you will still find Countryside leasehold houses with increasing ground rents.
If you are in that position, buying your freehold of your leasehold house could make great financial sense.
What Problems Do Leasehold House Owners Face?
Even though government action and CMA settlements have made life easier, owning a leasehold house still creates uncertainty. Ground rent can rise, service charges can be imposed, and selling can be more difficult. By contrast, owning the freehold provides stability and peace of mind.
New Laws Make Buying Your Freehold Easier
With the two-year waiting period abolished under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, leaseholders have more rights and lower costs than they did just a few years ago. And if and when the Government gets round to finally enact the vast majority of that Act, a number of the proposed changes could make buying your freehold much cheaper.
Buying Your Freehold – How Our Specialist Leasehold Solicitors Can Help
At Bonallack & Bishop we specialise in helping leaseholders buy their freeholds. Our highly specialist 6 strong leasehold team have acted for clients across the country against all the major developers and investor freeholders. We know the patterns, we know the sticking points, and we know how to achieve results. In total our team have helped around 10,000 people extend their leases or buy the freehold. and we have our long-standing members of ALEP, the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners – the only organisation in the country representing solicitors and surveyors specialising in freehold purchase.
If you own a leasehold house built by Redrow, Bovis, Bellway or Countryside, our solicitors can:
- Explain your options in free initial phone advice – just call FREEPHONE 0800 1404544
- Review your lease and explain your options in plain English.
- Handle the negotiations and legal process on your behalf to buy your freehold..
Contact our specialist team today and take the first step towards owning your home outright.
