This is Money Podcast Is a ground rent cap a good idea for leaseholders and why is it controversial?
Jan 30, 2026
They explain what ground rents are and how rising clauses can make them unaffordable for flat owners. The discussion covers the proposed £250 cap, its timing and why it may not solve all leasehold problems. Pension fund and corporate pushback over asset write-downs is examined. They also cover surging stamp duty investigations, precious metals rallies, cash ISA rate moves, and whether wood burners can be used responsibly.
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Ground Rents Are More Than A Small Fee
- Ground rents are annual charges leaseholders pay the freeholder for the land and shared building ownership.
- Helen Crane explains ground rents can escalate and trap owners, harming resale prospects.
Escalating Clauses Make Flats Unsellable
- Some leases double ground rent every decade, pushing charges from hundreds to thousands.
- That escalation makes flats hard to sell and compounds service-charge problems.
Don't Assume Immediate Ground-Rent Relief
- Check whether proposed ground rent caps are draft law and when they apply before expecting relief.
- Helen Crane warns the earliest implementation looks like 2028 so plan accordingly.