31 July 2025
Shared Ownership Code
The Shared Ownership Council recently launched its Shared Ownership Code, to improve customer satisfaction and create a more standardised product across the sector. The aim is to improve customer satisfaction and drive private investment. We’ve engaged with the Council throughout the development of the code, sharing advice, feedback and best practice.
The key principles of the code include:
- A 14-day cooling off period, where you can cancel the agreement and receive a full refund of the reservation fee
- The publication of a comprehensive list of fees and charges across shared ownership
- A minimum 12-month defects period
- Service charge transparency
- Training around the code for all staff with responsibilities relating to shared ownership.
A drive to improve the information available to our shared owners around costs and service charges is welcome. We’ve already made changes to be more transparent with potential new shared ownership customers about forecasted service charge costs after their defects period.
4 August 2025
Have your say: Reforms to strengthen leaseholder protections – deadline closes Friday 26 September
Government has launched a new consultation: Strengthening Leaseholder Protections Over Charges and Services, which proposes significant reforms to how leasehold charges and services are managed. This follows the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, which made it easier and cheaper for homeowners to buy their freehold, increased standard leases to 990 years, and provided greater transparency over service charges.
What’s being proposed in this consultation?
- Greater transparency in service charges and building insurance costs
- Standardised forms for service charge demands and annual reports
- Clearer rules around administration charges and major works
- Mandatory qualifications for managing agents.
- Improved rights for leaseholders to challenge unreasonable costs and poor service.
These changes aim to help leaseholders better understand the fees you’re being asked to pay, and if necessary, provide you with the tools to challenge these charges.
We’re supportive of these reforms and have already made changes to improve the accuracy and transparency of our service charge process that echoes the government’s proposals. We’ll be submitting a formal response to the consultation that will focus on service charges, as we know this is a key concern for many customers. We’re committed to ensuring that any new regulations work in your best interest.
Have your say
These reforms could directly impact your rights as a leaseholder and how your service charges are managed and communicated. We encourage you to respond individually to the consultation. Your voice matters and can help shape a fairer leasehold system for everyone.
Deadline to respond: Friday 26 September 2025