Far from Privatopia: Private Residential Estates in England and Wales

23 Pages Posted: 9 Mar 2022

See all articles by Susan Bright

Susan Bright

University of Oxford - Faculty of Law

Date Written: January 12, 2022

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a trend towards private maintenance of residential estates in England and Wales. Local authorities are not automatically adopting infrastructure, and this may mean lower standards of construction and upkeep. Homeowners face charges to maintain the estate, and find themselves subject to various restrictions on property use, and to onerous fees when asking permission to make alterations or sell. Many feel trapped in “fleecehold”, and concerned about estate upkeep. This article shows how the growth of these estates raises concerns about their sustainability, about fairness, and about what ownership “means”.

Keywords: Fleecehold; Leasehold; Private Residential Estates, Adoption, Privatopia, Rentcharges, Estate charges

Suggested Citation

Bright, Susan, Far from Privatopia: Private Residential Estates in England and Wales (January 12, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4007198 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4007198

Susan Bright (Contact Author)

University of Oxford - Faculty of Law ( email )

St. Cross Building
St. Cross Road
Oxford, OX1 3UJ
United Kingdom

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