Homeowners caught in leasehold 'trap' are taking mass legal action

Hundreds of leasehold owners in the North West are taking mass legal action to forcibly buy their freeholds from big investors.

Katie Kendrick, a nurse from Ellesmere Port set up the National Leasehold Campaign, which now has 15, 000 members.

The NLC wants a ban on new leasehold houses, the adoption of Commonhold for new flats and redress for the millions trapped in leasehold properties.

In the Queens Speech, the government said it 'would take forward a comprehensive programme of reform to end unfair practices in the leasehold market.'

But campaigners say there was still no mention of help for existing leaseholders or timescale for the legislation.

Those who bought leasehold properties say they're now trapped unable to sell and forced to pay charges for anything from putting up a doorbell to owning a pet in their property.

Watch Elaine Wilcox's report here:

• MP describes leasehold sales as the PPI of the housing market

• Campaigners call for a change in the law over leasehold properties