#commonholders

[ashburnhaminsurance]

Do You Need Insurance for a Commonhold Property?

When purchasing a property in the UK, most buyers are familiar with the traditional freehold and leasehold ownership structures. However, commonhold is an alternative system that offers owners greater control and independence over their properties. However, while commonhold properties eliminate some of the complications of leasehold, insurance remains a key consideration for owners, landlords,…

[chelseabridgewharf]

''Commonhold Now'' Report Goes Live: Misaligned Incentives

Anti-leasehold grassroots campaign group, Commonhold Now, releases vital policy report on 1st November 2023 with easily deliverable law changes to liberate England’s millions of flat leaseholders and to hand them rightful control of their homes in light of UK Government leaks to The Sunday Times suggesting yet more sticking plaster reforms in the eagerly anticipated Leasehold Bill set for the…

[sztupy]

Már 10 éve is ezt ígérték mondjuk

[lizseyi]

Government Plans To Abolish Leasehold Flats And Introduce Commonhold By 2029 - Portner

The government has announced significant reforms aimed at abolishing the traditional leasehold system for flats, transitioning instead to a commonhold model. This move seeks to address longstanding criticisms of the leasehold system, which has often been viewed as outdated and unfair to homeowners. In this article, senior associate Joe Genco examines the government’s proposed reforms.

Understanding freehold, leasehold and commonhold

Property ownership in England is primarily divided into freehold and leasehold tenures. Freehold ownership is perpetual, while leasehold ownership (the default for flats) is time-limited.

Under the leasehold system, homeowners purchase the right to occupy a property for a specified period (typically 99, 125 or 999 years), but the freeholder owns the land and building. This arrangement can lead to issues such as escalating ground rents, high service charges and limited control over property management.

In contrast, commonhold offers a form of freehold ownership where individuals own a “unit” (ie, their individual flat) outright within a shared building, and owners collectively manage shared areas through a commonhold association.

This structure provides greater autonomy and eliminates many pitfalls associated with leasehold ownership. This model, similar to those in North America, Australia and Europe, is nothing new. Commonhold was, in fact, introduced in England in 2002 via the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 but saw limited uptake due to its complex legal framework. Commonhold was said to be incompatible with mixed-use developments or shared ownership and has been criticised by lenders for failing to protect their interests.

Implications and challenges of the proposed reforms

The shift to commonhold is expected to empower homeowners with more control over their properties, potentially leading to more transparent management practices and financial arrangements.

The government wants commonhold to become the standard tenure by the end of this parliament (ie, 2029). New leasehold flats will be banned, and commonhold will become the default tenure. By banning new leasehold flats, the government aims to modernise property ownership, aligning it with practices common in other countries. However, it will not ban the sale of leasehold flats until it is confident that reformed commonhold is viable.

Converting existing leasehold properties to commonhold is a significant challenge, and one that the government acknowledges needs more consideration. The initial legislation (the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002) was complex and has been hampered by limitations, including requiring unanimous consent for a conversion to commonhold.

Further, the leasehold model is deeply entrenched in the property market, and many potential buyers, investors, developers, lenders and property professionals are not familiar with the commonhold system. There was no compulsory element to the previous legislation, and bar a few exceptions, most have chosen to stick with what they know rather than risk an untested model.

The government plans to tackle these issues head-on by:

Ensuring commonhold works for all types of ownership, including mixed-use buildings and shared ownership homes

Offering developers greater flexibility over development rights

Giving mortgage lenders greater assurance regarding their security

Strengthening the management of commonholds by imposing new rules for appointing directors, setting clear standards for repairs and mandating the use of reserve funds.   

What is the timetable for reform?

As mentioned above, the government wants commonhold to become the standard tenure of residential property ownership by 2029.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government plans to publish a draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny in the second half of 2025. This will include detailed proposals for converting existing leasehold properties and implementing the reformed commonhold regime.

Consultations on banning new leasehold flats and introducing a new code of practice for commonhold management are also expected later this year. The government will seek input from industry and consumers on fundamental points such as potential exemptions for legitimate use and how to minimise disruption to the housing supply.

If you have any queries about the new commonhold proposals, please contact Joe Genco at jg@portner.co.uk. 

Visit Our Website: https://www.portner.co.uk

Get in touch today to speak to an expert :

Telephone: 020 7616 5300

[brightontoburj]

What is a Commonhold Property in Dubai? Should You Invest?

Dubai's commonhold property system allows buyers to own apartments and villas with full ownership rights, just like freehold properties. But is it the right investment for you? With benefits like long-term security, resale value, and strong rental demand, commonhold properties are gaining popularity.

Discover the pros, cons, and investment potential of this property type in Dubai!

[luxuryspaces1]

What are Commonhold Properties in Dubai?

Dubai’s real estate market is known for its diverse offerings and innovative approach, providing a wide range of property options for investors and homeowners. While freehold and leasehold properties are commonly discussed, another property ownership type is gaining increasing attention in the emirate: commonhold properties. Commonhold ownership has become a popular choice for those seeking a more flexible and community-based approach to property investment.

Curious about commonhold property? This article provides a comprehensive overview of this unique ownership model. We’ll explore its definition, how it works, and its legal basis. We’ll also examine why commonhold might be an attractive option for Dubai property buyers, highlighting its distinctions from other ownership types and its potential benefits and risks.

Know More About Commonhold Property

Commonhold property is a type of ownership where individuals own their specific unit (like an apartment or villa) outright. However, they share ownership of common areas like hallways, elevators, parking, and recreational facilities. This model is popular globally and has been adopted in Dubai’s real estate market to streamline the management of shared spaces, especially in residential buildings and gated communities…Read More

[exclusivelinksestateagents]

Can I buy property in Dubai without living there? A guide for international investors

Are you interested in buying property in Dubai but don’t live in the UAE? Dubai’s real estate market is designed to accommodate foreign buyers, offering a streamlined purchasing process that you can manage from anywhere in the world. Here’s everything you need to know about purchasing property remotely and how Exclusive Links, leading real estate brokers in Dubai, can support you at every stage. If you're considering off-plan property in Dubai, the market offers a variety of high-potential investments with flexible payment plans and appealing locations. For those drawn to luxury property in Dubai, there are numerous high-end options featuring premium amenities and exclusive addresses. The range of properties for sale in Dubai is vast, catering to both lifestyle preferences and investment goals.

1. Power of Attorney for overseas buyers

If you’re not able to be physically present in Dubai, appointing a Power of Attorney (POA) allows a representative to act on your behalf, signing documents and completing transactions. A POA can be set up at Dubai Courts, internationally, or even remotely online. Exclusive Links guides you through this entire process, ensuring each step is handled smoothly.

2. Key considerations for buying property in Dubai remotely

Location: Foreigners can purchase property in designated freehold areas, such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, allowing you to invest in some of the city’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.

Mortgages for Non-Residents: Dubai’s mortgage market is open to non-residents, offering financing options to make your property investment more attainable. Exclusive Links can provide additional details and introduce you to our mortgage advisor, who can help you explore loan options suited to your needs.

Fees: Buyers should account for fees, including the Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee, real estate agent fee, mortgage registration fee, and ongoing property maintenance costs.

Property Types: Dubai offers freehold ownership options like commonhold properties, similar to condominiums, where owners contribute to shared maintenance fees.

3. Exclusive Links offers a complete property experience

Investing from abroad doesn’t have to mean missing out on essential property management and maintenance. Exclusive Links provides the full property experience, including comprehensive property management services, which means you’re covered from purchase to management. Through our management agreements, we can act as your POA and custodian for funds, handle all handover inspections, and manage snagging on your behalf if you’re not able to be in Dubai.

4. Financial security and currency exchange

Exclusive Links partners with IFX, an international currency exchange provider, to facilitate secure transactions and offer competitive exchange rates. Additionally, if you prefer, we can help with cryptocurrency transactions or work with custodians for any specific financial requirements you may have.

5. So, I’ve bought a property—now what?

After purchasing a property, many investors wonder how best to manage and maximise their investment. Exclusive Links offers both long-term and short-term management solutions, allowing you to take advantage of Dubai’s lucrative short-term holiday rental market. Our vacation home services ensure your property generates income while being professionally managed, including guest handling, cleaning, and maintenance.

6. Why use Exclusive Links for property management?

Choosing Exclusive Links brings both security and peace of mind. With a full management licence, we’re authorised to collect and disburse funds on your behalf and comply with Dubai’s legal requirements for property management. For added protection, we maintain a government-held AED 5 million bond, giving you an extra layer of security. We’re fully equipped to make your property investment in Dubai seamless and secure.

7. Additional benefits of investing in Dubai real estate

Dubai’s property market offers numerous incentives for foreign buyers:

Interest-free payment plans

High returns on investment

10-year Golden Visa eligibility

Pre-approved mortgages from local banks

0% property tax

Options for ready and off-plan properties

World-class amenities

Freehold ownership

For more information, visit our Property Buyers FAQ page or reach out to the Exclusive Links team for personalised guidance.

Investing in Dubai property from abroad is both straightforward and rewarding, and Exclusive Links is here to support you with every detail.

[mshreae]

Dubai Real Estate Laws and Regulations

Dubai, a city of grandeur and opulence, is a place where dreams come to life. Its awe-inspiring skyscrapers, pristine beaches, and luxurious lifestyle have attracted people from all over the world. As a result, the real estate market in Dubai has been thriving. However, to ensure a seamless experience in Dubai's real estate, one must understand the laws and regulations that govern it. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Dubai real estate laws and regulations, offering you valuable insights to navigate the vibrant Dubai Communities.

1. Understanding Dubai's Real Estate Landscape

Dubai's real estate market is dynamic and constantly evolving. It offers a wide range of properties, from luxurious villas and apartments to commercial spaces. To invest wisely, it's crucial to understand the market dynamics.

2. Types of Properties in Dubai

Dubai offers various property types, including freehold, leasehold, and commonhold. Each type comes with its own set of rules and regulations

3. Ownership and Title Deeds

Understanding the ownership structure and obtaining the right title deeds is essential for property buyers in Dubai.

4. Dubai's Property Market Trends

Stay updated with the latest property market trends to make informed decisions. The market can be influenced by factors like economic conditions and government policies.

5. Legal Framework for Expatriates

Dubai welcomes expatriates to invest in its real estate market, but there are certain legal requirements and restrictions to be aware of.

6. Rental Laws and Tenancy Agreements

If you plan to rent a property in Dubai, it's vital to know the rental laws and the contents of a tenancy agreement to avoid disputes.

7. Property Registration

Property registration in Dubai is a crucial step to ensure legal ownership and protection of your investment.

8. Dubai's Freehold Areas

Discover Dubai's freehold areas, where foreign nationals can own property with full ownership rights.

9. Taxation and Fees

Learn about the taxes and fees associated with buying and selling property in Dubai to budget your investment appropriately.

10. Real Estate Agents in Dubai

Engaging a reputable real estate agent can simplify the buying or selling process. They have valuable insights into the market.

11. Dubai's Vision for Sustainable Communities

Dubai is committed to creating sustainable communities. Understand the initiatives in place for a greener future.

12. Challenges in Dubai Real Estate

Explore the challenges faced by investors, such as market volatility and economic uncertainties.

13. Tips for a Smooth Real Estate Transaction

We provide tips and strategies to ensure a smooth and successful real estate transaction in Dubai.

Conclusion:

Dubai's real estate market is a land of opportunities, but it's essential to navigate it with knowledge and care. Understanding Dubai real estate laws and regulations is the key to a successful investment in this thriving city. Whether you are a resident or an expatriate, these laws apply to all, ensuring a fair and transparent real estate environment.

[brian-betsy]

Peppercorn ground rents the only option to kill off ground rents NLC

Peppercorn ground rents the only option to kill off ground rents – NLC https://propertyindustryeye.com/peppercorn-ground-rents-the-only-option-to-kill-off-ground-rents-nlc/ If this government is truly serious about moving away from leasehold and paving the way for Commonhold, a move to a peppercorn ground rent is the only option, argues NLC Brian Betsy

[dieattach]

Common Rubber Tip Holders are our most versatile range of holders that fits Flat Tips, Vacuum Relief Tips, Groove Tips and Side Contact Tips designs.

Each holder goes through a rigorous design and assessment process to define the ideal geometry of the holder. The holders are then manufactured to exacting standards to ensure that the holders hold on firmly to the tips during the Pick and Place process. All our Traditional Rubber Tip holders are designed to be easily replaceable with new tips.

Oricus manufactures a wide range of holders to fit a wide range of machines from OEMs such as Datacon, ESEC, ASM, Canon Bestem, Hitachi/Fasford, MRSI and more. If you require a holder for your machine shank that is not in our standard holder list, get in touch with us and we can customize one for you.

[estateagentseouk]

Effective due diligence isn’t just in the interests of landlords but it’s also crucial for estate agencies who themselves could fall foul of the law. Firstly, under the Accommodation Agencies Act 1953 it is a

[chelseabridgewharf]

Commonhold is the way forward - but we need the same democratic check and balances for Right to Manage

A short letter from me (Mike O’Driscoll) which was published in iPaper today, which highlights the lack of democratic checks and balances in the Right to Manage legislation which can so easily be taken advantage of by cynical controlling people. The White paper (outline legislation) on commonhold promises a much better model, with leaseholders having the right to elect directors of commonhold…

[anticomedygarden]

wolf

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tw: blood and injury

sequel

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"Fuck, fuck, motherfucking christ, jesus, fuck," Sirius muttered as he tore off his steaming shirt and pants and tried to ignore the frankly disturbing sounds coming from outside.

The young man had just gotten home after a 16-hour shift at the hospital, and he was not in the fucking mood. As soon as he'd gotten home, he sped through a shower, changed into pajamas, and heated up some leftover soup James had sent with him last weekend, and all he wanted was to eat and watch some mindless TV, and that was exactly what he had been about to do, at least until something made a loud crashing sound outside, and he flinched so badly that he spilled his hot soup all over himself. 

Now his thighs and stomach were burning, his clothes were unwearable, the couch was ruined, there was soup everywhere, and some-animal-or something was probably dying from blunt force trauma in his front yard. Fuck.

He sighed and walked into the laundry room. Doctors didn’t need sleep, right?

Once he found a shirt and old football shorts good enough for his own front yard at 5:30 in the morning on a Wednesday, the strange noises had mostly stopped, and Sirius deemed it safe enough to venture outside. After all, if he didn't, one of his neighbors would, and that could only result in a call from the commonhold.

Walking toward the front door, he wondered idly if the sun was out yet. As an ER doctor who often worked overtime, he missed the sunrise and sunset most days, and his thick curtains rarely let any light in, a so far unsuccessful strategy to combat his insomnia.

The sun was not out. It was dark as fuck. He tripped on a rock.

"I hope you're happy with yourself," he muttered, even as he clearly saw absolutely nothing in the yard. Groaning, he walked around to the side of the house and stopped short.

There was trash everywhere. The garbage bins were completely overturned, old food was strewn across the lawn, and the bin lids had rolled into the neighbor's property. Christ, this would take hours to clean up.

Just as he was setting the lids back on his side of the property line, he heard a thud and a low moan.

With one last mournful look at his front door, Sirius traipsed into the backyard, and got his third shock of the morning.

A massive grey wolf was laying sprawled out in his bushes, blood from a dozen wounds leaking sluggishly into the dirt. Immediately, Sirius snapped into ER mode. 

First, he ran his hand along the inside of the animal’s inner thigh until he found a pulse - slow, but definitely there. Then, he checked quickly for any head, neck, or back injuries, and finding none, carefully lifted the thing in his arms, wincing at the feeling of blood on his bare skin. He stumbled to the back door, staggering under the weight of the easily 200 lb canine. The door swung open easily which meant he forgot to lock it again, but within two minutes, Sirius was setting the wolf down on the cement floor of his basement. 

Next, he ran upstairs and grabbed his emergency medical bag and ran back downstairs, then ran back upstairs when he remembered that wounds on dogs should be cleaned with water, not disinfectant, and got several wet towels. 

When he made it back downstairs, he quickly knelt and started taking stock of the injuries. They all seemed to be surface level claw marks with what looked like large bite marks here and there, nothing deep but several long and still bleeding. 

“All right, bud, I’m gonna start cleaning some of these scratches,” Sirius told the dog, a habit he’d picked from one of his instructors. The wolf didn’t give any sign of awareness, not even when he touched the wet cloth to the biggest scratch on the animal’s back. “Something really got you good, huh, buddy?” 

He continued cleaning the wounds and eventually moved onto bandages until the wolf’s whole abdomen as well as a hind leg were all wrapped up. Sirius would still have to get the animal seen by a vet, but for now, it would do. 

He moved to stand but stopped when the wolf gave an absolutely pitiful whine and turned its snout toward Sirius. It whined again. 

“Hey, buddy,” he whispered, rubbing the animal behind the ears. “Good morning.”

Suddenly, the animal’s eyes opened wide, revealing beautiful amber orbs, and the thing fucking screamed. Horrified, Sirius fell backward, and there was nothing he could do but watch as the wolf writhed on the floor, and, as if that wasn’t enough, its fur started disappearing, pulled back into what looked like golden-tan human skin. The elongated snout retreated to form a normal human nose, the ears shrank, leading into matted light brown curls, and the clawed paws turned into human hands, stained with blood, and then Sirius was looking at a fully grown human man. 

“What the fuck?”

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word count: 843 @wolfstarmicrofic

[lizseyi]

Two-Year Rule On Lease Extensions To Be Removed In January – Portner

The government has announced that from January, leaseholders will have the right to buy their freehold or extend their lease without having to wait two years from when they bought the property. Partner Daniel Broughton examines what this and other reforms the government has promised to accelerate this year mean for leaseholders.

At the end of last year, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook confirmed the government’s plans for implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (“LAFRA”). In a formal written statement, he promised to “balance speed with care if we are to ensure that the measures brought into force are to the lasting benefit of leaseholders and residential freeholders”.

Two-year rule and leaseholder rights

One of the main provisions under LAFRA is section 27, which will remove the two-year ownership rule before a leaseholder can extend their lease or buy the freehold of a long leasehold house.

Although Matthew Pennycook said this would come into force in January, the position is not yet straightforward for leaseholders. While section 27 will give leaseholders an immediate right to serve a notice to buy the freehold of their house or extend their lease (as appropriate), the valuation provisions setting out what a leaseholder has to pay are still some way off. It is estimated these will not come into force for around two years to allow the details to be ironed out.

Other measures to be introduced early this year will give homeowners the right to take over the management of their building, more transparency of costs and the right to challenge unfair service charges.

Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill

The government will also introduce the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill in the second half of this year, which it says is “a crucial step towards the next generation of homeowners benefitting from a more modern, functional and fit-for-purpose commonhold system”.

Further reforms will be made to tackle unregulated and unaffordable ground rents and to regulate managing agents to ensure leaseholders are better protected.

We will update you with further details about these reforms and the exact date they will be implemented as they become available.

If you have any queries regarding the above reforms, please contact Daniel Broughton at dbr@portner.co.uk. 

For more information visit our website: https://www.portner.co.uk

[ingek73]

Prince Charles vetted laws that stop his tenants buying their homes

Royals used secretive procedure to approve laws that gave special exemptions to Duchy of Cornwall

Rob Evans, David Pegg and Michael Barton

Published: 16:00 Tuesday, 09 February 2021

The royal family has used a secretive procedure to vet three parliamentary acts that have prevented residents on Prince Charles’ estate from buying their own homes for decades, the Guardian can reveal.

His £1bn Duchy of Cornwall estate was later given special exemptions in the acts that denied residents the legal right to buy their own homes outright.

Under the opaque procedure, the Queen and Prince of Wales were allowed to vet the contents of the bills by government ministers and approve them before they were passed by parliament.

The exemptions have left residents living in homes that have diminishing or no financial value. The residents say they cannot borrow against their homes to pay, for example, for social care fees for themselves and loved ones.

Jane Giddins outside her home in Newton St Loe

Jane Giddins outside her home in Newton St Loe, Somerset. She is denied the legal right to buy the freehold because of an exemption granted to Prince Charles. Photograph: Sam Frost/The Guardian

Jane Giddins, who lives in one of the prince’s houses in a Somerset village, said a “feudal and anachronistic” system had unfairly favoured Charles, to her family’s detriment. “When we die, our kids will be left with a property that is very difficult to sell,” she said.

The exemptions enable the prince to preserve the financial value of his estate and brings in income as the tenants have to pay rent to him each year. The residents say they have been unable to find out why and how the heir to the throne was able to secure preferential treatment from the government.

The prince declined to comment when asked whether he or his family had lobbied the government for the exemptions in the three acts.

However, the Guardian has established that Prince Charles and his mother were allowed to approve the contents of the three acts under an arcane parliamentary process known as Queen’s consent.

Through this mechanism, the monarch has vetted more than 1,000 parliamentary bills during her reign to check whether any of them affect the crown or her private interests.

Previously secret documents have disclosed that the Queen used the procedure to secretly lobby for some laws to be altered to benefit her private interests or reflect her opinions on government policy.

The same procedure allows Charles to screen proposed laws in case they damage his property estate, the Duchy of Cornwall, which gives him a private income of around £22m a year.

In total, at least 275 draft laws have been vetted by the prince between 1970 and 2020 under this procedure. They include a wide range of laws from the ban on foxhunting to changes in inheritance laws. The prince declined to say how often he had asked for changes in proposed bills through the mechanism.

By tradition, Charles, as the heir to the throne, is paid out of the profits made by his estate. Created in 1337, the 52,000-hectare (128,000-acre) estate extends across 21 counties in England and Wales. As well as large parts of Cornwall, it owns the Oval cricket ground in London, most of Dartmoor and land in Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset.

Case 1: leasehold reform

The first parliamentary act that gave him exemptions preventing his tenants from buying their homes was the 1967 Leasehold Reform Act.

The act sought to reform the leasehold law under which landlords grant buyers the right to live in a property for a set number of years on a lease, instead of owning it outright. It gave people in specific circumstances the right to buy their homes compulsorily from their landlords.

But residents on the Duchy of Cornwall estate were barred from buying their homes in specific circumstances – for example, if the properties were deemed to have important architectural or historic features.

Files in the National Archives show that the Queen was asked by a Whitehall official in February 1967 to vet the bill before MPs had begun to debate its contents.

Martin Charteris, a senior courtier, said he had “laid the letter before the Queen” and she had approved. The duchy was at that time under the control of the Queen. Charles took over the estate two years later when he turned 21.

Case 2: Scilly

The second act was the 1993 Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act. The exemptions were altered to include specific properties within the Duchy of Cornwall that were in the Isles of Scilly and Dartmoor.

The number of tenants on Scilly caught by the exemption is not known but has been estimated at 100.

One of them is a 78-year-old retired oil executive, Alan Davis. He has been prevented from buying the freehold to his 1960s bungalow.

He compared their plight with the millions of Britons who own their own home – the freehold – outright and can therefore pass it on as a valuable asset to their children.

In 1984 he bought the right to live in his bungalow for 99 years. He fears he has invested in an asset that will become worthless. “The problem comes when you want to sell it. If the lease is down to something like 30-odd years, people will just shy away from it.”

He said it was an “absolute nonsense” that he and other residents on the islands were unable to buy their homes from the duchy, attributing it to the prince’s influence within government.

Why should the crown be allowed to carry on with a feudal system just because they want to?

Jane Giddins

The government defeated Davis’s attempt under freedom of information legislation to try to discover whether Prince Charles had privately lobbied government ministers to secure the exemption.

In a statement, the Duchy of Cornwall said: “Neither the Duke of Cornwall nor the Duchy of Cornwall council have any involvement in the drafting of legislation that relates to any part of leasehold reform including residential enfranchisement.”

“The duchy does, however, take great care to ensure that anyone purchasing a property where the freehold belongs to the duchy is made completely aware of the restrictions that may apply to their property as a result of the legislation.

“The value of any leasehold property will reduce as the length of the lease attached to it reduces. Any purchaser is made fully aware of this at the point of purchase.”

Case 3: Somerset

The third bill vetted by Charles was the 2002 Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act, when the exemptions were again altered, this time to include houses in the tiny village of Newton St Loe near Bath, Somerset.

Giddins is one of three tenants in the village who are not permitted to buy their homes from the Duchy of Cornwall.

She and her husband bought the derelict Georgian house in 1996. “We have spent 25 years pouring a lot of money and love into renovating it.” But she said they will not be able to get that money back.

“The question is: why should the crown be allowed to carry on with a feudal system just because they want to?”