The Government will ban leaseholds for almost all new build houses in a crackdown on "feudal" practices.

It is also set to ensure that ground rents on new long leases in England are set to zero, for both houses and flats, as well as making it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy out their freehold.

It made the announcement after receiving an "overwhelming response" to its consultation into the leasehold system. This came about after the scandal of "doubling" ground rents emerged, in which the sum payable to the freeholder doubles every 10 or 25 years, rendering them unsellable, with lenders such as Nationwide refusing mortgages for them.

Communities secretary Sajid Javid said: “It’s unacceptable for home buyers to be exploited through unnecessary leaseholds, unjustifiable charges and onerous ground rent terms.

“It’s clear from the overwhelming response from the public that real action is needed to end these feudal practices. That’s why the measures this Government is now putting in place will help create a system that actually works for consumers.”