Ground rent is a regular payment made by the owner of a leasehold property to the freeholder. Some leasehold agreements, especially in high-rise flats, have ground rents that can escalate significantly over time. Lenders examine the ground rent terms when considering a mortgage application. If the ground rent is considered onerous (for example, doubling every 10 years), it might affect the property's value and future saleability. As a result, some lenders might decline a mortgage application or offer less favourable terms. It's essential to review the lease agreement to understand ground rent terms before applying for a mortgage.