legal
Freehold
Freehold means you own the building and the land it stands on outright, with no lease and no fixed end date. You are responsible for upkeep and insurance unless the property shares a structure with others.
In simple terms
Freehold means you own the building and the land with no lease. Most houses are freehold, but some flats and maisonettes are too.
Example
A buyer purchases a terraced house freehold. There is no ground rent and no lease to extend, but the buyer insures the building and pays for all repairs. A neighbouring freehold maisonette still needs a written agreement for repairing the shared roof.
If you're buying
One guide describes a freehold house as indefinite ownership of both the home and its land, whereas a leasehold flat is a conditional interest where the freeholder owns the land and you hold the property for a fixed term. Freehold avoids ground rent, lease extensions and a freeholder's service charge, but you carry the cost of repairs and insurance yourself. Freehold maisonettes exist, where you own your part outright, and shared structure such as a roof or party wall still needs clear arrangements. Check the register for restrictive covenants, rights of way and shared responsibilities, and ask for evidence of any alterations. If you are buying a leasehold home, ask your solicitor whether you could later buy the freehold under the rules that apply when you buy. (Sources read 30 October 2026: Netlawman leasehold flats guide; Whitegates maisonette guide; GOV.UK leasehold property.)
If you're selling
A freehold title simplifies a sale because there is no lease, ground rent or managing agent pack to produce. Your solicitor will still need the title documents, evidence of building works and details of any covenants. If you own a freehold with shared parts, such as a party wall or shared drive, make sure the arrangements are written down before you list.