Freehold: owning the building and the land
You own the property and the land it stands on outright, with no time limit and no landlord.
Most houses in England and Wales are sold freehold. You're responsible for all repairs and insurance, and there's no ground rent or service charge to a landlord.
Some freehold homes on newer estates still pay an estate management charge (a 'fleecehold' charge) for shared roads and green spaces. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 gives these homeowners new rights to challenge unreasonable charges once those parts are switched on.
Freehold can still come with restrictive covenants (things you can't do) and easements (rights others have over your land). Your solicitor will report these from the title.
What to check
- Is there an estate or management charge? How much and who sets it?
- Any restrictive covenants (for example no extensions or business use)?
- Do the boundaries on the title plan match what you see?
Who can help
Your solicitor or licensed conveyancer reviews the title.
Official sources
Checked 5 November 2026. General information for England and Wales, not legal advice.