Freehold meaning
Freehold means you own the property and the land it stands on outright, with no time limit and no landlord. Most houses in England are sold freehold. Freeholders are responsible for maintaining the whole building and may still be bound by covenants recorded on the title.
Freehold is one of the terms you are likely to meet when buying or selling a home in England. Here is what it means in plain English, and where it fits into your move.
What freeholders still need to check
Freehold does not mean unrestricted. Restrictive covenants, shared access rights and estate rentcharges can all apply, and your conveyancer will report on anything registered against the title.
Key takeaway
Freehold means you own the property and the land it stands on outright, with no time limit and no landlord. Most houses in England are sold freehold. Freeholders are responsible for maintaining the whole building and may still be bound by covenants recorded on the title.
Frequently asked questions
Is freehold always better than leasehold?
Freehold avoids ground rent, service charges and a finite lease term, so it is often preferred. Flats are usually leasehold or share of freehold because of shared structure and communal areas.
Move profile
Record whether your property is freehold or leasehold so MyMoveMate tailors your guidance.
14-day free trial, then a single one-off payment of £49 for the whole move. It is not a recurring subscription.
Start your free trial