National Conveyancing Week 2025: Difference Between Freehold and Leasehold Properties

This week (17–21 March 2025) is National Conveyancing Week (NCW2025) in the UK.

The purpose of NCW2025 is to raise the profile of conveyancing in the country.

Supporters hope that educating the public about the role conveyancers play in property sales and purchases will ensure fees can be set and kept at an acceptable level.

Bookers & Bolton is proud to support NCW2025 and are keen to get involved in whatever way we can!

In this blog, our Residential Property Solicitors consider the main differences between freehold and leasehold properties.

Freehold:

When you own a freehold property, you own both the building and the land it’s built on.
As the freeholder, you have full control over the property, including making decisions about what happens to the land and the building.
There’s no time limit on how long you can own the property – you own it for as long as you like.
You are responsible for maintaining the building and land, and you don’t pay ground rent to anyone.

Leasehold:

When you own a leasehold property, you own the building (or flat) for a set number of years, but the land it’s on is owned by a freeholder (landlord). Essentially, you’re leasing the property for a long period.
You have control over the property, but your lease will come with conditions and restrictions set by the freeholder.
The lease is for a fixed period, often 99, 125, or even 999 years, but once the lease term gets shorter (usually under 80 years), the value of the property may decrease, and it can be harder to sell or remortgage.
You may need to pay ground rent to the freeholder, along with service charges for the maintenance of communal areas, and sometimes, building insurance.

There have been lots of changes to leases over the last couple of years which has resulted in many leases now not meeting current lenders’ requirements.

If you need legal advice about property leases, do give us a call. We will be happy to book you in for a consultation to discuss your situation and look at whether your current lease meets current guidelines and lenders’ requirements.

Conveyancing Solicitors Alton

Bookers & Bolton has a 100-year history as a law firm proud to serve our local community of Alton, Hampshire and beyond.

We can help with a wide range of property matters, including:

Sale and Purchase of Freehold and Leasehold Properties.
First-time buyers.
Buy to Let.
Help to Buy.
Shared Ownership Schemes.

For most people, buying or selling a property can be extremely daunting. Our specialist property lawyers are not only experienced and knowledgeable but also approachable, making the stresses of moving house or business easier to manage and giving you peace of mind.

Bookers & Bolton is a Conveyancing Quality Scheme accredited firm and can provide specialist conveyancing services if you are buying or selling a freehold or leasehold property.

We will guide you through the entire process of buying or selling a property, expertly taking care of the necessary stages to ensure your transaction progresses efficiently and as quickly as possible.