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Leasehold vs freehold - what's the difference?

Understand the key differences between leasehold and freehold properties before deciding which type to buy.

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Last updated 24 Nov 2025

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Key takeaways

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Freehold means you own both the property and the land, while leasehold means you own the property for a fixed period

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Most flats and apartments in the UK are sold as leasehold properties

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New leasehold properties typically come with lease lengths of 999, 125 or 99 years

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Leasehold properties often require additional payments like ground rent and maintenance fees

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Leasehold conveyancing fees are typically higher than freehold due to additional legal requirements

Leasehold vs freehold

Buying a property is, for most people, the biggest investment they’ll ever make. So, it’s vital to know all the details on the property to make an informed decision.

Most properties in the UK are sold as either a freehold or leasehold. In this article we look at what leasehold and freehold properties are, the fundamental differences, and pros and cons of buying each one. This should help you to make an informed decision for your property purchase.

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