What is a freehold management company and what do they do?

Owning a freehold property no longer means full independence from fees and management. With the rise of new housing developments, freehold management companies are becoming increasingly common, introducing service charges and shared responsibility for maintaining communal areas.

This shift may seem counterintuitive at first, but it offers both advantages and considerations for freehold homeowners to weigh carefully. Let's explore the ins and outs of this growing arrangement.

You’ve likely encountered or at least heard of service charges that you pay when owning a leasehold. But it’s becoming more common for service charges to be payable when you own a freehold property.

Service charges, also called maintenance fees, cover the costs of keeping your living spaces looking great and running smoothly.

Think of them as shared expenses for all those communal areas and amenities you have access to. Things like building insurance, lit walkways, and paying the maintenance crew that fixes any issues. Your service charge also goes towards things like landscaping and repairs for communal facilities.

These fees will be charged periodically, typically once a year. While they’re an added cost, they ensure your property’s shared spaces get the proper care and upkeep they need.