Freehold and leasehold are the two main types of property ownership in the UK. The difference determines what you own, how long you own it for, and what responsibilities you have.
• Freehold means you own the property and the land it stands on
• Leasehold means you own the property for a fixed period but not the land
• Freehold ownership is permanent
• Leasehold ownership lasts for the length of the lease
Freehold ownership means you own both the property and the land it sits on.
With freehold, you:
• Own the property outright
• Have no time limit on ownership
• Are responsible for maintenance and repairs
• Do not pay ground rent
Most houses in the UK are sold as freehold.
Leasehold ownership means you own the property for a set period of time, but not the land.
With leasehold, you:
• Own the property for the duration of the lease
• Pay ground rent or service charges
• Must follow conditions set in the lease
• May need permission for certain changes
Most flats in the UK are leasehold.
• Ownership
Freehold: Own the property and land
Leasehold: Own the property for a limited time
• Time Limit
Freehold: No expiry
Leasehold: Fixed term (often 99–999 years)
• Costs
Freehold: No ground rent
Leasehold: Ground rent and service charges may apply
• Control
Freehold: Full control
Leasehold: Subject to lease conditions
To obtain a Title Plan:
1. Identify the correct property
2. Locate the relevant title
3. Request a copy of the Title Plan
4. Receive the document digitally
The ownership type of a property is recorded on the Title Register.
To confirm whether a property is freehold or leasehold:
1. Identify the correct property
2. Locate the title record
3. Check the ownership type listed in the Title Register
This is the most reliable way to confirm how a property is owned.
While HM Land Registry holds the records, finding the correct title and retrieving the document can be confusing.
The easiest way to confirm whether a property is freehold or leasehold is by obtaining a copy of the Title Register.
This allows you to:
• Verify the ownership type
• Confirm the legal owner
• Check any restrictions or charges
Understanding whether a property is freehold or leasehold is important because it affects:
• Your legal rights
• Ongoing costs
• Responsibility for maintenance
• The value and saleability of the property
Some properties have both freehold and leasehold titles.
For example:
• A building may have a freehold title
• Individual flats within it may have leasehold titles
In these cases, it is important to check the correct title for the specific property.
The only reliable way to confirm whether a property is freehold or leasehold is by checking the official Title Register.
You can order a copy online and receive it quickly by email.