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Follow these four simple steps to find a freehold solicitor to handle your purchase:
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Buying the freehold of your property from the landlord, whether on your own or with neighbours, boosts your property's value, makes it easier to sell, and gives you full ownership of it and the land it sits on.
But if you’ve already started looking into the process, you’ve probably already come across confusing legal terms, strict rules, and unclear instructions.
That's why we highly recommend using a qualified solicitor. They'll handle the legal side of the purchase and keep you on track at every stage.
Here are the key tasks your solicitor will take care of and the updates you should expect along the way:
They will liaise with the freeholder on your behalf, ensuring all the right questions are asked and necessary documents are obtained. They'll also negotiate the financial terms of the purchase.
Your solicitor will prepare, draft, and serve any required legal notices for the purchase. This includes the Initial Notice. These notices trigger the legal process and set the timeline for the transaction.
They will register your ownership of the freehold with the Land Registry. They will also pay the fees on your behalf, including them in your final bill.
Restrictive covenants are conditions set by the freeholder or landlord that can limit what a leaseholder is allowed to do with the property. This can include restrictions such as making alterations, keeping pets, or running a business from home.
When buying the freehold collectively, you must name a nominee purchaser. Usually, you’ll set up a company for this, which then becomes the landlord and manages the building. Your solicitor should explain this process to you.
As purchasing the freehold can impact the value of the property, your lender will need to be informed. Your solicitor will be able to speak directly with your mortgage provider, keeping them up to date.
Your solicitor should keep in touch with you at important points throughout the process. This is particularly the case if any issues arise that need resolving or if your signature is required on key documents.
Compare nowWhen purchasing a freehold in the UK, the average cost of hiring a conveyancing solicitor is around £1,743. In addition to this, you’ll typically need to cover the freeholder’s solicitor fees, which average about £814. These costs are calculated based on the average UK property price of £292,000.
There are also disbursements such as:
If you can afford it, we strongly recommend buying the freehold of your property.
Plus, you'll end up saving money in the long run as you won't have to pay ground rent anymore, and you'll be able to sell the property for a higher fee.
Here's a full list of the main benefits and drawbacks:
In England, leasehold properties are more common than many people realise. According to UK Government data from 2023, there are around 1.4 million leasehold houses and 3.4 million leasehold flats.
Whether you buy individually or with other leaseholders depends on your property type:
Though both routes achieve the same outcome of owning the freehold, they differ in several key ways:
Valuation: Single property
Legal Fees: Leaseholder and the freeholder
Eligibility: Must own lease for whole house (if converted to flats)
Process: Started by singular leaseholder
Structure: Single ownership transfer
Valuation: Multiple flats in one building
Legal Fees: Shared between multiple leaseholders and the freeholder
Eligibility: At least half of leaseholders must participate
Process: Requires coordination across leaseholders
Structure: Involves setting up a company
As of January 23, 2025, there is no minimum ownership period required for either individual or collective enfranchisement. The previous 2-year rule was scrapped by the Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act 2024.
Compare nowExplore our expertly-reviewed guides on conveyancing and more.
Learn more in the advice centreFind answers to common questions about comparing and choosing the best conveyancing solicitors.
Compare nowIf you are eligible to purchase, the freeholder generally cannot refuse to sell to you. However, they can either defeat your claim in limited circumstances (e.g. genuine redevelopment plans) or reject your specific offer if unsatisfied with the proposed price or terms.
If this happens, your solicitor may be able to help you apply to First Tier Tribunal (in England) or the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (in Wales) to resolve the matter.
No, a freeholder can't just sell the freehold without notifying you, but only if you have a right of first refusal. This right only applies to blocks of flats (not houses) and has many statutory exemptions including family transfers, sales following collective enfranchisement, and others.
If you do qualify, the freeholder must offer you the chance to buy first via a section 5A notice before selling to anyone else.
