Purchasing a Freehold
Owning the Freehold
Owning the freehold of a property grants you complete ownership of both the building and the land it stands on. This differs significantly from holding a leasehold, where you rent the property for a fixed period. When you own the freehold, you have greater control and security, free from ground rent payments and concerns about lease extensions. The purchase of a freehold provides a stable and long-term asset for you and your family to enjoy.
Understanding the intricacies of freehold ownership can feel overwhelming. We provide clear, reliable guidance to make your freehold purchase as straightforward as possible.
Whether you are buying a freehold property or seeking to buy the freehold of your leasehold, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.
The Purchasing Process
We manage the entire process, from initial checks and searches to contract reviews and Land Registry registration. We ensure a transparent transaction by clearly explaining each stage and promptly addressing any potential issues that may arise. Our goal is to make your freehold purchase as seamless as possible, so you can focus on the excitement of owning your property outright.
Buying the Freehold of a Leasehold Property
Many leaseholders have the opportunity to buy their freehold, a process known as enfranchisement. This is a statutory right under the Leasehold Reform Act, giving you more control over your property.
Understanding your rights and the process involved can be challenging, but we will guide you through it. We assess your eligibility, manage the required notices, and negotiate terms to ensure a fair purchase.
Leasehold enfranchisement involves several key steps. If you are considering this, the process typically includes:
- Serving a formal notice to your landlord.
- Engaging in valuation negotiations.
- Completing the transaction under statutory conditions.
Clear Pricing Structure for Freehold Transactions
When considering a freehold purchase, understanding the financial aspects is essential. We believe in transparent pricing, providing a clear structure for all transactions. Our guide outlines fixed professional legal fees based on the property value, ensuring you know exactly what to expect. This approach allows you to buy the freehold with confidence, free from hidden costs and uncertainties.
In addition to professional fees, several third-party costs are associated with purchasing a freehold. These typically include costs for searches and checks to verify property information, Land Registry fees for registering the new ownership, and Stamp Duty Land Tax, if applicable. We provide a comprehensive estimate of these costs upfront, helping you budget accurately for your purchase.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is to be consideration when you are purchasing a freehold. The amount payable depends on the price of the property and your personal financial circumstances. Other potential fees include bank transfer charges and costs associated with obtaining the necessary documents.
Pain Points in Freehold Transactions
The nominee purchaser is responsible for managing the later stages of the enfranchisement procedure. On completion, the nominee purchaser takes responsibility for the building's management and will acquire the freehold. This can be an individual leaseholder or a corporate entity, such as a trust or a company formed by the leaseholders specifically for freehold purchase.
Delays in the transaction can be frustrating, causing uncertainty and extending timelines. To mitigate this, we updated you on outstanding actions and actively keep the process moving forward. Our goal is to maintain the momentum and ensure your freehold purchase progresses as efficiently as possible. Understanding your rights as a leaseholder is essential when considering buying the freehold. Many long leaseholders qualify under the Leasehold Reform Act, but navigating the legal requirements can be complex. For flat owners, we also advise on collective enfranchisement, ensuring you are fully informed of all available options.
How We Can Help: Expert Guidance Throughout Your Process
We provide expert guidance and support throughout your journey to purchase a freehold property. Whether you are a leaseholder looking to buy the freehold or you are purchasing a freehold property outright, our experienced team is here to assist you.
We understand the complexities involved in leasehold enfranchisement, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth, transparent, and successful transaction for every client. We translate legal steps into clear, understandable stages, set realistic expectations, and keep you informed at every turn of the process. Our team coordinates searches, manages mortgage conditions, addresses inquiries, and handles contracts with precision to help maintain your timeline.You will receive a written, itemised estimate that aligns with our published guidance, ensuring complete transparency regarding how your money is spent.
Our residential team holds CQS accreditation, reflecting our commitment to quality standards in conveyancing, pricing, and client care since 2011. If you are purchasing a freehold interest in a leasehold house, we provide specialist advice on qualifications, notices, valuation, and completion under the 1967 Act. Additionally, we offer guidance on collective enfranchisement if flats are involved in the purchase, ensuring that all aspects of your transaction are expertly managed.
Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and support necessary to make informed decisions throughout your transaction.
We strive to provide you with a reassuring and professional experience whenever you’re ready.
Professional Conveyancing Fees
Professional Conveyancing Fees
| Cost of Property | Average Conveyancing Fee |
| Up to £300,000 | £1100 + VAT |
| £300,000 – £350,000 | £1195 + VAT |
| £350,000 – £400,000 | £1195 + VAT |
| £400,000 – £450,000 | £1195 + VAT |
| £450,000 – £500,000 | £1295 + VAT |
| £500,000 – £600,000 | £1395 + VAT |
| £600,000 – £800,000 | £1495 + VAT |
| £800,000 – £1,000,000 | £1895 + VAT |
| £1,000,000+ | £2095 + VAT |
Breakdown of costs not included in the above:
- ID Check £30.00 + VAT (if we act for you on a sale and a purchase we will only charge this once)
- SDLT Admin Fee £75.00 + VAT
- Conveyancing Searches £310.00 + VAT
- Obtaining Official Copy of Title Deed £15 + VAT
- Same-Day Bank Transfer Fee (CHAPS) £45.00 + VAT
- Land Registry and Bankruptcy Searches £15.00 + VAT
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
If required, these costs are not included in our Conveyancing Fee.
- Chancel Indemnity (up to £3 million of cover) £5.03
- Land Registry Fee (average cost, dependant on purchase price)
- Digital signing of documents £4.58 + VAT
- Stamp Duty Land Tax – This depends on the purchase price of your property, and whether you own or have an interest in another. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website here.
For example, if you are looking to purchase a £495,000 property, the estimated total (including required disbursements/third party) would be around: £16,170 + VAT.
*There are a range of factors that could increase the cost of our service. For example:
- If legal title is defective or part of the property is unregistered.
- If we discover building regulations or planning permission has not been obtained.
- If crucial documents we have requested from you or a third party have not been provided.
- Referral fees
- New Build properties / developer engrossment fees
- SDLT surcharges.
- In the event that we are instructed to deal with a Mortgage – this is around £125.00 + VAT (average fee, dependant on lenders requirements).
- If we need to obtain Indemnity Insurance Policy (if required) £30 + VAT (Policy premium paid by client and varies based on purchase price).
- Help to Buy Equity Loan.
To receive a fully personalised quote, please complete our How Can We Help form to the right of this page, call 01202 315005 or email [email protected]
Understanding the distinction between freehold and leasehold is essential before you purchase the freehold. Owning the freehold grants you outright ownership of the property and the land it stands on.
With a leasehold, you rent the property for a set period from the freeholder.
When you buy the freehold, you gain greater control, eliminating ground rent and concerns about lease extension, making it a stable, long-term asset.
Each freehold purchase is unique so timelines for completion may vary.
For market purchases, it typically takes around 8 to 10 weeks. However, enfranchisement timelines, where leaseholders buy the freehold, depend on valuation and negotiations. Factors such as landlord engagement and potential Tribunal decisions on price or terms can also influence the duration.
Many long leaseholders have the right to purchase the freehold of their property under the Leasehold Reform Act.
Qualification depends on several conditions related to the property and the lease itself. The Leasehold Advisory Service provides clarification on the eligibility criteria.
How to get in touch?
Please contact us by using the link below.
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