Is share of freehold hard to sell?
Asked by: Prof. Javonte Goyette MD | Last update: July 10, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (72 votes)
Share of freehold is generally easier to sell and more desirable than standard leasehold because it offers better control over building management, no ground rent, and easier lease extensions. However, the process can be slower and more complex, as it requires legal transfer of the share and cooperation from co-freeholders.
Is it worth buying a share of the freehold?
A share of freehold can be better than a standard leasehold because it gives owners more control over building management, service charges, and lease extensions. However, it also means shared responsibility for maintenance and legal compliance – so success depends on good cooperation between owners.
What are the drawbacks of share of freehold?
Common problems with share of freehold (and how to avoid them)
- Deadlock over decisions: If owners can't agree on when to do major works or how much to spend, essential repairs can stall. ...
- Uneven contributions: Tension can arise if one owner doesn't pay their share of costs or resists necessary works.
Is share of freehold risky?
But with share of freehold, disagreements can arise about the appropriate course of action, especially when immediate decisions are required. Having a clear plan in place can field off potential disputes during stressful situations.
What happens when you have a share of freehold?
In contrast, share of freehold means that the freehold is collectively owned by the leaseholders, who each also own their leasehold property. This gives them more control over the management and maintenance of the property, as well as the ability to extend or alter it.
Selling Share Of Freehold And Changing The Lease | Friday Q&A [ Video #12 ]
How long is a share of freehold good for?
One of the key benefits of owning a share of the freehold is the opportunity to extend your lease cheaply. As long as all co-freeholders agree, you could extend your lease up to a maximum of 999 years for zero premium.
What are the disadvantages of freehold?
Freehold properties offer full ownership and control, no ongoing ground rent or service charges, and better long-term investment security. However, they also come with the full responsibility for repairs and maintenance, which can be costly.
What devalues a house the most?
Severe structural damage, unpermitted additions, and an undesirable location are the top factors that devalue a house the most. These issues can slash a property's value by 10% to 20% or more, deterring buyers and making the home difficult to finance.
Who is responsible for the roof in a share of freehold?
The freeholder is usually responsible for repairs to: the building structure, including the roof, guttering and external render. any below ground drainage. shared parts of the building, such as lifts and communal stairways.
What are the alternatives to share of freehold?
A share of freehold and commonhold are two distinct models of property ownership for flats in the UK, though both give property owners greater control over their leasehold property or freehold property.
Can you renovate a share of freehold property?
Do I need a license to alter if I own a share of the freehold? If the lease specifies that the works you are proposing require the freeholder's or landlord's consent, then yes, you would still need a License to Alter even if you own a share of the freehold.
Is it harder to get a mortgage with a share of freehold?
Getting a mortgage on a share of freehold property
However, a crucial element they'll consider is the lease term. Even if you have a share in the freehold, a short lease can be a deterrent for many lenders. It's always a wise move to ensure the lease is sufficiently extended before approaching lenders.
How much does share of freehold add to value?
Marriage value.
If your lease is 80 years or less, you'll also need to pay 50% of the flat's 'marriage value' (there's no marriage value to pay if the lease is over 80 years). This is the amount of extra value a share of the freehold would add to your property.
Can you sell a share of freehold?
Yes. If someone decides to sell their share of freehold, it can be transferred to a new owner. If the share of freehold is owned as part of a limited company, a new shareholder can be brought in, with the previous one going in the opposite direction. Speak to a qualified legal expert if you need more guidance.
Can I get a mortgage with share of freehold?
Mortgages and share of freehold
It is possible to secure a mortgage on a share of freehold property, though lenders may assess risks differently. To improve approval chances: Choose a flat with a long remaining lease. Ensure the building has a management company in place.
Why is share of freehold better than leasehold?
In contrast, share of freehold means that the freehold is collectively owned by the leaseholders, who each also own their leasehold property. This gives them more control over the management and maintenance of the property, as well as the ability to extend their leases and agree variations to lease terms.
What are the risks of share of freehold?
Key share of freehold problems include disagreements over building maintenance, property management, financial contributions, and service charges. Without clear managing agents, disputes can lead to freehold nightmares for collective freehold shareholders.
Who owns the loft in a share of freehold?
If you are the freehold owner, you may own the flat outright, but ownership of the roof and loft space may be shared with the other freehold owners in the building. In which case, you will need to gain their permission before converting the loft, and in most cases, buy out their share.
Are scuff marks on walls wear and tear?
Light scuff marks, minor nicks, and small scratches on walls are typically considered normal wear and tear. These are generally caused by daily living, such as moving furniture or brushing against walls, and are often not chargeable to tenants, especially after a long-term tenancy.
What is the hardest month to sell a house?
The worst time to sell a house typically falls between late fall and early winter, specifically November through January. Market data consistently shows these months have the lowest seller premiums, with October hitting just 8.8 percent above market value compared to May's 13.1 percent premium.
What makes a home look outdated?
Outdated home features often include popcorn ceilings, heavily textured walls, honey oak cabinetry, and brass fixtures from the 1990s. Other telltale signs include vertical blinds, beige carpeting, laminate countertops, and excessive wallpaper borders. Updating lighting, hardware, and paint colors is a simple way to modernize a space.
Is it worth buying the freehold of a house?
Avoiding Lease Extension Costs
Properties with fewer than 80 years remaining on the lease can become harder to sell or remortgage. Buying the freehold removes concerns about lease length, eliminates the need (and associated costs) of future lease extensions and can also protect the future marketability of the property.
What does share of freehold mean?
"Share of freehold" means that as a leaseholder of a flat, you also own a portion of the building's freehold title, usually alongside other flat owners. It combines owning a long lease (for your individual flat) with joint ownership of the land, structure, and communal areas.
What happens if a freehold is sold?
If the freeholder does try to sell the freehold interest of the block without first offering the Right of First Refusal to you, the leaseholders can serve notice on the new owner demanding full details of the sale and take action against the new owner, forcing them to sell the freehold to the leaseholders at the same ...