Buying the freehold
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
As a leaseholder, you may have the right to buy all or part of the freehold to your home. You may also have to right to stop the freeholder from selling the freehold to someone else.
The rules about how and when you can buy the freehold differ depending on whether your home is a house or a flat. The legal process (known as enfranchisement) is usually more complicated for flat owners. You may be able to get help from the Leasehold Advisory Service, a solicitor or an advice centre in your area.
Buying the freehold of a house
Leaseholders of houses normally have to buy the freehold after owing the lease for at least two years, but will have to pay all of the legal fees involved.
Buying a share of the freehold
Leaseholders of flats may be able to buy a share of the freehold of the building by getting together with other flat owners in the building. There will be legal fees involved.
Sale of the freehold to a non-resident
If your freeholder wants to sell the freehold, s/he normally has to give you the opportunity to buy it before offering it to anyone else (the 'right of first refusal').
