Home ownership

Information on rights of leaseholders, the right to buy, shared ownership, mortgage arrears and compulsory purchase orders.

This content applies to England & Wales
  • Home ownership types and occupation rights

    Main forms of ownership for owner-occupied property, and freehold, leasehold and commonhold, the different ways in which land and property can be owned.

  • Leasehold and commonhold

    Position of a person who owns the home on a long lease, and basic rules, rights and charges relating to leasehold.

  • Shared ownership housing rights

    Shared owners pay a proportion of the value of a property in return for a long lease and the right to purchase the remaining share in increments.

  • Service charges

    Service charges are payable by tenants and leaseholders for services, repairs, maintenance, improvements, insurance, or costs of management.

  • Mortgage debt

    Issues arising after falling into arrears with mortgages and the steps borrowers and lenders can take to resolve the situation.

  • Right to buy

    Different schemes that enable tenants of local authorities, housing associations or other private registered providers of social housing (PRPSH) to buy their homes.