However, more and more property management companies and developers are selling flats and other homes as leasehold properties.

It is important to understand the difference between freehold and leasehold properties, and what rights and responsibilities owning a freehold property gives to the buyer. In general, the majority of flats in the UK are leasehold, whereas most houses in the UK are freehold.

Freehold property means that the owner has complete and absolute ownership of the land, and all buildings that stand on the land.

The owner of the freehold property is therefore in a position to do what they wish to and with the property, in accordance with local planning regulations.

Freehold property is therefore generally more expensive than leasehold property.

Many homeowners in the UK live in leasehold property, but the possibility often exits to buy the freehold of the building you live in, either individually or in conjunction with other leaseholders.

Buying the freehold of a property

In order to purchase together, a group of leaseholders will need to meet certain requirements.

When a group of leaseholders purchase the freehold of a property, the process is generally known as collective enfranchisement. In this instance, the group of leaseholders may form a company to purchase the property as a nominee.

Rules regarding the purchase of a leasehold property are subject to the terms of a law called The Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act, 1993.

This act stipulates that a minimum of half of qualifying leaseholders have to participate in the scheme. Leaseholders usually qualify if they have owned their lease for two years and above.

Therefore, if you live in a building with two leasehold flats, both leaseholders need to participate in purchasing the freehold in order to apply.