Buying a Freehold Property: Benefits and What to Check

In short: A freehold gives you ownership of the building and land with no lease, landlord, ground rent or service charge, and more freedom over alterations, subject to planning and covenants. You're responsible for all repairs and insurance. On some new estates, freeholders pay estate management charges for shared areas, so check these. Watch for flying freeholds (part of the property over a neighbour's land), restrictive covenants and boundary issues. Most houses in England are freehold; most flats are leasehold.