Owning the freehold of a property in London is a powerful step toward full control and long-term value. For many leaseholders, buying the freehold is a strategic move that eliminates ground rent, increases property value, and provides greater autonomy over maintenance and management. However, the freehold purchase process—also known as enfranchisement—can be complex, with legal, financial, and procedural hurdles.
This guide offers professional freehold purchase advice tailored for leaseholders in London and highlights how Fraser Bond simplifies and supports the process from start to finish.
A freehold purchase allows leaseholders—either individually (in houses) or collectively (in flats)—to buy the freehold interest from their current landlord or freeholder. This means:
Full ownership of the land and building
Control over service charges, maintenance, and insurance
Freedom from lease renewal or ground rent obligations
Long-term value protection and increased marketability
Individual Freehold Purchase: Typically applies to leaseholders of houses under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967.
Collective Enfranchisement: Applies to flat leaseholders under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993. Leaseholders come together to jointly purchase the freehold.
Freehold ownership is especially beneficial in London, where leasehold reform and high property values make long-term control critical. Key advantages include:
Increased property value
Elimination of ground rent
Avoiding costly lease extensions
Control over building decisions and service providers
Improved mortgage and resale prospects
To qualify for enfranchisement, certain criteria must be met:
You must be the long leaseholder (over 21 years)
The property must be a genuine house (not a flat or maisonette)
At least 50% of leaseholders in the building must participate
The building must contain at least two flats
No more than 25% of the internal floor area can be non-residential
If eligible, leaseholders must serve a Section 13 Notice (for flats) or Section 5 Notice (if buying from a selling freeholder).
Fraser Bond offers a dedicated freehold purchase service tailored for London leaseholders, providing expert legal and strategic advice at every stage.
We review your property, lease terms, and ownership structure to confirm eligibility and identify potential barriers.
We coordinate with RICS-accredited surveyors to obtain a robust, defensible valuation of the freehold premium—balancing lease length, ground rent, and property value.
Our in-house legal experts draft and serve Section 13 or Section 5 notices, negotiate terms, and handle contracts to ensure a compliant and successful acquisition.
In collective enfranchisement cases, Fraser Bond manages the process across all participating parties, handling logistics and legal communication.
We provide ongoing advice on setting up management companies, service charge structuring, and property administration.
Freehold premium: Based on market value, lease length, ground rent, and marriage value (if lease is below 80 years)
Surveyor and solicitor fees
Tribunal costs (if negotiations break down)
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) if applicable
Fraser Bond helps you budget accurately and avoid hidden expenses.
Purchasing your freehold in London is a smart, strategic move—but it’s not one to undertake alone. With legal nuances, valuation disputes, and coordination challenges, professional support is essential. Fraser Bond brings clarity, expertise, and end-to-end project management to your freehold acquisition journey.
