Marconi House, 335 The Strand, WC2, is one of London’s most prestigious residential developments, combining a Grade II-listed façade with high-spec modern interiors. Like many central London apartment buildings, properties here are sold as leasehold rather than freehold.
If you’re considering buying in Marconi House, it’s essential to understand leasehold vs freehold ownership and how it impacts your rights, costs, and long-term value.
Fraser Bond provides clear, practical advice for buyers and investors navigating this choice.
Book your buyer consultation at FraserBond.com/marconi-house.
What It Means
You own the apartment for a set number of years (the “lease term”) but not the land or building structure.
The building is owned by a freeholder, to whom you pay ground rent and service charges.
Lease terms in prime central London often start at 125–999 years.
Key Considerations for Marconi House Leaseholds
Service Charges – Cover building insurance, maintenance, concierge services, and shared facilities
Ground Rent – Annual payment to the freeholder (often fixed or with periodic increases)
Lease Length – Properties with under 80 years remaining may require costly lease extensions to maintain value and mortgageability
Fraser Bond can confirm the exact lease terms for any Marconi House apartment you’re considering.
What It Means
You own both the property and the land it stands on outright, with no time limit
No ground rent or lease extension costs
You are responsible for all maintenance and management costs directly
Why It’s Uncommon at Marconi House
In multi-unit developments, freehold ownership of individual flats is almost never available
Instead, some buyers may obtain a share of freehold if the freehold is collectively owned by residents (this is not the case for most Marconi House sales)
Advantages
Lower entry price compared to equivalent freehold houses in the area
Professional building management and concierge services
Access to premium amenities without direct responsibility for their upkeep
Disadvantages
Ongoing ground rent and service charge payments
Restrictions on alterations or subletting (subject to lease terms)
Lease length must be monitored and extended before it negatively affects value
Fraser Bond recommends:
Checking lease length before making an offer – aim for at least 90+ years remaining for strong resale and mortgage potential
Budgeting for service charges – WC2 luxury buildings often have higher annual costs for concierge and upkeep
Reviewing subletting clauses – Vital if you plan to rent the property out (short-lets such as Airbnb may be prohibited)
Considering long-term ROI – Well-maintained leasehold apartments in prime London locations can outperform many freehold investments in capital growth
Request our Marconi House Buyer Guide at FraserBond.com for a full breakdown of lease terms and costs.
Building-specific insight – We know current lease lengths, service charges, and ground rent structures for Marconi House
Legal liaison – Working with solicitors to clarify ownership rights and restrictions
Investor strategy – Aligning lease terms with rental yield and resale timing for maximum return
Whether you’re an owner-occupier or an investor, Fraser Bond ensures you understand the leasehold structure of your Marconi House purchase and its implications for value and use.
Visit FraserBond.com today to view available listings and receive expert leasehold advice.
