Buying the freehold and share of freehold
Flat owners can club together to buy the building's freehold; house leaseholders can often buy theirs.
Collective enfranchisement lets qualifying flat owners in a building buy the freehold together, usually through a company they all own. Owning a 'share of freehold' means you can then grant yourselves long leases at zero ground rent.
At least half of the qualifying flats must take part. A valuer works out the price; costs are shared.
Share-of-freehold flats are still technically leasehold: check the lease length and how the freehold company is run.
What to check
- How many flats would join?
- The valuation and all fees
- Who runs the freehold company and how decisions are made
Who can help
A leasehold solicitor and valuer.
Official sources
Checked 5 November 2026. General information for England and Wales, not legal advice.