In this guide
Start with the property type
Our standard journey is for leasehold houses in England and Wales. Flats and maisonettes may involve shared interests or collective arrangements. Check the property differences.
| Your situation | What to check |
|---|---|
| Leasehold house | Lease terms, registered titles and seller willingness. |
| Mortgage | Whether your lender requires consent or changes to its security. |
| Short lease or changing ground rent | Seek property-specific valuation and legal advice. |
| Intermediate lease | Who owns each interest and which interest is actually offered. |
| Shared ownership | Provider, lease terms and applicable ownership restrictions. |
| Mixed-use / unusual title | Specialist title and eligibility assessment. |
A quick suitability check
- Is the property in England or Wales? If not, use local advice.
- Is it a leasehold house? If not, check the flat or maisonette route.
- Do you know the lease and ground rent? If not, locate the documents.
- Are there unusual ownership interests? Flag these before an approach.
Your questions, answered
Does the freeholder have to sell?
Not through a voluntary approach. Statutory rights may be available, but need separate advice.
Can I start without knowing my freeholder?
Yes, you can start by gathering lease and property information. Ownership must be checked before any approach.
A voluntary agreement and a statutory right are different
A willing freeholder can discuss a voluntary sale. Statutory eligibility needs a separate assessment of the house, lease and interests involved. The former two-year ownership rule for houses has been removed, but other conditions still apply. Understand the formal route.