freeholds

Freehold is a form of real property ownership in which the holder has an indefinite, absolute title to the land and any buildings on it. It is typically contrasted with leasehold, where rights to occupy are granted for a fixed term under a lease. In many common-law jurisdictions, freehold represents the most complete form of ownership, commonly referred to as fee simple in possession.

Freehold estates include fee simple absolute as the standard form, along with historical forms such as life estates or fee tails that are rarely used today. A freeholder may use, enjoy, sell, mortgage, or bequeath the property, subject to applicable laws and any covenants, restrictions, or easements that run with the land.

The freeholder bears responsibility for the property, including maintenance or compliance with planning and building regulations. In multi-occupancy settings, there may be agreements with other owners or tenants, such as ground rents, service charges, or shared facilities, depending on the jurisdiction and the structure of the ownership.

Transfer of freehold title typically occurs by sale, inheritance, or gift, and is usually mortgageable. Freehold status can affect resale value and financing options, with some jurisdictions offering mechanisms such as commonhold for multi-unit buildings as an alternative to traditional leasehold.

Regional notes: In the United Kingdom, freehold is often contrasted with leasehold for houses, while flats may use leaseholds or commonhold. In the United States, the term is often aligned with ownership in fee simple, the broadest form of real property ownership.