How Much Does It Cost to Buy Your Freehold in 2025?

A complete breakdown of freehold purchase costs in 2025, including the premium calculation, all professional fees, and a worked example for a typical UK leasehold house.

Why Buy Your Freehold?

Purchasing the freehold of your leasehold house permanently converts it to outright ownership. No more ground rent, no lease expiry, no need to ask permission for alterations, and a significant uplift in property value and mortgageability. For most leasehold house owners, it is one of the best financial decisions they can make.

Typical Premiums for Houses

• House worth £350,000 | 85-year lease | £200/yr ground rent gives premium approximately £4,000–£7,000
• House worth £500,000 | 75-year lease | £400/yr ground rent gives premium approximately £9,000–£17,000
• House worth £250,000 | 60-year lease | £100/yr ground rent gives premium approximately £6,000–£11,000

For most leasehold houses, the freehold premium is between 1% and 4% of property value — often less than a single year of combined ground rent and service charges.

Full Professional Fees Breakdown

• Your solicitor: £1,000–£2,500
• Your surveyor: £500–£1,200
• Freeholder's solicitor (you pay): £800–£1,800
• Freeholder's surveyor (you pay): £500–£1,000
• Land Registry fee: £40–£455
• Searches and disbursements: £200–£400

Is It Worth Buying the Freehold?

In virtually all cases, yes. The value added to your property typically equals or exceeds the premium paid. You also save all future ground rent, gain full alteration rights, and permanently eliminate lease depreciation risk. Always instruct a specialist enfranchisement solicitor from the outset.