A freeholder is the legal owner of both the land and the building(s) constructed upon it. In the context of residential property, the freeholder holds the title to the property in perpetuity, granting them ultimate control over the land and any structures on it. In block management, the freeholder is often the landlord responsible for the entire building, particularly in cases of flats or apartments. In social housing, freeholders are frequently local authorities or housing associations.
In the UK, freehold ownership is common for detached houses, where the homeowner owns both the property and the land it stands on. However, in multi-occupancy buildings (e.g., blocks of flats), the freeholder typically owns the entire building, while individual flat owners hold leasehold agreements. Freeholders are responsible for maintaining the building’s structure and common areas, often delegating day-to-day management to a managing agent.
Practical Examples:
- Residential Freehold: A homeowner in a detached house owns the freehold, meaning they have full control over the property and land.
- Block Management: In a block of flats, the freeholder (e.g., a housing association) ensures the building’s structural integrity and manages communal spaces, with costs often shared by leaseholders through service charges.
- Social Housing: Local authorities often act as freeholders for social housing estates, overseeing maintenance and repairs for tenants.
Synonyms:
- Landlord (in the context of block management)
- Property owner
Related Terms:
- Leaseholder: A person who owns a leasehold property, typically a flat, for a fixed term but does not own the land.
- Commonhold: A form of ownership for multi-occupancy buildings where each owner has a freehold interest in their unit and jointly manages common areas.
- Service Charge: A fee paid by leaseholders to the freeholder for the maintenance of communal areas and services.
- Building Regulations: Legal standards in the UK ensuring the safety and quality of construction, which freeholders must adhere to when maintaining or renovating properties.
- Approved Document B: Part of the Building Regulations in England, focusing on fire safety, which is particularly relevant for freeholders managing multi-occupancy buildings.