If you are on a hunt for freehold property for sale in London, then you are not alone. With so much attention on leasehold reforms and ground rent issues in recent years, many buyers now prefer the freedom and long-term security that comes with freehold ownership.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, a family looking for a forever home, or an investor seeking stable returns, understanding what freehold means and how it benefits you is the key to making a wise decision.

What Does Freehold Mean?

In simple terms, when you buy a freehold property, you own both the building and the land it stands on. There is no time limit on ownership, meaning the property is entirely yours until you choose to sell it.

This is different from leasehold, where you only own the property for a set number of years and must pay ground rent and service charges to the freeholder. Most houses in London are freehold, whilst the majority of flats are leasehold due to shared land and maintenance responsibilities.

Why Buyers Prefer Freehold Properties

Here are a few reasons why freehold homes are so popular:

• You save hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds every year.

• You can renovate, extend, or modify your home (subject to planning permission).

• Freehold homes usually keep their value well over time.

• Buyers see freehold as a safe investment, making future sales simpler.

Freehold vs Leasehold: What the Numbers Say?

According to government data for 2024, there are around 4.8 million leasehold dwellings in England, accounting for about 19% of the housing market. Around 91% of flats are leasehold, compared with only 7% of houses.

This means freehold houses are becoming increasingly valuable, especially in London, where land is limited. The same report shows that the share of leasehold houses has fallen from 8% in 2021–22 to 7% in 2023–24, proving that more buyers are now seeking full ownership.

Where to Find Freehold Homes in London

Freehold properties can be found across London, but they are more common in suburban areas and parts of Outer London. Neighbourhoods like Wimbledon, Finchley, Ealing, Croydon, and Bromley are popular for freehold houses, offering good transport links and family-friendly communities.

In Central London, freehold properties are rarer and often come at a premium price due to limited space and heritage restrictions.

Buying a Freehold Property

The process of buying a freehold home in London is similar to other purchases but involves a few extra checks. Here’s what you should expect:

1. Start by viewing properties and making an offer through your estate agent.

2. Your solicitor will confirm the freehold title, boundaries, and planning permissions.

3. A property survey ensures the building is in good condition, whilst your lender confirms the mortgage.

4. Once contracts are exchanged and funds transferred, you officially become the freeholder.

The Cost of Buying Freehold Property in London

The prices of freehold properties vary depending on location, property type, and condition. In 2025, the average freehold house price in London ranges from £500,000 to £1.5 million, with premium areas like Kensington and Hampstead reaching several million pounds.

Investment Opportunities in Freehold Homes

Freehold houses make excellent investment options for landlords and developers. With London’s population still growing and the rental market in high demand, owning a freehold gives investors greater flexibility.

You can choose to let the property as a single-family home, convert it into flats, or even develop the land in the future (subject to permissions). This freedom makes freehold properties a key part of many investors’ portfolios.

Common Questions About Freehold Properties

1. Is freehold always better than leasehold?
Usually, yes, because it offers full ownership and no ongoing ground rent. However, leasehold flats can be more affordable and easier to maintain in some cases.

2. Can flats be freehold?
It’s rare, but some small blocks of flats share a “share of freehold” agreement where all owners jointly hold the freehold title.

3. Are freehold homes easier to sell?
Yes. Buyers often prefer them because they don’t have to worry about lease extensions or landlord restrictions.

How Cribs Estates Can Help

At Cribs Estates, we help buyers, investors, and landlords find the best freehold properties for sale in London. Our experienced team offers full support from property search to valuation, negotiation, and purchase completion.

We also guide investors on which areas deliver the best returns and can manage your property if you decide to rent it out. With years of experience in the London property market, we ensure a smooth, transparent, and rewarding buying experience.