What is a leasehold property?
A leasehold property is a type of property ownership where the buyer only owns the right to use the property for a specified period of time, as opposed to owning the property outright. In this arrangement, the land and building on it are owned by the freeholder, who grants the leasehold interest to the buyer. The leasehold interest can be purchased for a certain number of years, typically ranging from 99 to 999 years.
Leasehold properties are commonly found in the UK, particularly in urban areas where freehold properties are scarce and expensive. They are typically used for flats, apartments, and other types of shared ownership properties. The leaseholder is responsible for paying an annual ground rent to the freeholder, and may also need to pay other fees such as service charges for the maintenance of the building and communal areas.
Leasehold properties come with certain restrictions and obligations that buyers should be aware of. For example, the lease may include restrictions on how the property can be used or altered, which can limit the leaseholder's freedom to make changes to the property. Additionally, the leaseholder may need to seek permission from the freeholder for certain activities, such as subletting the property or keeping pets.
Leasehold properties can also be subject to rent increases over time, which can make them less attractive to buyers and may affect their resale value. It's important for buyers to carefully review the terms of the lease and seek legal advice if necessary before making a purchase. Additionally, leaseholders may have the option to extend their lease or purchase the freehold interest in the property, although this can be a complex and costly process.
What is a Shared Ownership lease?
A Shared Ownership lease is a type of leasehold agreement in which the buyer owns a share of the property and pays rent on the remaining share. This can be an affordable way for first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder, as the cost of purchasing a share of the property is typically lower than buying the property outright.
The buyer typically purchases between 25% and 75% of the property, and pays rent to the freeholder on the remaining share. The buyer can then choose to purchase additional shares of the property over time, a process known as "staircasing". As the buyer purchases more shares, their rent payments decrease.
Shared Ownership leases come with certain restrictions and obligations, similar to traditional leasehold agreements. The buyer may be responsible for paying service charges and ground rent, and may also need to seek permission from the freeholder to make certain changes to the property.
Shared Ownership leases can be a good option for buyers who are unable to afford a property outright, but they do come with some potential drawbacks. For example, buyers may be limited in their ability to sell the property, as they may need to find a buyer who is also willing to enter into a shared ownership lease. Additionally, the value of the property may be affected by changes in the housing market, and buyers may not see the same level of appreciation in the value of their share as they would with a traditional freehold or leasehold property.
If you want to read more about the difference between a normal leasehold property and a Shared Ownership lease, take a look at the official LEASE website.
