IrelandWhat is the difference between freehold and leasehold?
Freehold means outright ownership of land and any buildings on it, with no time limit. Leasehold means you own the right to use the property for a fixed period under a lease agreement.
What the Law Says
The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 modernised property law in Ireland and abolished outdated forms of tenure, clarifying the distinction between freehold and leasehold estates.
In Ireland, 'freehold' refers to absolute ownership of land and any structures on it — meaning you own both the property and the land indefinitely, subject only to planning laws and other public restrictions.
A 'leasehold' interest, by contrast, is a temporary right to occupy and use land or property for a set number of years (e.g., 99 or 125 years), granted by the freeholder under a written lease. At the end of the lease, ownership reverts to the freeholder unless extended or purchased.
The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 simplified and updated how these interests are created and enforced, removing archaic legal distinctions while preserving the core difference: freehold is perpetual; leasehold is time-bound.
Statutory Text--- Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 s. 9: ---
— Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, s. 9
What to Do
Check your title deeds or contract to confirm whether you hold a freehold or leasehold interest.
If leasehold, review the lease term, ground rent, service charges, and renewal rights.
For long-term security, consider negotiating a lease extension or purchasing the freehold (where possible).
Consult a solicitor before buying or selling either type of interest — especially for leaseholds with less than 80 years remaining.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.