UKI want to convert my property to freehold. What is the process?
To convert your leasehold property to freehold in England and Wales, you may be eligible to enfranchise under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 — but only if your property is a house (not a flat), you have owned the lease for at least two years, and it meets statutory criteria.
What the Law Says
The Leasehold Reform Act 1967 gives qualifying leaseholders of houses the legal right to buy the freehold — known as 'enfranchisement'. This right is not automatic and depends on strict statutory conditions.
Under section 1 of the Leasehold Reform Act 1967, a tenant who holds a long lease of a house (originally granted for more than 21 years) may claim to acquire the freehold, provided they have owned the lease for at least two years.
The Act defines a 'house' narrowly — it must be built or adapted for living in and structurally detached or part of a building that can be reasonably regarded as a house. Flats and purpose-built blocks generally do not qualify under this Act (though other legislation, like the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, applies to flats).
The tenant must serve a formal notice on the freeholder, and both parties then negotiate terms — including the purchase price — often with valuation input from surveyors. If agreement cannot be reached, either party may apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to determine the price and terms.
Statutory TextA tenant who has a long tenancy of a house (whether or not he is also entitled to the occupation of land attached to or adjacent to the house) and who has been the tenant for at least two years may claim to acquire the freehold interest in the house.
— Leasehold Reform Act 1967, s. 1 — Right of tenant of house to acquire freehold
What to Do
Check eligibility: confirm your property is a house (not a flat), your lease is long (originally >21 years), and you’ve held it for at least two years.
Instruct a specialist leasehold enfranchisement solicitor and surveyor to assess value and prepare the initial notice.
Serve a formal Section 1 Notice on your freeholder — this starts the legal process and must comply strictly with statutory requirements.
Negotiate the purchase price and terms; if agreement fails, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) within the statutory time limits.
Complete the conveyance: once terms are agreed or determined, exchange contracts and complete the transfer to become the freeholder.
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.