greathome.uk is a non-profit portal providing independent information about UK property to support buyers, sellers, and renters. Unaffiliated with any commercial company, the site is created and sponsored by Brandflame.co.uk

Guides & InsightsHome & living

Source checkedEvergreen guideEngland and Wales

Leasehold questions to ask before an offer

Surface term, charges, restrictions, management and major works before they become late surprises.

Prepared by
Greathome Editorial
Published
6 September 2026
Reviewed
6 September 2026
Next review
5 December 2026
Reading time
7 minutes

Short answer

Before committing to a leasehold home, establish the remaining term, current and historic service charges, ground-rent terms, planned major works, management arrangements, building insurance and restrictions. Then have the lease and transaction documents reviewed professionally.

01

Ask for the recurring-cost picture

Request the current service charge, what it covers and enough historic information to understand variation. Ask about reserve funds, insurance, unpaid sums and anticipated major works rather than assuming the current annual figure is stable.

02

Understand the lease and management

The remaining lease term, ground-rent provisions, restrictions and permission fees can affect financing, cost and how you use the home. Identify the freeholder and managing agent and ask how the building is maintained and decisions are communicated.

  • Remaining term and extension implications.
  • Service charge accounts and budget.
  • Planned works and consultation notices.
  • Subletting, pets and alteration restrictions.
  • Building insurance and management contacts.

03

Keep early questions separate from legal advice

Early information helps you decide whether to proceed, but the conveyancer’s review of the lease, title and transaction papers is a separate step. A cost planner should keep service charges and initial works editable until evidence is confirmed.

Leasehold law and building-safety responsibilities can be complex; obtain advice for the specific home and transaction.

Put this into practice

Model ongoing ownership costs

Keep service charges, insurance, maintenance and immediate works visible beside mortgage payments.
Open the tool

Sources and review

Check the original guidance

  1. 01
    Buying or owning a leasehold home Competition and Markets Authority and Leasehold Advisory Service · checked 6 September 2026
  2. 02
Editorial status

Manual launch edition. Material claims are linked to the sources above. Time-sensitive rules must be checked again at the next review date or when an official source changes.