Mike is the founder and CEO of The Freehold Collective, with the idea originating from his own freehold acquisition. For over 12 years Mike has been working with freehold acquisition projects and has built many useful connections and partnerships that The Freehold Collective uses. Read some more industry expertise by Mike Somekh.
As we hit 2026, a few key property trends are becoming pretty clear, with the big shift being a change in demand for freehold homes – largely driven by changes in the rules around leasehold properties, plus a growing push for more transparency in property deals. For people buying property, these numbers give you a […]
Ground rent is a periodic payment made by leaseholders to the freeholder as part of their lease agreement. While many ground rents are manageable, some can be considered “onerous” due to being excessive, having frequent increases, or complex terms that create financial strain for leaseholders. Understanding onerous ground rent is vital for property owners and […]
Collective enfranchisement can be a real minefield, with all sorts of legal and financial complications to deal with. And making matters worse is the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) – a chunky tax that’s often a major hurdle for leaseholders who want to take the plunge and buy the freehold. This tax can add a […]
The King’s speech promises sweeping reforms to the 400 year old home-ownership landscape for future generations, but what does all this really mean for ordinary home owners today – and should they really put their freehold purchase plans on hold?
Buying a freehold property is a big deal, and understanding solicitor fees is a crucial part of the process. These fees are way more than just a bunch of numbers on an invoice – they’re the cost of making sure everything is above board, your interests are protected, and the whole thing runs smoothly.
Collective Enfranchisement: a term that may sound daunting, yet holds the key to an empowering process in property ownership.
Ground rent is a term familiar to many leaseholders, yet its implications can often be unclear. Understanding ground rent, especially regarding increases, is crucial for leaseholders. This article aims to clarify whether a freeholder can increase ground rent, examining legal, contractual, and practical aspects.
For many leaseholders collective enfranchisement is the route to taking ownership of their homes but how does it work? It is clearly an important issue and we shall do a series of posts to help explain what is required and the key steps involved.
Understand the big difference between freehold and leasehold – and why it matters. Freehold ownership means you own the property and the land it sits on, lock stock and barrel. That comes with its own set of perks and downsides, but there’s also an alternative to consider: buying the freehold, or share of freehold, which […]
Collective enfranchisement is a concept that empowers leaseholders to take control of their living spaces by collectively purchasing the freehold of their building. This process not only grants leaseholders greater control over their homes but also offers various financial benefits and increased property value. It’s important to consider the freehold cost, which can vary widely […]
