When you are discussing real estate, it’s common for the terms freehold and leasehold property to come up.
But do you know how they stack up against one another and the premise behind them?
Let’s get started. Both freehold and leasehold represent your ownership rights in relation to your property. Let’s figure out in detail.
Freehold property
Suppose you buy a top-of-the-line four-wheeler all dues cleared. Now, whether you wish to drive in-city, go on a getaway, let your friends or family borrow, or sell it off - you have all the rights to do so.
In other words, you call all the shots!
It’s the same with freehold property. The final word to make changes- structural, design, aesthetical or any other (in compliance with local authorities) sits with the owner.
Furthermore, the owner can rent out, lease, or resell as required. Moreover, if you buy a freehold property in India, you do not incur any maintenance or other charges except applicable government taxes.
That is because freehold ownership entails rights to the property and the land it is built on.
Leasehold Property
Leaning back on our four-wheeler analogy, suppose you decide to ply Uber as a side hustle. This time around, Uber has ownership rights while you operate the vehicle as per the terms of your commercial agreement with the company.
Here, you commit to Uber as a lessee (renter) commits to the lessor (owner), obtaining usage rights of a leasehold property.
Leasehold, therefore, means possessing occupancy rights right through the lease; ownership, however, rests with the lessor. These terms are laid out in a lease agreement.
So, what kind of rights do you get?
Can you make structural and design modifications or transfer the lease?
No!
The lessee cannot, by free will, do so. Exercising such rights demands compliance with the lease agreement and buy-in from the lessor.
A lease term typically ranges from 30 to 999 years, whereby the lessee incurs maintenance, upkeep, service, and other costs.
It is best to go with a lease of at least 30 years to seek financing from banks and financing institutions.
The Freehold Vs Leasehold Snapshot
Freehold Property | Leasehold Property |
Lifetime ownership rights rest with the owner | Possession rights with the lessee; ownership with the lessor |
No additional charges like maintenance, service charges etc. | Overhead expenses, maintenance, upkeep charges etc. applicable |
Tends to be expensive as land rights come with the property | Less expensive as land rights not included in |
Can be passed onto future generations i.e., such property is inheritable | Lease can be transferred subject to the terms of agreement |
Should I buy Freehold or Leasehold property?
Now that you know the inner workings, how do you decide between buying a freehold or leasehold property?
There is no straight answer there except that your situation and expectations from the arrangement determine the way forward.
Buying a freehold property gives you greater rights but commands a higher price.
Investing in a leasehold property is suitable if you have to relocate or have to work through limited budgets.
Where buying a leasehold property makes a good fit-
If you want to reside in a city with high rentals
You want minimal involvement in regulatory and legal compliances
There’s a possibility of you relocating
You require space to house your business activities
Where buying a freehold property makes a good fit-
You want an asset with land rights intact
You want the options of mortgaging or renting out
You intend to make structural changes
You intend to plan inheritance for future generations
Convert leasehold property into freehold property
A question that gets thrown around often is: how to convert my leasehold property to freehold in India?
Is it possible?
The answer is yes!
Converting leasehold into freehold essentially means acquiring ownership title upon submission and review of the following documents:
General Power of Attorney
No Objection Certificate if the property is mortgaged
Copy of sub-lease deed or lease deed
Copy of sale of agreement
Demand letter as provided by the Government
Property tax receipts to establish ownership
Copy of power of Attorney
Additionally, approvals from civic bodies and authorities listed below are required-
Fire department
Environment department
Urban land ceiling department
In the case of a property on land leased out by the Government, certain additional approvals from statutory authorities come into play.
Final Comments
Freehold property and leasehold property have unique benefits. Your best buy depends entirely on the story you want to create within those walls.
Make a decision that is in line with your goals and vision. After all, your place is where your story comes to life.
Freehold properties for sale in Noida are a great option if you want to invest. But we strongly suggest contrasting it against leasehold properties for sale in Noida to get a broader perspective.
Feel free to connect with us for more on that.
Comments