Freeholders

A freehold property owner has absolute ownership of the house's entire structure and grounds.

Freeholders often aren't required to pay service charges, however this changes in Southwark because many of Southwark's houses are located on estates.

They benefit from the maintenance of the estate's roads and pathways, lighting, and communal gardens. These estate facilities cannot be maintained from council tax revenues, and are maintained by Southwark Housing.

Leaseholders and tenants, through service charges and rent, already contribute to their upkeep, so freeholders are often charged as well.

A further charge is incurred if the house is also connected to communal heating systems. This covers the cost of supply of gas to boilers, for repairs, and for day-to-day maintenance.

Please see our FAQs in this section for more information.