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17 June 2026 · Marlowe
Leasehold, explained: a first-time buyer's guide
Service charges, ground rent and lease length can be daunting. Here is a plain-English guide to what they mean before you make an offer.

If you are buying a flat in London, the chances are it is leasehold. That need not be a concern — but it does pay to understand exactly what you are buying...
We cover lease length and why it matters, how service charges are set, what to ask about ground rent, and the questions every buyer should put to the seller before exchange.
BuyingLeaseholdGuides