Flying freeholds and awkward titles: questions for your conveyancer

A flying freehold is a situation where part of a freehold building structurally extends above or below land not included in that title, or where maintenance duties are unusual. They are legal and common in older terraces and conversions. They need clear drafting, not panic.

Why buyers hear about them at search stage

Your conveyancer checks title plans and deeds for maintenance obligations, rights of support, and insurance covenants. Some lenders ask for indemnity policies in certain configurations. The right answer is case specific.

Sensible buyer behaviour

Ask early for a plain-English sketch of what you will maintain and what neighbours maintain. Read restrictions on alterations. If you manage the home digitally, attach the solicitor’s summary and official copies as Documents so future you remembers the shape of the title.

General information only, not legal advice.

Property Passport UK

Use Property Passport UK to organise Documents, Media, Tasks, Events, and Flags for a Property, and to share a Public Passport when you want buyers or permitted Stakeholders to see selected facts without exposing private Documents.