Buying a Leasehold Flat: What to Check First — Property Passport UK guide
Buying a Property

Buying a Leasehold Flat: What to Check First

Lease length, money questions, building safety, and documents to read before you rely on a mortgage offer in principle.

Published: 18 Apr 2026 · Updated: 18 Apr 2026 · 11 min read

Property Passport UK

See this information for your own home

Free address search across England and Wales. No account needed.

19.4 million searchable properties. EPC, flood risk, sold prices, planning, and more in one structured record per home.

Lease term

Below common lender thresholds, remediation can be costly or impossible without extension.

Money

Ground rent, service charge, reserve funds, and major works consultations tell you future cash calls.

Management

Who runs the building, how disputes are handled, and whether major projects are planned.

Building safety

Where relevant, understand EWS1 history and remediation status in line with professional advice.

Documents

Management packs are often slow. Start early and store what you receive in your Property Passport if you proceed.

Next steps on Property Passport UK

Run the address through [Property Search](/search), then explore the [Property Guides library](/guides). When you own or manage the home, [claim your Property Passport](/claim/start) and add Documents with dates and sources so permitted Stakeholders see a single coherent record.

Search any property in England & Wales

EPC ratings, flood risk, sold prices, and planning data — free, instant, no login required.