Leasehold

When you buy a leasehold property, you're purchasing the right to occupy and use a building for a fixed period—typically 99 or 125 years—rather than owning the land itself. This arrangement is common in the UK, parts of Asia, and some other regions, and it fundamentally differs from freehold ownership because the property reverts to the freeholder when the lease expires, and you'll pay annual ground rent and service charges to maintain the building. For expats relocating abroad, understanding leaseholds is crucial since they affect your property's resale value, financing options, and long-term investment potential—and many lenders become reluctant to finance properties with leases below 80 years.