freehold

noun

free·​hold ˈfrē-ˌhōld 

1

: a tenure of real property by which an estate in fee simple or fee tail or an estate for life is held

also : an estate held by such tenure compare fee sense 1

2

British : an estate held in fee simple

freehold adjective or adverb

freeholder

ˈfrē-ˌhōl-dər 

noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The company will start marketing the 246 freehold residences, including a super penthouse, at the site of the former Fuji Xerox Towers on Anson Road, in the first half of this year. —Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023

Freehold: The Israeli government allows anyone to purchase property on freehold land regardless of religion or citizenship. —Laura Latham, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2021

The residents want China and the UK to agree a deal to transfer ownership of the part of the freehold that relates to their buildings. —Max Foster, CNN, 2 Dec. 2022

Some 65% of Whitbread’s estate is freehold, and international buyers might be attracted by the prospect of using the dirt-cheap pound to grab themselves some British property assets. —Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2019

But sale-and-leaseback deals (when companies sell off freehold sites and rent them back) are risky. —Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

freehold

noun

free·​hold ˈfrē-ˌhōld 

: a tenure of real property the duration of which cannot be determined and by which an estate in fee simple or fee tail or for life is held

also : an estate held by such tenure compare leasehold

freehold adjective or adverb

History and Etymology for freehold

translation of Anglo-French frank tenement freehold estate