Freehold
Freehold is ownership of land rather than a lease for a set term. It does not establish that a property has no shared obligations or restrictions.
What freehold does and does not tell a buyer
Freehold describes the ownership interest. Torrens title describes a system for registering interests in land. The terms are related, but they do not mean the same thing. The State Library of NSW property rights guide explains this distinction in the NSW context.
A freehold description does not establish that a property is outside a strata or community scheme. Section 115A of Queensland's Land Title Act provides that a community titles scheme can only be over freehold land. Check the title and scheme documents before assuming there are no levies or shared facilities.
Check the property, not just the marketing description
Ask a solicitor or conveyancer to explain:
- The ownership interest being transferred and the registered plan.
- Any strata or community scheme and its shared-property obligations.
- Registered interests such as an easement, which may affect access or proposed works.
- Which further planning, building or other checks the intended use needs.
Queensland's buying a body corporate property guide explains how a community management statement identifies scheme information. Its document names and procedures should not be assumed to apply in every state.
Budget example
Suppose a buyer compares two homes at the same price. One has a confirmed scheme levy of $900 a quarter. That is $3,600 a year to include in its ownership budget, before costs paid separately. The other may have no scheme levy but still needs an allowance for insurance and maintenance. A zero levy is not a zero maintenance cost.
Use actual quotes and confirmed charges in the Property Purchase Cost Calculator, keeping recurring costs separate from settlement costs. The strata and standalone property comparison gives a broader checklist.
Last updated: 11 September 2026. Sources checked on this date. This is general information and an illustrative budget only, not legal or financial advice. Rights, restrictions and costs depend on the property and jurisdiction. Obtain professional advice on the contract and title before relying on a description.