There’s a common assumption out there: “If I buy a property, I can do what I want, including having a pet.”
Sounds logical. It’s also wrong. And in some cases, a very expensive mistake. Ownership Doesn’t Always Mean Control, unless it is a freehold property.
In the UK, many flats are leasehold or share of freehold. That means you own the property, but not full control.
With a leasehold, the apartment will have a number of ‘unexpired’ years remaining on the lease. Simply put, if that were to reach zero years, you would lose the property to the freeholder. Rule of thumb is when your lease is approaching 80 years, look to extend before that point. Under 80 years remaining, it can become more expensive.
However, the laws will be changing in 2026 with The Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill so keep a look out for that if you considering buying a property in England or Wales.
So how does this affect property buyers who own pets?
If the building is governed by a head lease, you may find pet restrictions:
– Pets with consent. This means you have to get permission to have pets in your property. This may well include a small charge. This applies to many private and local authority buildings. Always double-check yourself or via your solicitor. Always have this confirmed by the sellers solicitor in writing. This is your legal ‘backup’ in case there is a misunderstanding
– No Pets Headlease. This is a simple no pets allowed in the building full stop. Sneak a pet in and you will be seriously in trouble with the managing agents who run the building. No way round it.
Imagine turning up to your new home, keys in one hand and dog lead in the other, only for the concierge to say no pets! You may laugh, but I have heard this happening!
The Share of Freehold Myth
“Share of freehold” sounds flexible. You own literally a ‘share’ of the freehold with other residents. In theory you have a say about the running of the building. In reality that can be very different.
With many share of freeholds there tends to be one or two individuals who have ‘more of a say’ and manage the building. This is where any issue can arise with pets.
True stories and not making it up
I am not making this up. I have heard of people being ‘blocked’ owning a dog in a share of freehold by a fellow owner.
I was recently told by an estate agent I know in South West London of a sale that was blocked by another resident because the buyer had a dog and as a result the sale collapsed.
Finally, a few months ago I had a call from a lady based overseas who wanted to return to her flat in the UK with her dog. One resident would not allow her. She was distraught as she had bought the flat years ago and had never thought this was an issue.
Sounds unbelievable. Not being able to live in your own flat. Some neighbours don’t care and they will complain.
Bottom Line
Buying with a pet is not just about price and location. It’s permissions, paperwork, and people. Get it wrong and it can cost you the deal.
Pets Lets Insight
Don’t assume. Check early. Treat your pet as part of the transaction.
Just as you would ask about works being done to a property or any extra costs, ask about your dog or cat being allowed.
Make sure there is no cap on the number of pets. You just don’t know.
Have everything in writing
If you have already bought a property are having issues with your pets, I would suggest contacting Dog Law who are literally specialists in dog law.
Before setting up Pets Lets, I was a Property Buying Agent for over 10 years. I still do help clients looking to buy. Feel free to Contact Me if you have any questions about a pet friendly property purchase.
Having been in UK property for 30 years, I understand how it works, especially when it comes to renting and buying in London and across the UK with cats and dogs.
About the Author – Russell Hunt
Pets Lets Expert Insight
This article was written by Russell Hunt, co-founder of Pets Lets, a specialist service helping tenants secure pet-friendly property to rent in London and across the UK.
With more than 30 years of experience in the London property market, Russell works with tenants, landlords and estate agents to make renting with pets possible in practice, not just in theory. His work focuses on helping pet owners present strong applications, prepare properly for competitive markets, and navigate landlord concerns around pets.
Through Pets Lets, Russell supports UK tenants with pets as well as educates landlords with UK properties on the benefits of dog friendly rentals and cat friendly rentals in London and across the UK.
Russell also runs the community “Relocating to the UK with Pets”, helping thousands of members understand the realities of travelling to the UK with pets.
Learn more about pet-friendly renting advice and services at Pets Lets
For further guidance on renting with pets, visit Dogs Trust’s Lets with Pets
