Cross-Lease Conversion

13 October, 2025 | Wade Hansen

A cross lease title is a form of property ownership where multiple parties share ownership of a single piece of land, each holding a lease for their individual unit or dwelling. See What is a Cross Lease.

While practical in the past, cross leases can present challenges such as disputes between neighbours and restrictions on property modifications.

Converting a cross lease title to a freehold title offers several benefits. Firstly, it can potentially increase property value. Freehold properties are generally more desirable and can command higher market prices due to the exclusive ownership of the land.

Secondly, it simplifies ownership. With a freehold title, you have complete control over your property, eliminating the need for shared decisions with other cross-lease owners.
Freehold ownership provides freedom to develop. You can make modifications or improvements to your property without typically needing consent from neighbours (or co-owners). This flexibility can be particularly appealing for those looking to renovate or expand their homes.

Lastly, freehold properties are easier to deal with from a finance or sale point of view. Banks and buyers often prefer freehold titles due to the risks and complexities associated with cross leases and the potential for undocumented changes to the cross lease, which may render the title defective.

Want to know more?

If you would like to explore converting your cross-lease title to freehold, please fill out the form below to become a client and make an appointment with a member of our Property Team.