I’m unaware of any provisions preventing Freeholder (or FP on FH behalf) collecting a transfer fee.

With the sale of LH properties you’ll (as vendor) be liable for a number of fees such as transfer fee, management pack fees, apportionments, potential future works (these can sometimes be negotiable however the emphasis is on the vendor to address any ‘defects’ in the title).

This page is generally for landlords in terms of ASTs as opposed to FHers who have long term leases to tenants (although FHers are referred to as LL in some instances and certainly historically).

There are steps being taken to change FH/LH relationship (to a Scottish type commonhold) however I wouldn’t hold your breath on that.

Perhaps you’re confusing the removal of transfer fees with mobile homes whereby FHers there were limited on what they could charge (10% IIRC).

I have never encountered a fee payable to the freehold company on the sale of a flat before unless it was a shared ownership....and I have personally owned and resided in three flats before I moved to a house all of which were leasehold . I had read a newspaper article regarding the company and this practice ...personally I am inclined to tell them to jog on but will.speak to the solicitor who will be dealing with them...

Please "google" Firstport and Firstport Reviews - you will find everything you need to know about this company and their practices!!

A family member had dealings with Firstport when selling a property and was nearly tearing her hair in frustration!!

Wishing you all the best.