Why can't Head Leasehold buy Freehold

[SianD]

I have a 999 year lease on my house. I have recently found out that I also hold the Head Lease for 2 neighbouring houses that fall within the original curtilage to my house. I wanted to buy the Freehold for my own house only and approached the Freeholder. He will sell but wants 6 times more than all of the online calculators are showing for the Freehold for my house alone. The Freeholder won't negotiate so I asked a Solicitor if I could go the formal route (ie have my Freehold properly valued and go to Court). My Solicitor tells me that as a Head Leasehold I do not have an automatic right to buy the Freehold for my property and must pay whatever the Freeholder asks! She hasn't explained why even though I've asked. Incidentally, the Freeholder is also willing to sell me the Freehold interest in the other 2 houses for a mind blowing amount considering if my neighbours (999 yr under leases with peppercorn rent) bought theirs they would still have me as the Head Leaseholder and have to seek my approval for any major changes and pay ground rent. The online calculator shows their Freeholds as being worth circa £500-£800. Can anyone shed some light on how a Freeholder can charge what they want and why I do not have an automatic right to buy my own Freehold for my own house, just because I am both leaseholder and head leaseholder.

[atticus]

You cannot force the freeholder to sell his interest, for the reason that there is no law that provides that this can be done.

If you are not able to agree a price, then you do not have a willing seller.

[SianD]

Thanks. Much appreciated. I'll just keep giving him my £15 per annum then until I sell.