The law states that if freehold land becomes ownerless in the UK, it can pass into the ownership of the monarch in a process called "escheat".

BBC: Beds, Herts & Bucks

The sale of freehold land rights is more common in contexts where the land is already under private ownership, which is the case in many Latin American countries.

UNESCO: Madiodio Niasse on the risks associated with large-scale foreign land aquisitions | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

The hut at the fashionable seaside village of Abersoch on the Lleyn Peninsular was considered particularly attractive because it stands on freehold land and can be knocked down and rebuilt as a more attractive property.

BBC: Abersoch beach hut

Later, it said there was a 31st case - at Newquay Tretherras Academy in Cornwall - which had not needed to go through a panel which advises ministers on whether to approve sales of playing fields because the school owned the freehold of the land.

BBC: School playing fields: 31 sales approved

This begs the question: is there a fundamental difference between granting concessions to investors or selling the land with freehold rights?

UNESCO: Madiodio Niasse on the risks associated with large-scale foreign land aquisitions | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

According to its website, the Duchy owns 2% of Cornwall, as well as the freehold on most of the land on the Isles of Scilly.

BBC: Cornish Peer calls for Duchy of Cornwall overhaul