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Leasehold shock: what can I do?
It’s a perfect storm. I was very ignorant about leasehold when I bought my flat in 2004. I didn't know a thing about leasehold -- how could I? I was a German citizen, moving to the UK so my children could attend the schools I'd chosen. Yes, it was my fault for not seeking advice and informing myself. I acknowledge that. It…
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“Has anyone used an online ID1 form verification service in the UK?”
Hi everyone, I’m currently dealing with an ID1 form for a property-related matter and honestly finding the whole verification process a bit confusing. From what I understand, you usually have to go through a solicitor or similar professional, but getting appointments sorted is taking longer than expected. I’ve recently…
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10% Share of Shared Ownership
I’m looking at purchasing a shared ownership flat at a 10% share (fully aware of the pros and cons). Has anyone successfully secured a mortgage on a 10% share with a 10% deposit. This is marketed by the housing association, but in initial conversations with a mortgage broker it sounds like it would be difficult to get a…
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Do lease holders need to be a 'company?'
Hi, 10 years ago 3 flat owners bought the freehold of a block of 9 flats. We had to form a company with Companies House in order to do so….we are having a nightmare with trying to change a wrongly registered DOB - been trying since last December Keep being threatened by Companies House because we haven't/can't file the…
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House Insurance Scam
The last insurance I took out on my property I was scammed by the insurance company at the end of the first year they took a second years premium from my credit card without my permission or knowing anything about it or agreeing to it, I contacted my credit card and got the money back but then the insurance company…
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Vague lease wording - is a License to Alter required? If so, extra £3k costs
Hi everyone, my partner and I bought our home as first-time buyers last year, a long-term leasehold maisonette, and we now hope to refurbish the bathroom. The alteration section of the lease reads as follows: (13) Not at any time during the said term without the license in writing of the Lessor... to make any alteration in…
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Second home council tax – part-year UK use while living abroad?
Hi, I have a property in the Sefton Council area which is currently classed as a second home, so I’m paying the council tax premium. I spend part of the year there (around 10–12 weeks at present), while also living abroad, but I’m now retired and gradually planning to base myself more in the UK. The house isn’t empty—I use…
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Secure tenancy or shared ownership?
Hi, I have the opportunity to apply for a shared ownership on a new build. £20,000 for a 10% share. I am currently living in a housing association property which is a secure tenancy, and I have the right to acquire. Am I best off staying where I am? I am 37, two children (15 and 2), in a relationship but not married.…
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How to move house when my house needs work?
I've suffered from ill health for years and this has meant my house needs work done. But I also want to move, and I've seen a house I like. What is the best way to deal with this? What does it cost to put my possessions in storage? I've never done that before so have no idea of the cost. How can I buy the house I want…
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Private CCTV in communal area
I would appreciate any advice regarding the use of private CCTV in a communal area. The situation involves a housing association property comprising six flats. A resident in one of the ground floor flats has installed a CCTV camera in his window, which appears to cover the front garden, entrance, and gate. My partner is…
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Purchasing freehold
Hi, does anyone have any experience of purchasing the freehold of their home? Our lease has 940 years left and we only pay £15 per annum for the lease, but we want to do work to the house (garage conversation, knocking down walls etc) and so would need to get permission from the freeholder to do this work. With our…
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Land missing from title-future lending problems?
We are buying a property, using a bridging loan, as its being sold under auction conditions. The property has two separate title deeds and the current owners have lived there since the 50’s. They bought the second title in the 70’s (im mentioning this as its before it all went digital) which is ajoining and used as a…
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MSE Team Blog: Tricks to boost storage and improve the look of your home
Want to save on space and spruce up your house or flat? There are lots of nifty MoneySaving tricks to 'pimp your home' for less, from low-cost ways to make your bathroom sparkle to raising your bed to create storage space underneath. Folk at MSE Towers know a thing or two about making the most of a smaller pad - after all,…
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Buildings Insurance but Dad's now in a care home
So my father is in a care home due to dementia and his home insurance has expired , his partner (not married) still lives in his home, she can't get building insurance because she doesn't own the home , he obviously doesn't live there and we don't have power of attorney and because of his mental state it will take at least…
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RICS Survey Question
Hi all. House we are in process of buying we are looking to get a survey done. I have done quotes with a couple of somewhat local firms with good reviews. One has come back with a price for what I asked for (L2 survey), the other has come back to me recommending a level 3. For context its a 1950 2bed end of terrace. They…
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ID1 form – do I really need to see a solicitor in person?
Hi all, I’m currently going through a property transfer and have been asked to complete an ID1 form. I’ve been told by one solicitor that I need to attend in person with ID and a passport photo, but I’ve also seen online that some firms offer this remotely using digital verification. I’m a bit confused as to what’s…
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Rent to buy.
hello. Im looking at doing a rent to buy. But i really havnt a clue what im doing. I understand the basics - pay rent - save deposit - buy home at end of term. But is there more to it? what questions should i be asking? It feels odd as im committing to a house that i wont have a survey or reports done on. i feel like im…
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Selling part of flat to my mum without conveyancer.
My husband bought a flat for my mum so she could move nearer us before she sold her own flat which was difficult to sell. My mum has been living in the flat near us for a year and now she has sold her flat she is keen to buy 50% from my husband which has been the plan from the start. In hindsight we should have asked the…
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Neighbour's extension - boundary window
I live in Milton Keynes, England. My neighbour has a planning application in for a single-storey extension, which includes a window (red circle) right on the boundary with my property (red line). My concern is twofold: privacy (direct overlooking into our front garden/property) and the risk that a boundary window could…
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Conveyancing and water pipes
I'm in the process of selling my parent's house which has been in their possession for over 50 years. All searches have been done and the buyers solicitor has come back with this: “We cannot see the title refers to any rights for the benefit of the Property to connect to, use and access the mains water pipe in the adjacent…
