Newly purchased flat - utlities and insurance

bruvajon

Hi

I'm currently in the process of purchasing a flat (around 8 years old). I expect to complete in around 6 weeks time, but am not likely to occupy the flat until September 2009.

This leaves me in a difficult position in relation to insuring the flat and ensuring the utilities remain connected. I already know that I will be able to claim a council tax exemption, but am unsure about the rest.

I suspect that the flat currently has a BT line (cable is not in the area). Once the old owners inform BT that they are moving out, is there a period of time in which the line remains connected? I want to make sure that I avoid paying BT some silly fee at a later date. It would clearly be cheaper to pay for a basic BT package if necessary - can anyone advise?

Many thanks
Jonathan

sandiep

If a telephone line has been previously installed, and it's then "disconnected" then i think that it's simply just a £10 or £20 to reconnect. The £100+ fees are for the laying of the physical line.

macman

sandiep wrote: »

If a telephone line has been previously installed, and it's then "disconnected" then i think that it's simply just a £10 or £20 to reconnect. The £100+ fees are for the laying of the physical line.

BTW, the council tax exemption applies to the property, not to the individual, so if it has been empty some time and already had exemption claimed, you will only get the remainder of the 6 months. After 6 months, you get a discount which varies according to your LA.

bruvajon

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.

The flat is currently occupied, so no worries on that front

ACDeag

sandiep wrote: »

If a telephone line has been previously installed, and it's then "disconnected" then i think that it's simply just a £10 or £20 to reconnect. The £100+ fees are for the laying of the physical line.

Not correct any more.

https://www.productsandservices.bt.com/btbusinessOrders/control/termsandconditions?docId=25017&pageTitle=%20New%20line%20connection%20charge

The line has to be active now to be free to take over. If the line has gone dead then they will charge £100+.

The BT connection charge thread at the top of the page will tell you if there is a current discount you can use in return for agreeing a 12 month contract.

jhp

ACDeag wrote: »

Not correct any more.

https://www.productsandservices.bt.com/btbusinessOrders/control/termsandconditions?docId=25017&pageTitle=%20New%20line%20connection%20charge

The line has to be active now to be free to take over. If the line has gone dead then they will charge £100+.

The BT connection charge thread at the top of the page will tell you if there is a current discount you can use in return for agreeing a 12 month contract.

The line has to still be fully in situ between the exchange and the customers premises otherwise a connection charge is normally raised.

All new line rental customers of BT are required to take a 12 month contract . To get a cheaper connection price you normally have to take an 18 month contract.