the truth about property?

frustratedhousebuyer

Hi
Does anyone know of a site or publication where you can find out the truth about property for sale in your area.
I ask this, because i have been trying to buy a flat near where i live and have come accross problems time and time again, that if i knew before i put and offer in, i wouldn't have even considered buying it.
My latest problem is that the seller i am buying from has such bad relations with the freeholder of the flat, that the freeholder is witholding information we need to complete the sale. This has only just come to light after we have paid to have a survey, set up a mrtgage and got a solicitor involved, all costing about £1000 in total.
If we don't get this information from the freeholder, then it is unlikely that the mortgage company will lend us any money at all, leaving us out of pocket - again. this is the 3rd time we have had to pull out of prpoerty purchases in the last year, through no fault of our own.
I wonder if there should be a place where people can post their problems, survey results etc so you can make an ionformed decision about a purchase without having to rely on the honesty of estate agents (which is rare)
Please let me know if anyone knows of such a place, because if there isn't one, i may well create one.

Zelie

Why can't you just give the freeholder a call and explain that you are trying to buy the flat and can they provide the information? Presumably if the freeholder doesn't get on with the current owner then they'll be glad to see the back of them.

In answer to your question, no, I doubt there's any place with the extent of information you require. What you are looking for is a guarantee that your efforts will be successful and there's nothing that's going to do that. You are negotiating to buy a very valuable object - that's not going to be simple and there's nothing out there to spoonfeed you through it. Sorry to sound harsh but it's really just a matter of negotiating with people. Good luck with getting the flat.

GDB2222

frustratedhousebuyer wrote: »

I wonder if there should be a place where people can post their problems, survey results etc so you can make an ionformed decision about a purchase without having to rely on the honesty of estate agents (which is rare)
Please let me know if anyone knows of such a place, because if there isn't one, i may well create one.

That's a smart idea, really. You could have libel issues, though, so you'll need to think carefully.

Still, it could be popular. If you're a disgruntled buyer, having spent £1k on fees, you might welcome a website to share your experiences on - and scupper any future sales for that vendor.

horsechestnut

Have you checked with The Land Registry to see if they have anything registered on the Title? Although that doesn't mean that there isn't a problem, it will tell you if there is!

frustratedhousebuyer

Yes, i am going to call the freeholder on monday and see what can be done. There is a bit more to it than i have said, but don't want to say more whilst i am in the middle of it.
Will let you know how it goes.