Purpose built top floor flat-do i need a survey?

jules9

I am in the process of purchasing a top floor purpose built flat.
Block was built around 1960's and has a flat roof.
The block and flat seem to be in good order.
I mentioned that I may get a survey to the estate agent and he told me that most people don't get a survey on purpose built flats.
Before i spend around £400 on a survey - any advice please.

cattie

I've always had at least a homebuyers survey on any flat I've owned if it's more than 25yrs old.

I'd certainly have one done on a 60's block, especially as it has a flat roof, such roofs can be prone to probems as you probably know & regualar maintenance of them is essential.

Flat's built during the 60's may have been built using a concrete that can develop problems, or possibly contain asbestos, so it would be in your best interest to be aware of the structure of the building you are buying.

chickmug

jules9 wrote: »

I mentioned that I may get a survey to the estate agent and he told me that most people don't get a survey on purpose built flats.

Fully agree with cattie's post.

EA's will always try and discourage buyers from having anything other than basic valaution carried out.

Any form of survey opens a 'can of worms' and may cost the sale and resultant commission. Your solicitor, if they are good, gives you better advice.

EA's hate it when the buyer tells them the advice from their solicitor is to have more than a valuation.

BitterAndTwisted

I'd be inclined to get a full structural survey done. I rent a top-floor purpose-built flat of about the same age and we've had terrible, recurring problems with leaks from the flat roof. Luckily in my case the repairs have been undertaken at the landlord's expense rather than the tenants'/lease-holder's as would be in your case

gooner63_2

I'd get a check done on the flat roof depending on how many floors up you are this may have to be done by a hot air balloon or hang glider.........in other words it won't get checked under a home buyers report unless there is direct access onto the roof ! Probably surveyor will state you need to get a specialist in to check the roof ........then again if the flats are all privately owned the management company may be able to tell you when the roof was last inspected/ repaired .

LE3

call me cynical, but "most people don't" to me equals "the last person who was interested did and they withdrew their offer afterwards due to content of the report"

keith969

Having bought a property in the past with a flat roof, I'd suggest a survey of the roof would be well worth it, if it is in poor condition and leaks you can get all sorts of secondary problems (dry rot in our case) that are expensive to fix on top of the cost of a new roof.

jules9

Thanks for all the helpful advice. I will have a think on what to do, probably get a roofing expert to take a look. I will also find out from the managing agents when the roof was last replaced and if there have been any claims for leaks from other top floor flats.

Fire_Fox

Flat roofs affect both buildings and contents insurance premiums so if you don't get this checked properly you may negate your insurance.