Converted flat - no service charge?

SophieUK_2

There's a converted flat I'm interested in - have been told by the estate agent there is a service charge of £20 per year, which obviously can't pay for the upkeep. Flat is brand new to market to she is checking the situation regards upkeep of house, but she said this is common for conversion to have no service charge.

Has anyone got experience of converted flats in this situation? How do you agree on what works need doing? Do you just split the costs between the flats (only two in this conversion)?

Fire_Fox

It really depends on what provision is made in the long lease, assuming it is a leasehold flat?
http://www.lease-advice.org

princeofpounds

Is it share of freehold, or leashold only?

To be sure, you will need to read the lease which will contain the provisions that cover repairs. It's probably the case that there is a clause which will enable them to raise funds ad hoc as necessary.

Richard_Webster

Small builders who do these conversions often don't want to be bothered with sorting out insurance and maintenance so leave it all to the lessees. Trouble is they often don't tell their solicitors that's what they intend so the solicitor draws up a lease with service charge provisions in it!