I am Ms Indecisive :(

Fire_Fox

I prefer the space and storage BUT the service charge issue is swaying me. I'd want to see a recent breakdown of annual charges or predicted spending for the more expensive place before I shelled out lots of money on surveys or legal fees. No lift is good in one sense as they are VERY expensive to maintain. If either property has a sinking fund then that is excellent news, and often signifies good management. Do ask lots of questions about how the place is managed, e.g. are there any recent or ongoing disputes.

If you don't know much about leasehold and service charges now is the time to find out, wish I had before I bought and not after!
http://www.lease-advice.org/publications/
Don't assume, you can look up the council tax bands on the VOA website:
http://www.voa.gov.uk/council_tax/cti_home.htm

GDB2222

Chocolate*fish wrote: »

No lift to prop 2 - so good point on the grocery haul - however, its not a high-rise; only two levels so not too bad.

No lift generally means lower service charges.

Also, and this is a really big plus point in my view, you get better value for money with grocery deliveries if there is no lift.

PasturesNew

Chocolate*fish wrote: »

@PasturesNew - How do I find out about covenants? Isn't that something I can only do once the solicitors take a look at deeds?

Have you seen the HIPs for these two properties? Ask to see them, see what's in there.

Made_Without

the brain-ache continues

so property one - the offer had been rejected - wanting 10k more to seal deal.
I put in offer on property 2 (same as property one) and havent had a response (although the EA suggested the vendor would be looking at 10k more too)

So my plan had been to see what Property 2 came back with (accept or reject) and then up offers by 5k and that would be the ceiling.

But I had property 1 EA call me at 6.40pm to ask if I was willing to up the offer -even by 2.5k. I said no and he said ok, he'd speak to vendor - he called back to say vendor was consider.

So now in effect both have offers on at the same price. What a web.

@firefox - could I PM you the properties - you may have more wise advice for me to consider

C*F

Fire_Fox

Of course, I'd be honoured!

Made_Without

@firefox - done.

Muchos gracias!

C*F