basement flats

amyparr

I'm going to look at a flat/maisonette tonight, and on paper it looks great. My only reservation is that it is on the ground and lower ground floors.

What are people's opinions on lower ground floor flats? Would you buy one if it was good value for money?

seabright

It would depend on the amount of natural light that came in, for me.

Also, don't skimp on the survey, basement flats will be the first part of a property to show problems with damp, subsidence, dry & wet rot etc. Get a Homebuyers Survey at least, preferably a Full Structural Survey

Oldernotwiser

I lived very happily in a garden flat for many year with no problems,although it does depend on the light situation. They're often larger than the flats above because of no stairwell and can be a good way of buying a flat with its own garden.

scottishblondie

I have a ground/elevated ground maisonette, which is a lovely flat but I do sometimes take issue with the lack of natural light downstairs and a lack of privacy - people walking past seem to automatically look in my windows, which are just lower than ground level at the front of the building.

Also watch out for damp, especially if it is an older building, and remember that any problems above you inevitably end up in your flat! (leaky pipes, blocked pipes, dripping boilers, badly installed washing machines... all have happened in the last 6 years and resulted in damage to my property)

princeofpounds

I've stayed in one for a bit myself - if they are well maintained and laid out then I'd quite happily stay in one again.

Some points to watch are when & how much sun you get into living areas and bedrooms, and ensuring that bathroom has adequate ventilation.

Fire_Fox

I wouldn't want to live in a basement flat, but I would certainly consider a duplex ground floor and basement. providing the bedrooms were downstairs and the layout and ventilation were good. Bedrooms and bathrooms are prone to condensation so humidistat extractors or a PIV system may be necessary. Agree that you should get a full structural survey OR a homebuyer's report plus a paid for independent timber and damp survey (NOT a free damp company quotation).

amyparr

The flat I'm seeing has a bedroom, lounge and kitchen on the ground floor (on a very quiet residential road) with 2 further bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs.

It also has a small patio garden.

I like the look of it but am worried that it might be difficult to sell - conversely having 3 bedrooms and a garden in North London might be quite attractive to young families etc.

solodanceparty

I would never live on the ground floor, especially if it's in the city centre. The last thing I'd want is a drunk banging on my window in the middle of the night, or people looking in as they walk by. I'd never be able to have curtains or my window open.

Fire_Fox

Anything will sell if it is priced appropriately, make sure you don't pay over the odds for this flat and don't get overinflated ideas when you come to sell on. Look at land registry sold prices for the street and area to get a feel for the flat's true value.

amyparr

Bump - anyone else got any views on this? Anyone had trouble selling a ground and lower ground flat in London?

Thanks!

barrybarryr

I've lived in a basement flat twice. Both have ended up getting damp.

I would never do it again.

People look in, its easier for burglars, dirt and rubbish from the street blew down by the door and it didn't get much light.

My rule is now first floor or above.