HELP HELP - Freeholder issues when buying a flat

LoopyLuna_2

=O im actually very shocked at what people will do for money... well actually no im not but still shall have to keep my eyes peeled if i do buy a leasehold =/ Im starting to doubt if there are any benefits from buying a leasehold.

Ulfar

I was going to post that the benefit of leasehold is that you don't have to get involved in the maintenance of the building just pay your share.

However from my experience and from what I have read on here, some firms are buying freeholds and using them as a cash cow.

When this happens you then have more of a fight than if you had bought a freehold house.

Its a bit of a minefield.

Edit : I am not sure that there is much advantage over renting when owning a leasehold flat.

LoopyLuna_2

well looking at that website firefox mentioned the costs have to be reasonable.Therefore I am assuming that if they are completely ridiculous, I can challenge them. Well guys thank you for all your help I shall keep you posted =]

Fire_Fox

LoopyLuna wrote: »

well looking at that website firefox mentioned the costs have to be reasonable.Therefore I am assuming that if they are completely ridiculous, I can challenge them. Well guys thank you for all your help I shall keep you posted =]

You can challenge service charges and there is plenty of legislation in place to help you do so, all of which is explained on the LEASE website. The mistake many leaseholders make is to make a half-*rsed attempt at it: they don't bother to write recorded delivery letters or randomly withhold money. If you have a troublesome management company or freeholder there is massive time investment required and you need to be super organised. Having said all that I am about £4K in profit from my dispute so it can be worthwhile.

LoopyLuna_2

My g**, £4k what they trying charge you through the nose for ?
A very high spec light bulb ? =/ scary