FirstTimeBuyer, non-responsive council. Advise please!

Mich88

Hello, all. I'm new here but dutifully read everything related to my question here.

I'm a First time buyer, planning to make an offer on ex-council flat in South London, Brixton. I know the area, lived here in rental house. Find the flat suitable, although it needs massive renovation, I've got some quotes and took note of this +possible extra expences.

The (potential) problem is a non-responsive Counsil. I'm new to all this and need help.

The estate is not managed directly by a Council but by a Estate Management Board. I've been calling them for two weeks leaving messages and getting promises to call me back but nothing else. I think my questions are relevant but do I direct them to a correct people?

1) I want to know the exact figure for service charges and I'd like to get it in writing.

2) I'd like to see leasehold papers re letting (the plan is to live there for few years, then let it out)

3) At second veiwing saw coackroaches in the kitchen. I know this can be a problem in blocks of flats. Wanted to know what the council (or EMB in this case) normally does and who is to pay for it?

There's a few more questions but these above are the main ones. The Estate agent told me the ballpark figure for service charges and said there's no problem letting the flat but, he added, I should have this confirmed in writing from the Council (EMB). Apparently, EA don't keep any lease documents = "too many papers" for them. This kinda makes sense but where does it leave me, since I can't get hold of the Estate Management?

Am I being unreasonable in expecting EMB to respond to a non-(yet)-resident? Or if that's their usual attitude will I end up loosing tenants because of bugs invasion? Is this something to worry about at all?

kingstreet

If this is high-rise, how many floors in the block and what floor is this flat on? In addition, what's the construction type?

Have you checked it's mortgageable, if you need one?

Mich88

Yes, it is mortgageable. This side of things is pretty clear

First_Time_Buyer_Guru

Hi Mich88

You must persevere! Your questions are perfectly valid and reasonable. It's easy to forget that buying a home is the largest financial decision of most people's lives. It deserves absolutely every question answered. Make sure you keep calling until you force them into responding. You'll definitely need to establish an easy line of communication if you're intending to buy the flat.

Good luck hounding them!

Mich88

First Time Buyer Guru, thanks

To be honest I don't know what else I can do to get to them

By now it's two weeks of phoning them daily and couple of e-mails. I've even walked there and knocked on the door, no answer.

It really feels silly, not being able to get answer to basic simple questions. Should I walk away from a good deal just because no one from a Council would talk to a potential buyer and EA is somewhat passive?