Unoccupied flat

ohbilmey

Went to view a flat last night, it's unoccupied and the EA sent along their viewing person. It looks like the owner is deceased and relatives are selling. I had a lot of questions which the viewing agent couldn't answer so I'll put these to the EA on Monday (we couldn't find the boiler for example but there must be one as it's gas central heating - most odd, as they're not exactly tiny are they?) But I always like to know about neighbours etc (it's ground floor of a 4 in a block) and the family or EA may not know who they are, if they're tenants or owners etc. Do you think it would be reasonable to knock on a couple of doors to 'suss them out' as it were, or would that be unbelievably cheeky?

MacMickster

The boiler could be an old back boiler behind the fire - in which case you'll probably want to replace it.

I don't think that its uncommon to knock on a neighbour's door to suss out the area, but when its a block of 4 flats if there is a problem neighbour then its a 1 in 3 chance that its their door that you'll knock on first.

Also, if they don't like the look of you (or hope that a friend/relative can buy the flat cheaper if it doesn't sell) then they will happily describe in great detail the crimewave that hits the flats at twilight every night.

SuzieSue

I would definitely speak to as many of the neighbours as you can and also go round to the local small shops and find out what the area is like. The more people you speak to the more likely you are to find out the truth.

It always amazes me how people will make probably the biggest purchase of their life without speaking to any of the neighbours.

ovy_2

I would suggest you speak to the neighbors, I'm sure they'll be happy to help.

When I was looking at property, I looked at a new build, which had tenants/owners in already. I spoke to them, they explained the crime in the area, the main entrances getting broken into (crowbar marks too) cars getting broken into and post boxes getting broken into.

They explained it was a new build off a rough estate just across the road from the city. Pretty glad I spoke to them.

G_M

The EA is likely to know as little as the 'viewing' agent. You'll need to rely on your own detailed inspection, talking to the neighbours (yes, always do this), and your surveyor/heating engineer/etc.