Buying an Ex-council flat

AnotherFTB

I am thinking about buying an ex-council flat in a small block. The flat is on a long leasehold (over 100 years) and the freehold is owned by Islington council.

I would really appreciate some help/advice as to what things I should be concerned/asking about?

I have heard that in some circumstances where there are some council tenants and some private owners that the private owners can get caught with the bill for repairs etc - how do I go about finding out how bills etc will be split?

How much control does the freeholder have (I suppose it may depend entirely on what is said in the Lease) - like would we be able to replace the windows or is that something which is done centrally.

Should I be trying to find this sort of information out from the estate agent before putting an offer in - are they likely to know this kind of information?

This is my first post on here so I hope it is making sense. I would be very grateful for any responses/experience.

Thanks

JS2006

My grandad bought his council flat (i think you'd call it a garden flat) and I'm moving in. There was a bill for tile repairs. I don't mind paying since the living room juts out and it's technically my roof but I wouldn't be happy paying for the upper roof (there are 2 flats above mine)

I also pay factoring fees such as lighting for the stairs and stair cleaning, although you probably won't be charged for that. I don't think there'smuch you can do abotu them billing you either...

AnotherFTB

Thanks for that JS 2006

I was really wanting to know what I could find out before I bought it so that things don't come as a surprise and how I go about finding these things out?

Any ideas?

JS2006

Well I had an idea that I would be getting "common chanrges" but in the past month I have received 3 bills:

One for factoring charges - £178
One for cleaning the gutters - £30
and one for roof maintenance that is coming to around £200

I would really consider the fact that prices quoted for housing associations/councils etc will probably be a bit overpriced and you'll end up paying for it. I don't know of any other charges but no doubt knowing the council I'll soon find out!

Another thing I should have mentioned is that bills in my case are split into 6 and I pay a 6th (obviously)

You might be able to find some information on the Evening Times website regarding the Knightswood homeowners and GHA (who are also the ones who charge me) GHA want to do major works to a building which is owned mostly by private homeowners and they want them to pay about £6,000 each when the owners don't want it!

cattie

Your best bet is to speak to the vendor about these things as they are the ones who can answer your questions. Usually once you've offered on a flat the solicitor will investigate the terms of the lease for you.

In the case of a block with a percentange of tenants & leaseholders, the cost of works is estimated per flat, with adjustments made depending on if some flats are larger than others, & leaseholders then issued with their portion of the bill.

Be careful with Islington council as they are notorious for large improvement & maintance bills on many of the blocks they are carrying works out on.

As you mention new windows it sounds as if the block in question is in need of improvements so you need to be prepared for having to pay a portion towards any works that will be done in the future.