Do all leasehold properties have a service charge?

buzzyzoe

I've tried to find this out online, but I'm struggling somewhat. I know what any flat in a block will have a service charge, but what about maisonettes/house conversions?

I'm looking into buying a maisonette or conversion (London, if I was anywhere else in the country I'd definitely try and buy a freehold property), but was just wondering if there are leasehold properties without a service charge, or where the service charge is very low? Obviously it will probably depend on the individual property, but my budget is very tight, so if there are leasehold properties without a service charge, or with a low service charge, this would make things slightly more manageable budget-wise. Can anyone shed any light?

kingstreet

Leasehold houses tend not to have service charges, only ground rent.

Flats and maisonettes typically have both.

hazyjo

I lived in a converted Victorian house once (I had the upstairs flat) and there was no service charge.

You do need to find out who's responsible for things though, might be that the roof is a joint expense, or that the top floor flat foots the bill (just one example).

Always advisable to have some sort of joint fund for emergencies! I was very lucky where I was as nothing went wrong. My neighbours would occasionally do something like paint the small shared hallway (I had the stairs with my front door at the bottom), or tart something up (and change lightbulbs). No idea what would have happened if something major needed doing and neither of us, or only one of us, had the money!

Jx

Lokolo

Not all, mine doesn't, there are no shared areas.

buzzyzoe

Thanks all! That's what I figured, if there aren't any shared areas, there isn't much cause for a service charge. I will definitely keep in mind that I will need an emergency maintenance fund if I am responsible to roof repairs or similar.