Buying flat in Scotland - another what to offer thread

bitsandpieces

Thanks again. Yes, I have put a note of interest on the property. At the time, I was told that this was the only note on there - so don't see any signs of it going to an imminent closing date. It's a nice flat, but I wouldn't be devastated to lose it - nice flats in the area come up regularly - so if someone does want to offer over the OO price (or the owner wants to leave it empty while they hold out for it) I'll pass on the property.

It's a cheap market compared to other parts of Scotland, but still by far the most expensive thing I've bought :eek: This is one of the dearer flats in a cheap market, too.

HAMISH_MCTAVISH

bitsandpieces wrote: »

It's a cheap market compared to other parts of Scotland, but still by far the most expensive thing I've bought :eek: This is one of the dearer flats in a cheap market, too.

Out of curiosity, and given how cheap Dundee still is at the moment, any reason you're not looking at a house?

In any of these markets like Dundee that have been slow to recover but are now starting to rise again, this will probably be the last opportunity for a long while to skip the entry level of housing.

bitsandpieces

I have looked at some small houses. Unless I spent quite a bit more, I wouldn't get significantly more space in a house in a nice area (a flat with big but fewer rooms vs a house with more but small rooms). I also wouldn't get somewhere as light and with such nice views.

I have thought about moving further out or to a less desirable area. I do want to be near to the centre, though, and the more central areas with cheaper houses bring the risk of hassles around dealing etc.

I know flats have downsides around noise etc. I also don't get a garden with a flat (which doesn't bother me, but may be an issue when selling). the flats I'm looking at are in an established part of town - flats there have been selling OK for decades, so hopefully they'll continue doing so! I think I'd go for a nice flat over an OK-ish house, though if people think I'm being silly I'd be happy to hear the counter-arguments!

ecgirl07

when you say the roof needs work, what do you mean? If the roof needs work you need to look into who Factors the building and how they will deal with this.

Damp in a tennament flat would put me off because it could be coming from the neighbours and you would never be rid of the issue.
if they werent fussed for fixing it.

googler

Roof + Damp in traditional tenement = Walk Away, especially if it's a top floor flat

Unlikely to be a Factor, so all owners are jointly liable for common repairs, if any are needed. You need to be VERY clear as to what the current situation is - have there been quotes for any work, is there any bank account maintained jointly by the building, etc etc .

bitsandpieces

Thanks. I have got quotes for the roof work - it should be factored, but given that this can be hard to get money from other owners for (it is the top flat, so I'd be in rather more of a hurry to get it fixed than others!) any offer would reflect the risk I might get landed with the bill myself. You'd walk away, though?

aggypanthus

We paid 6k under the report value for a spacious 2 bed, 3 yrs ago.Scotland, but 10 mns from a big town. Zoopla prices make no sense.

HAMISH_MCTAVISH

bitsandpieces wrote: »

factored,

I'd personally go for a maisonette over a tenement flat any day, more control, (usually) less hassle, more privacy, garden, etc.

As I say though, Dundee is cheap.

Houses should be within reach of most....

And if you're stressed about such a major purchase, why buy something that probably isn't a permanent home?

Prices are likely to rise for the next decade or more, there's unlikely to be a better time to snap up a bargain on a house than now while prices remain so cheap.

googler

bitsandpieces wrote: »

Thanks. I have got quotes for the roof work - it should be factored, but given that this can be hard to get money from other owners for (it is the top flat, so I'd be in rather more of a hurry to get it fixed than others!) any offer would reflect the risk I might get landed with the bill myself. You'd walk away, though?

I've done my time in (say) 100-year old tenements. You're at the mercy of others' poor maintenance, at the mercy of 100-year old materials which possibly haven't been maintained since the day the place was built.....

Yes, if there's no firm evidence of proper maintenance and a decent roof prior to moving in, I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.

Moving in WITH issues like those, and no firm indication of who'll be paying for them.....

bitsandpieces

Thanks googler - I'll keep that in mind and be extra-cautious with this.

Hamish, I'd be happy enough to live in a flat until I leave in a wooden box I've no plans for kids and don't want any pets. Of course things may change, but I wouldn't be upset if I never own a house. I appreciate that there are benefits in terms of more control etc. though.