buying an ex council house. what should I be aware of?

first_time_buyer.....

Cautious_Optimist wrote: »

Would the restrictive covenant permit an extension?

I haven't asked this question. I will ask the agent now

Cautious_Optimist

first_time_buyer..... wrote: »

Thanks for your advice. The price for privately built house is around £125k, some better street nearby would be around £150k. the first house(with conservatory and garage) I almost bought was for £110k but after I was let down by the owner, the estate agent told me that the property is in one of the worst area in that area. Before that she was telling me the house is beautiful, area isnt bad etc. The estate agent said because the area is rough that's why it's only £110k for a 3 bedroom semi detached

This council house is £110k as well, bigger rooms but no conservatory. What do you think?

Well, obviously the EA works for the vendor, not you.
At that price, they may be working on a fixed fee basis and will just want to sell the house ASAP.

If the area is rough, then it makes no difference if your house is ex-council or not.
But a lot of areas get called "rough" and in fact are perfectly fine.

My advice is to walk around the area at different times of day and night. Walk, not drive.

Knock on a few neighbours' doors.
(Obviously leave a card with your number first - don't just knock and wake up someone on nights!)
Ask how long they've lived there, plans to move, how many houses are owner occupied etc.

Don't take any notice of these "crime level" websites.
They are a completely useless gimmick.

Mallotum_X

Check whether the house is freehold or leasehold and whether there are any maintenance fees. Whilst houses typically don't attract annual maintenance fees, some ex-council/housing association properties do end up with a commitment to pay towards grass cutting etc on the estate.

As much as possible try and get independent info. The estate agent may just say anything to get you to commit, rather than give correct info.

Cautious_Optimist

first_time_buyer..... wrote: »

I haven't asked this question. I will ask the agent now

The restrictive covenant usually means you don't have the usual permitted development rights of a private house.
That's why ex-council houses are cheaper.
But if the house is big enough already, I wouldn't worry about it.

I predict large gardens (and separate dining rooms) will become more popular over the next 10 years anyway...

Cautious_Optimist

Mallotum_X wrote: »

Check whether the house is freehold or leasehold and whether there are any maintenance fees. Whilst houses typically don't attract annual maintenance fees, some ex-council/housing association properties do end up with a commitment to pay towards grass cutting etc on the estate.

As much as possible try and get independent info. The estate agent may just say anything to get you to commit, rather than give correct info.

Also check who owns any access roads and paths etc.

Regarding the restrictive covenant:
It will probably be the same for all the ex-council houses nearby.
So if you can find a friendly neighbour nearby, they may well know.
They may even be able to show you a copy of theirs.

Cautious_Optimist

first_time_buyer..... wrote: »

The vendors arent sure when it was built. They think that it was built in the 1930s

Definitely check it's not "Non Standard Construction".

Cautious_Optimist

SnooksNJ wrote: »

The worst ones were the mean girls, totally rude and full of resentment. .

Resentment about what?

Cautious_Optimist

first_time_buyer..... wrote: »

Hi All,

Another problem I find it quite strange is the vendor said that he bought that house from a private owner in 2009 but I couldn’t find any sale history of the house at all. I’ve checked almost all website including land registry.gov but can’t find anys ale history at all.


Thanks

Ask the estate agent about this.
Will be interesting to hear what they say...

first_time_buyer.....

Cautious_Optimist wrote: »

Ask the estate agent about this.
Will be interesting to hear what they say...

This was her reply

Further to your email I can only provide the estimated figure which the vendor honestly believes is the case regarding what is still council etc and cannot comment on the accuracy of anything you have found on the internet – I would advise you to look around the estate. Not all sales do show up on the internet – the exact date and transaction will be on the title information document which will be included in the contract pack which will be sent to your solicitors. I should be grateful if you could confirm your solicitors details together with proof of funds in order for me to send appropriate paperwork to all parties.

first_time_buyer.....

Mallotum_X wrote: »

Check whether the house is freehold or leasehold and whether there are any maintenance fees. Whilst houses typically don't attract annual maintenance fees, some ex-council/housing association properties do end up with a commitment to pay towards grass cutting etc on the estate.

As much as possible try and get independent info. The estate agent may just say anything to get you to commit, rather than give correct info.

I've asked the vendors if its freehold/leasehold they said it's freehold and no fee to pay.. but I will get more independent info as advised.. thanks