Buying a flat but just been told by friend one of flats in Block is an 'adult' studio

FTBuyeruk

G_M wrote: »

What is the access/security like?

Can the undesirables gain easy access to communal areas? Are the hallways littered with needles? Dark/gloomy? Have you seen undesirables hanging around?

What have the other flat owners said to you when you asked? You aren't buying a flat without having spoken to other residents are you.....? :eek:

As to the lease issue, I agree the definition of 'immoral' is likely to be ambiguous, and to change over time. Is there a 'no business' clause in the lease? Likely to be more clear-cut!

Access to communal entrance is via key or intercom buzzer and outside lighting is probably sufficient (I havent seen inside communal entrance as I cant access the flat Im interested in from it which kind of sucks as I have to pay service charge to maintain it). I havent seen any evidence of undesirables but I think I may pop around to chat with some of the current tennants to see if they are aware of the flat, they certainly never said anything to me about it and I suspect they may be unaware and good call on business address as Im sure there was a no business use clause as well which with them using it as a registered address is much more clean cut.

Armorica

They could be great neighbours....

Time permitting, spend some time parked near the flats and observe whether there are actually lots of being going in and out.

If it's during the day time, would you be at home then?

There is also a possiblity that could you mention to the management company now and negotiate a cheaper price.

FTBuyeruk

Pixie5740 wrote: »

I suppose it wouldn't be that different to anyone else running a business from one of the flats. My ex-landlady used to do alternative therapies (I've never met such a good snake oil salesperson) from the flat I rented. The neighbours didn't like all the strangers hanging around outside, in the garden and in the communal areas. One even asked when she was going to install a red light.

The parking uncertainty and the fact that it's a studio are what would be the real deal breakers for me. Any chance you could get a mortgage and buy a 1 bedroom flat. I know you've already spent £1,000 but there's no point throwing good money after bad.

For clarity its not a studio flat they are 2 beds but more that the flat is being used as an adult film studio if you know what I mean

FTBuyeruk

AdrianC wrote: »

Seriously, if you're that worried about the neighbours and what they're up to, I don't think living in a flat is going to be for you...

If you can afford to buy this flat without a mortgage, might you be better off looking at a mortgage as a top-up to the purchase price, and buying somewhere more salubrious? The fact you've invested in the paperwork so far is nobody's problem but your own.

If you think that the filming is being done in the day, have you considered going round to the block in the day and seeing what's actually going on? Whether it IS a problem? If you're going to be working in the day, so can't get round there, then would you even know about the filming if it wasn't for the wonders of Google?

Im currently unemployed so mortgage not possible. I have, as due diligence been around at varying times of day/night and havent seen any problems.

G_M

FTBuyeruk wrote: »

.......(I havent seen inside communal entrance as I cant access the flat Im interested in from it

I havent seen any evidence of undesirables but I think I may pop around to chat with some of the current tennants.

So you don't even share a common entrance with this dodgy flat?

And desite "I have .. been around at varying times of day/night and havent seen any problems." you've seen no undesirables?

I think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.

But yes, speak to other residents. You should always do this before buying anyway!

fishpond

Armorica wrote: »

They could be great neighbours....

Time permitting, spend some time parked near the flats and observe whether there are actually lots of being going in and out.

If it's during the day time, would you be at home then?

There is also a possiblity that could you mention to the management company now and negotiate a cheaper price.

Love it:T:T:rotfl::rotfl:

FTBuyeruk

G_M wrote: »

.....
But yes, speak to other residents. You should always do this before buying anyway!

I have spoken to other tenants in the block before making an offer but as I said none mentioned anything

kerri_gt

You say your friend showed you the details - have you actually checked these yourself - is the business still registered (could have moved, gone bust - pardon the pun, etc etc)

If you haven't checked the details are you 100% sure its in the block you're looking at, lots of flats built in the same area / road / development at the same time have the same layout.

Perhaps on a positive, different people being around at different times for one purpose might put off less desirables (eg burglars) as there would never necessarily be a set pattern of 'quiet time' to break into a property, and a risk of witnesses.

Guest101

Could this just be the registered business address and filming take place on various off site locations?

I would imagine ( wrong use if the word I guess!) the owner doesn't especially want to be changing their bed sheets numerous times a day...

FTBuyeruk

@Kerri gt - Yes I checked details myself still registered, Same Block

@Guest101 - From what I saw on the website they do shoot in various locations but last 6 or so at the registered address pics matched with archive rightmove photos