Buying a flat and want to take my cat...advice please

Biophysics_Guy

Thanks....this is what I thought. UK people are generally animal lovers and lots of people live in flats. I can't see people abandoning their pets just because they live in a flat. As for buying a house, yes, it is something I have considered, but I think it would be pushing my finances too hard as I'd be the only person paying the mortgage.

Biophysics_Guy

Thank you. I can fully understand why some pets might cause problems with noise, mess etc, but as you say, a litter tray trained house cat who has had all inoculations and regular flea treatment shouldn't cause any problems. She doesn't even meiow, so no noise issues either.

Biophysics_Guy

The reason I'd like freehold, or share of freehold is that I've read about leaseholders who have had problems with management companies charging whatever fees they want for service charges, building maintenance, insurance etc. Apparently if the flat owners have freehold, or share of freehold, they have far more control over how maintenance work, insurance is sourced and paid for.

However, this is my first venture into the property market, and please feel free to correct me if I've got the wrong idea.

bouicca21

If you are really worried ask the vendor to show you the lease, or instruct your solicitor not to do any work until he/she has had sight of the lease.

It's a good idea to check the lease early in the process anyway - you will need to be sure that the actual length of the lease matches up with what the EA tells you.

Biophysics_Guy

Excellent advice, thank you.

I'm 100% certain that my cat ownership wouldn't give anyone any problems or cause for concern.

Biophysics_Guy

Good idea, and yes, I will definitely want to see the lease as early on in the process as possible. Thank you.

kinger101

Biophysics_Guy wrote: »

The reason I'd like freehold, or share of freehold is that I've read about leaseholders who have had problems with management companies charging whatever fees they want for service charges, building maintenance, insurance etc. Apparently if the flat owners have freehold, or share of freehold, they have far more control over how maintenance work, insurance is sourced and paid for.

However, this is my first venture into the property market, and please feel free to correct me if I've got the wrong idea.

That control over the maintenance of the property extends who other freeholders in the building. Who might decide they're not happy paying to get things fixed. Or perhaps those on the ground floor think the leaking roof isn't their problem.

You'll need to make sure there's a mechanism in place to get repairs done.

carefullycautious

If you buy a flat with its own front door and no communal areas you will be ok to have your pet.

kazwookie

Ask the seller, if anyone in the block has a cat.

Ask the seller to show you the lease or a copy of it.

seven-day-weekend

Biophysics_Guy wrote: »

The reason I'd like freehold, or share of freehold is that I've read about leaseholders who have had problems with management companies charging whatever fees they want for service charges, building maintenance, insurance etc. Apparently if the flat owners have freehold, or share of freehold, they have far more control over how maintenance work, insurance is sourced and paid for.

However, this is my first venture into the property market, and please feel free to correct me if I've got the wrong idea.

If it's freehold then you won't have a lease, will you? You'll be the freeholder!