Buying an ex-local authority flat

Owain_Moneysaver

Roof construction should be ascertainable by asking the council, although some of the neighbours may know. You will have to instruct the surveyor specifically to inspect the roof and obtain the keys, as otherwise it will be classed as 'no access, inspection not possible' regardless of the type of survey paid for.

You might also want to check a few sample quotes for insurance as it is more difficult to get a competitive quote on a flat-roofed building.

InterestedParty2018

Construction methods aside - I read that your primary concern is limiting/preparing for the risk of a large bill.

With all property there is always a risk... even a freehold house will require a new roof at some stage. (Albeit, I appreciate that a surveyor will be able to inspect and offer you a reasonable time scale for replacement.)

I would ask the freeholder/managing agent when the roof was last replaced and/or likely to be replaced, and if any prices had been obtained. What reserve is in place (if any) for future major works.

Major works (like roof replacement) are subject to consultation, so you will have some time to prepare for large bills... especially if payment plans are available, as you have previously mentioned.

I would recommend that once you purchase a leasehold property, that you have savings in place for unforeseen expenditure. Roof aside, the external fabric of the building will require maintenance from time to time. Scaffolding, CDM, Surveyors fees, agents fees & VAT can easily make a £50k job a £100k job!

z1a

Never understood people who buy into a multi occupancy building with all the potential noisy or antisocial people above, below, and sideways to you.

I'd rather live in a tent.

Lioness_Twinkletoes

You also need to check the following:

• Lift (if there is one) they are also eye wateringly expensive
• Windows and doors - to the whole block. Make sure they're relatively new
• Guttering/downpipes/brickwork

How often is the painting done (internal) to the block and when was it last done?

When reading the Homebuyers pack, read it very carefully. You are looking for Notice of Intentions and Notice of Estimates. They indicate works are imminent.

Also, check the servicce charges carefully. Oil heating is astronomical and buildings insurance has just (more than) doubled across all our stock. Ask if you can be removed from the communal heating service; it is often cheaper to have stand alone bills.

Final point, make sure the vendor offers a retention for the Actuals due in September. If it's a debit, you'll have to pay.

Good luck!

jonnygee2

You also need to check the following:
Lift (if there is one) they are also eye wateringly expensive
Windows and doors - to the whole block. Make sure they're relatively new
Guttering/downpipes/brickwork

No lift (thank goodness). Windows are new double glazed. Haven't thought about guttering will check! There isn't much internal space to paint (just a small covered area leading to the single level of deck access) but it looks relatively new. Service charge + ground rent is £1500 which is one reason it's attractive (the HTB new builds all had service charge + ground rent of £3000+!). Heating is a gas boiler in the flat (which is ancient but a replacement is budgeted).

In general all your advice has been incredibly helpful so thank you! Will check the management pack carefully. I'll probably need that luck ;-).

Roof construction should be ascertainable by asking the council, although some of the neighbours may know.

This may actually be the excuse to introduce myself to the neighbours I've been looking for. I'd really like to get an idea of who they are before moving in.

Never understood people who buy into a multi occupancy building with all the potential noisy or antisocial people above, below, and sideways to you.

It probably wouldn't take you long to figure this one out, so might be worth taking a moment to think about it?

z1a

"It probably wouldn't take you long to figure this one out, so might be worth taking a moment to think about it?"

No, took me about 1 second to figure it out when I was about 12.

Wasn't meaning you specifically, but people in general who buy into those sort of properties.

Would still rather live in a tent!

jonnygee2

Would still rather live in a tent!

There isn't even anywhere to pitch a tent where I live! There are canal barge slums but in terms of neighbours I don't think they are a huge improvement.

This place only has two adjacent properties - one below and one to the side - and is concreted in between floors. The main bedroom is not adjacent to anything and the living room is only above a property. This is the best I'm getting unfortunately.

z1a

jonnygee2 wrote: »

There isn't even anywhere to pitch a tent where I live! There are canal barge slums but in terms of neighbours I don't think they are a huge improvement.

This place only has two adjacent properties - one below and one to the side - and is concreted in between floors. The main bedroom is not adjacent to anything and the living room is only above a property. This is the best I'm getting unfortunately.

Well in your case that's not a bad apartment.
It's more a case of when you'd have people above you that could be a nightmare.

Best of luck with it.