Buying new builds

Ndp

Thanks for your comment.

It's true if everyone opted out who would look after the area, but our specific plot and surrounding areas are going to be handed to the council. If our roads, trees and driveway were looked after by the maintenance company I would be okay (ish) for a company to organise and maintain the area, however our plot, close, roads will be handed over to the council. Call me crazy!

Should I be paying for someone to trim trees that are a couple of streets away?

Have you or anyone heard or had experience of this?

I know what your saying about the reviews, that was the developers and management companies argument too. BUT, they should incentivise some of their flag flyers to write good reviews or at least an okay review...

Looking for peace of mind and appreciate any advice moving forward in this situation

NeilCr

Ndp wrote: »

Thanks for your comment.

It's true if everyone opted out who would look after the area, but our specific plot and surrounding areas are going to be handed to the council. If our roads, trees and driveway were looked after by the maintenance company I would be okay (ish) for a company to organise and maintain the area, however our plot, close, roads will be handed over to the council. Call me crazy!

Should I be paying for someone to trim trees that are a couple of streets away?

Have you or anyone heard or had experience of this?

I know what your saying about the reviews, that was the developers and management companies argument too. BUT, they should incentivise some of their flag flyers to write good reviews or at least an okay review...

Looking for peace of mind and appreciate any advice moving forward in this situation

You do tend to pay for something you don't use. On our estate, for example, we have quite expensive gates for car access. We have people who don't have a car but they still pay..... It's impossible to work out a system that is completely fair to everyone.

I do get where you are coming from but, honestly, you will be very lucky to be able to opt out.

If you are that worried about the agents why not ask if someone can give you a couple of (local) reference sites. We've just changed agents and we did that. If they give you some it will give you a bit of balance. If they don't then your question may be answered. Again, it would be useful to find out if there is any intention for you guys to get the freehold. That does make a big difference
as you control and can hire and fire the agents

Ndp

Good point

The developers are suggesting every buyer is on a committee for the agency and there will be a board to make decisions but I wonder how easy this will be in reality to fire and re-appoint a new agent?

Again, I have heard horror stories where the agent has sold their contract to a new agency and fees all of a sudden escalate.

This is what concerns me - all the hidden and unexpected fees and costs.

Coupled with the bad reviews we want to know all of the facts if that's possible!

Although the developer won't give too many details until we engage our solicitors...

NeilCr

Ndp wrote: »

Good point

The developers are suggesting every buyer is on a committee for the agency and there will be a board to make decisions but I wonder how easy this will be in reality to fire and re-appoint a new agent?

Again, I have heard horror stories where the agent has sold their contract to a new agency and fees all of a sudden escalate.

This is what concerns me - all the hidden and unexpected fees and costs.

Coupled with the bad reviews we want to know all of the facts if that's possible!

Although the developer won't give too many details until we engage our solicitors...

Not quite sure how that will work but we sacked our agents recently and it wasn't too awful. We had to give them six months notice but getting a new agent on board has been pretty smooth so far.

I've been a director of two estates over the last fifteen years. In general, the agents have been fine - except the last one where nothing ever got done. So we changed them!

As I said people tend to post horror stories as opposed to good news. If you do own the freehold you control the budget. I get you are worried but, sooner or later, you will have to make a decision. If it does scare you that much it may be that a new build with a Managing Agent isn't right for you.

I hope you work it out