Drain CCTV surveys for flats

Ybe

If buying a leasehold flat, is there a point in getting a drain CCTV survey?  I believe most of the drainage system (outside your demise) would be the responsibility of the freeholder? Is there a point getting deans surveyed within your demise? 

eddddy

Ybe said:

If buying a leasehold flat, is there a point in getting a drain CCTV survey?  I believe most of the drainage system (outside your demise) would be the responsibility of the freeholder? Is there a point getting deans surveyed within your demise? 

Just to make sure you realise what that means.

The freeholder is responsible for arranging repair of the drains - but the leaseholders are responsible for paying for the repairs.

So, for example, if there are 5 flats in a block, and the drains need £20k worth of major repairs, it's likely that each leaseholder would have to pay £4k.

It would be the same for any other building maintenance and repairs. For example, if a new roof was required costing £50k, the 5 leaseholders would have to pay £10k each.

But, in this case, it might be more usual to start by making a pre-contract enquiry about the condition of the drains. i.e. Is the seller or freeholder aware of any potential problems with the drains. Has the freeholder carried out any repairs or maintenance to the drains in recent years? Does the freeholder carry out periodic CCTV inspections of the drains etc?

How has the question of a drain survey come up? Is there some specific concern?

Ybe

eddddy said:

Ybe said:

If buying a leasehold flat, is there a point in getting a drain CCTV survey?  I believe most of the drainage system (outside your demise) would be the responsibility of the freeholder? Is there a point getting deans surveyed within your demise? 

Just to make sure you realise what that means.

The freeholder is responsible for arranging repair of the drains - but the leaseholders are responsible for paying for the repairs.

So, for example, if there are 5 flats in a block, and the drains need £20k worth of major repairs, it's likely that each leaseholder would have to pay £4k.

It would be the same for any other building maintenance and repairs. For example, if a new roof was required costing £50k, the 5 leaseholders would have to pay £10k each.

But, in this case, it might be more usual to start by making a pre-contract enquiry about the condition of the drains. i.e. Is the seller or freeholder aware of any potential problems with the drains. Has the freeholder carried out any repairs or maintenance to the drains in recent years? Does the freeholder carry out periodic CCTV inspections of the drains etc?

How has the question of a drain survey come up? Is there some specific concern?

There’s no specific concerns. It’s just a general question.