Minor internal works in ex council flats

Ybe

Is it Normal that flats where the freehold is owned by the council are quite restrictive in terms of leaseholders even carrying out minor work such as retiling floors or installing new kitchens? The few I’ve come across seem to only allow work to be carried out by suppliers on their approved list, they also require landlords consent for any work other than painting walls, and fees and paperwork for gaining consent. 

MovingForwards

Yes, it's normal. Even properties where the council are not the freeholder, have similar restrictions.

Ybe

MovingForwards said:

Yes, it's normal. Even properties where the council are not the freeholder, have similar restrictions.

So basically it will cost more and take more time than initially thought to renovate any leasehold flat? And so buying a place to do up as a first time buyer generally isn’t wise? 

AdrianC

Ybe said:
And so buying a place to do up as a first time buyer generally isn’t wise? 

Apart from anything else, that's a recipe for underestimation of time/cost/complication, and losing the will to live...

user1977

Ybe said:

MovingForwards said:

Yes, it's normal. Even properties where the council are not the freeholder, have similar restrictions.

So basically it will cost more and take more time than initially thought to renovate any leasehold flat? 

No, it's down to the terms of the lease. I suspect it's unusual for the freeholders to have retained that level of control, and you've possibly just been "unlucky" in the examples you've looked at so far.

MovingForwards

Ybe said:

MovingForwards said:

Yes, it's normal. Even properties where the council are not the freeholder, have similar restrictions.

So basically it will cost more and take more time than initially thought to renovate any leasehold flat? And so buying a place to do up as a first time buyer generally isn’t wise? 

Not necessarily, it's all down to the lease and that's why some people will not buy leasehold properties.

It's also all about how you approach things. Large costs can be broken down and done a bit at a time.
 
As a FTB I purchased a dated flat, had a couple of hundred quid in the bank after moving in and then started saving to make whatever changes I want. It's my home regardless of the age / style of the interior. A few pots of paint and my possessions have turned it into a palace. I'm in Scotland, therefore things are a bit different.
It's a risk I took when buying in that a good flat cane be made even better and it's an expense I've accounted for or a rejection I will get over.

Is this your home or a flip to make money? 

Ybe

MovingForwards said:

Ybe said:

MovingForwards said:

Yes, it's normal. Even properties where the council are not the freeholder, have similar restrictions.

So basically it will cost more and take more time than initially thought to renovate any leasehold flat? And so buying a place to do up as a first time buyer generally isn’t wise? 

Not necessarily, it's all down to the lease and that's why some people will not buy leasehold properties.

It's also all about how you approach things. Large costs can be broken down and done a bit at a time.
 
As a FTB I purchased a dated flat, had a couple of hundred quid in the bank after moving in and then started saving to make whatever changes I want. It's my home regardless of the age / style of the interior. A few pots of paint and my possessions have turned it into a palace. I'm in Scotland, therefore things are a bit different.
It's a risk I took when buying in that a good flat cane be made even better and it's an expense I've accounted for or a rejection I will get over.

Is this your home or a flip to make money? 

It’s a home to live in.