"Deck access" flats. Are they worth it? 10 January 2022 at 1:53PM in House buying, renting & selling 19 replies 2.8K views

Owleyes00

I envisaged “deck access” as being ground floor with decking and you access the flat by patio doors 😂

diggingdude

Owleyes00 said:

I envisaged “deck access” as being ground floor with decking and you access the flat by patio doors 😂

Same, or some sort of rooftop terrace

manitravels

Grumpy_chap said:

sammyjammy said:

https://misfitsarchitecture.com/2021/01/31/deck-access/

So, for me, to answer the OP's question "Would deck access put you off buying or is not a problem at all" - not a problem at all as far as I am concerned.

As for the concern about the dampener on price rise - these flats have been cheaper than the more modern (smaller) blocks for some time.  They were cheaper when I was growing up, they were cheaper when I was leaving home (hence why they were attractive as a FTB), and they are cheaper today.  What you do get, which actually brings the price point back up, is they are very spacious compared to the more modern blocks so can be more suitable if there is a family.  Plus the larger blocks mean the communal space is of a size that children can actually play and there is an area with play equipment, unlike the postage stamp communal space that the smaller, more modern blocks have.  In fact, these flats are jolly good value for money - they always have been and always will be - that does mean they are cheaper now and will be cheaper when sold but that percentage below the other properties for the space you get is about the same impact factored into both ends of the deal.

Ah ok so you wouldn't be against it. And from what you're saying any negative factor would already be priced in vs newer/modern developments. 

I agree with your point regarding good value for money. Some of these ex LA are really spacious in comparison to their new build counter parts. The previous owner was living there with their wife and kids but now they plan to move out to leafier parts of outer London. 

Thanks for your comments. 

deannagone

To be honest, deck access has some clear advantages given the fire in the block of flats with enclosed stairwells in the US.  I have no idea why a lender would say no to lending on deck access flats as apposed to other types of flat design. 

sammyjammy

My fear (over active imagination) that if I were to live in the end one and the person next to me was a scary violent drug dealer I'd be scared to leave my flat 

deannagone

But that could happen in any flat, not be a particular problem because of so called 'deck access' surely?  All flats whether an enclosed or unenclosed passageway will have an 'end' flat.

saajan_12

From Collins Dictionary:

deck-access

adjective. (of a block of flats) having a continuous inset balcony at each level onto which the front door of each flat on that level opens.

user1977

deannagone said:

But that could happen in any flat, not be a particular problem because of so called 'deck access' surely?  All flats whether an enclosed or unenclosed passageway will have an 'end' flat.

The point is that deck access flats tend to have a more substantial "street in the sky" rather than just two or three doors off each landing. Generally the problem is their reputation as being associated with developments with antisocial behaviour and which have tended to be redeveloped.

manitravels

So the bank has refused the mortgage application because of deck access even though we were upfront about the deck access, and them saying they are open to it. The journey continues....