Initial surveyors thoughts....

Brokenlynx

Hi, 

I'm currently partly through the process of buying a first floor, share of freehold flat in London. 

The flat is a conversion of a semi-detached early 1900s build, a few days ago the surveyor I'd hired did the initial survey of the property both externally and internally (RICS level 3). 

The full report is yet to be sent to me, but via an informal call with the surveyor following they've let me know that whilst the flat is internally sound there are number of external issues with the building that have been noted. 

I've yet to receive the full report but the issues include: flat roof damage, damaged boundary walls, poor brickwork around modified windows, some evidence of damp etc. There are more issues than I've mentioned, but at this point the surveyor has said I wouldn't be wrong in asking for some reduction in the purchase price.

With this in mind the surveyor has also suggested inquiring about the likelihood of other members of the freehold being willing to contribute to future repairs or a fund for this purpose. 

My questions are as follows: 

• Does anyone have any prior experience making these kinds of requests, pre-purchase, in a share of freehold? How do you approach it as a potential buyer?
• Is there any legal framework (or insurance) by which the members of a share of freehold can be required to attend to such issues?
• Are there any further questions you think I should ask of the surveyor, prior to the publication of a full report that are useful to getting a better understanding of the extent of the issues and whether any are 'dealbreakers'?

Thanks in advance.

RM_2013

I don’t have any experience of a similar situation but can you solicitor advise you about other freeholders sharing the cost of repairs?

The house we are hoping to buy is a terrace of 3 and all are freehold and owned privately.  The vendor mentioned that they have good relations with their neighbours and for example they all agreed to have the front render painted and split the costs 3 ways but I’m guessing this was an informal arrangement reached on goodwill.

Personally I’d wait until receiving the full report from the surveyor and work through each of the points made.  You can always speak to the surveyor for further clarity on the points made, you can then look at what may be potentially a deal breaker for you 

jj_43

I suggest your offer is based upon the condition of the property.  "poor brickwork around modified windows" could indicate the issue is not considered important by the other leaseholders/freeholder. You are buying into a share of the building and works to it may or may not be undertaken. Buildings are often not perfect and the issues may not indicate a problem if there are plans and works in place to fix them. But your info suggest this is not the situation.

The terms of the lease should set out how these issues are dealt with.

Perhaps consider how you would feel in two years when you see the damaged boundary walls have not been fixed? can you go with the flow and accept some things are not in your control.