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Major works

Hello all. 

I am at the tail end of the purchase of a property. We asked prior to putting in the offer if there were any major works planned (share of freehold flat). We previously pulled out of a sale because the windows needed replacing which would require scaffolding and the price wasn’t known. we were told no major works planned and when we asked if there was scaffolding planned for anything they also said no. However it has come to light that there is indeed the need for scaffolding to repair drains and the builders will need to enter the garden via our flat to get access to the garden (terrace house). They told us that this would cost £400 which they are happy to cover but when we asked for proof of quote it is now gone up to £500 each. All is an estimate. 

They also are unsure how long this will take. Any previous experience on the time scale for that? 


We put in full asking price for this property and are first time buyers so very green. 

What’s your thoughts on this? Do we negotiate on price ? What do you think our options could be ? We still want the property but not sure if this is a major red flag. We don’t want to move in only to have builders coming in with their dirty shoes and making a noise as I do shift work and need my sleep. 

 Our mortgage offer expires shortly so we don’t really have time to not sort this out quickly especially with new years and Xmas around the corner. 
«1

Comments

  • Martico
    Martico Posts: 1,123 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 14 November 2023 pm30 8:43PM
    Impossible to tell from here without details of what repairs are being done, but I wouldn't describe a £500 estimate as major works. That's probably under one day's labour for a couple of skilled labourers including minimal costs for materials.
    (Edit : I'm assuming one property - how many flats in the development?)
  • Thank you. Facia boards and application of new deep flow rainwater guttering is required.. 
  • MikeJXE
    MikeJXE Posts: 3,801 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    Terraced house ?

    2 Story ?

    Thats hardly expensive scaffold more like a scaffold tower would surface 
  • Thank you. Facia boards and application of new deep flow rainwater guttering is required.. 
    Definitely not what would be described as major works. 

    What's the link between the terrace house and the share of freehold flat. Got a bit confused about what you are actually buying the flat or the house?
  • Buying the ground floor flat of a 3 story converted terrace house 
  • Buying the ground floor flat of a 3 story converted terrace house 
    Thanks for clarifying.  So quite normal works. Any payment required over £250 per leaseholder should be subject to a valid section 20 notice and process. £500 sounds quite reasonable if they are suggesting £1500 all in.

  • That is general maintenance not major works!!
  • the only way to access the back of the property is through our flat though so what is putting us off is moving in and having work men having to enter through our brand new flat with scaffold poles etc.. we feel they have waited for us to move in to get it sorted so they don’t have to deal with it.. 
  • housebuyer143
    housebuyer143 Posts: 4,011 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 15 November 2023 am30 9:05AM
    the only way to access the back of the property is through our flat though so what is putting us off is moving in and having work men having to enter through our brand new flat with scaffold poles etc.. we feel they have waited for us to move in to get it sorted so they don’t have to deal with it.. 
    You are buying a terrace house, at some point you are going to need maintenance work done and if that's the only way to access the garden then you will always have this problem.
    It might be something else next time so if you don't like it, don't buy a terrace without rear access. 

    In the scheme of things I imagine for the price they will be at the property for one day, maybe two. 
  • user1977
    user1977 Posts: 16,726 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Sixth Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 15 November 2023 am30 9:14AM
    the only way to access the back of the property is through our flat though so what is putting us off is moving in and having work men having to enter through our brand new flat with scaffold poles etc.. we feel they have waited for us to move in to get it sorted so they don’t have to deal with it.. 
    It isn't "brand new" though, is it, just new to you. Any property needs maintenance from time to time. And this hardly sounds like a big project, they'll be finished quickly enough. They're not going to be living in your flat.

    What solution are you hoping for?
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