A FTB about to purcahse a house would like some advice please!

Incisor

margaretclare wrote: »

jimc, please point me in the direction of possible regulations coming up forcing us to replace those lead pipes. We had the water tested and it is fine at present, and we still haven't had the drive done because our contractor can't find the time. Obviously we'd rather get this done before the drive than after!

If the pipes are OK for the moment, then leave them. But if you are going to do the drive, then it really is time to deal with them.

lisal0u

Thanks again for all you're helpful comments. I think we will definately replace the lead pipes, its seems a fairly small job compared to the rest :rotfl:

Just been to the house tonight and it does look like the roof will need replacing, and also looking down the street quite a few of the houses have had theirs re-tiles. Theres also a family of sparrows moved into the roof so it will have to wait till they move out!

I think the only things that don't need work are the external walls! Its going to be one hell of a challenge, but I'm prepared for it, I think!

If the roof is going to cost around £3k to re-tile would you go back and put in a lower offer to reflect the cost?

Kind regards
Kisa

gfplux

Do you know how much per sq foot or sq meter are you paying for the house?

jimc_2

margaretclare wrote: »

jimc, please point me in the direction of possible regulations coming up forcing us to replace those lead pipes.

I've been researching this and can find legislation which will apply or already applies to the water companies, but can't see anything imminent for the householder.(Lots of advice to just do it though!)

One thing that I did find, was lots of references to local council grants so if you or OP decide to do it you could find a grant available. It does depend on the council but worth checking!

lisal0u

Hi Everyone!

Sorry gfplux I don't know how much we are paying per square meter for the house. I know the plot the house is on is approximately 45m long by about 11m wide, but I couldn't tell you exactly what the house dimensions are. So thats 495m2 so it works our at £181 per square meter. Is that good?

jimc - I did actually ring the council and they just said that there wasn't any grants available at the minute but we could try next financial year hahahah we're only just into this one!

Worth a try I guess!

Lisa

the_bread_baron

lisal0u wrote: »

Hi Everyone,

I have posted on here previously about a house we have had an offer accepted on. It needs around £20k worth of work doing so we put in an offer 15% less than asking and it was eventually accepted.
Kind regards
Lisa

are you mad ?????

boinging_2

stockmarket-diva wrote: »

Take not notice of the entrant about house prices plummeting. I am an Estate Agent and it is scaremongering like this and through the media that is putting some people off. In fact there are still plenty of people looking to buy.

Before you make a decision, read The Times online which has issued today an list of the top recession proof areas of England and see if the property you are referring to lies within these areas; for example Kent where I operate still saw prices increase by 6.7% and Westminster by 24%!

The works you need doing outlined by the survey should be negotiated between you, the agent and vendor. In the market at the moment there needs to be alot of negotiating and most people are being very reasonable about what needs to be done to secure the sale.

Quality.

Surely as an Estate Agent you need to get transactions moving again and thus seeing prices drop by 10 - 20% won't actually cost you that much in terms of revenue (assuming a 1.5% fee) if it get's people buying again.

If I was in your shoes I'd be talking the market down to the level that people are prepared to pay (or able to borrow) at.

lisal0u

the_bread_baron wrote: »

are you mad ?????

Thats not really very helpful is it?! Can you explain why you think I am mad please?

Lisa

JanCee

lisal0u wrote: »

Thats not really very helpful is it?! Can you explain why you think I am mad please?

Lisa

Don't encourage them lisal0u.

puddy

all i can say is that i bought my flat 11 years ago and over that time, i have put in a new kitchen, double glazing, decorated twice, new floors, new radiators, bit of tweaking with plumbing, put some more sockets in, changed some telephone points. i wouldnt regret any of it, i have loved living here, its jusst about to go on the market because im moving to the coast and im having a really hard time finding other properties to buy that have all the positive things about them that my current flat does, if i could take the flat and the view with me down there, i would!!!

so, my advice would be, as long as you can afford it and the work to be done is within your ability and finances, then buy it. i cant honestly believe that the work you have detailed will cost you 20k anyway, especially with builders and electricians in the family. the things that you mentioned about its position and why you like it, would be the most important thing. if you're keeping it for 10 years, theres no way you will lose money. even if you bought somewhere without all the 'problems' you have identified, over the years you own a property, you'll probably want to change things, change doors and windows, change the layout, so why not start with a property that needs all that doing to start with.

incidently,,, i had an estate agent round to view my flat and he talked to me about the market being down and slow, so i suppose some of them must be telling the truth. i didnt use them in the end anyway, using an online estate agent as its cheaper (hopefully)