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Original poster

AIBU to pull out of buying this flat - first time buyer help

33 replies

Wingingit1989 · 08/12/2024 10:00

I have an offer accepted on a flat in north london (primrose hill). The more I find out about the building the more it’s putting me off.

Since my offer was accepted I have found out about ongoing issues with the heating and hot water. The service charge is 2.5k higher than advertised, a noise complaint was issued to the flat about and there is knot weed at the back of property. Would you pull out or if you were to reduce your offer how would you calculate the amount by?

It’s in a great location twice the size of current rented flat and close to sons nursery.

OP posts:
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Cosyblankets · 08/12/2024 19:48

As the owner of a leasehold flat with a service charge i would run a mile.

Ask to see the accounts from the last few years if that's possible.

Compash · 08/12/2024 19:43

Honestly, I'd let this one go. Noise issues in a previous flat pushed me to the brink, and the service charge will only go up with all those issues to fix... 1970s flat? Wait till they find the asbestos... 😧

I know it's tempting to just 'get it settled', but if you can wait till the spring, the market picks up, more choice becomes available.

It's too big a purchase to rush! Hang in there, darling!

Changingplace · 08/12/2024 19:37

Mosaic123 · 08/12/2024 18:34

I live in a share of freehold flat. ALL blocks have service charges.
Communal facilities such as maintaining a working lift or painting the outside of the block all need paying for.

The block can be administered by a managing agent or a small committee (Directors) made up from some of the residents.

Edited

Yep, but not all flats raise their service charges by £2.5k whole you’re in the process of buying them, I’d be super wary their management company was up to no good, it’s been on the news recently that people are stuck with flats that they now can’t sell because the service charges are so ridiculous nobody will take them on.

Original poster
Wingingit1989 · 08/12/2024 19:35

@Rosiecidar thanks. From what I have seen it’s definitely on the high end considering only limited communal areas to maintain etc. It’s a 1970s block so I wonder if it’s also the age of the property causing issues. My husband is still very keen and I’m starting to freak out.

OP posts:
UngratefulOldCabbage · 08/12/2024 19:33

Oh god no - what a cocktail of issues! Pull out while you can!

Rosiecidar · 08/12/2024 19:32

I would check other properties for sale in the area re the service charge; if yours is wildly above then I would have concerns.
Re noise, a lot of flats in London see rented out so you will get noisy tenants from time to time, although you can also have noise sensitive people too. Unless you have an unlimited or very high budget you really won't find a central London flat without at least some issues...

Daisymay2 · 08/12/2024 19:27

check the heating very carefully. There has been a problem with flats with a common heating system, as they are treated as a business supply so that the energy cap doesn’t apply.That needs checking out.
The combination of the management charges, noise, knotweed and roof development would have had me running a long time ago.

Original poster
Wingingit1989 · 08/12/2024 19:22

The flat is share of leasehold. There is a managing agent but a resident’s committee oversees how the money is spent. It also includes the heating and hot water. I struggled to find anything share of freehold. Im leaning towards pulling out of the sale I think but waiting for some responses from sellers solicitors. Im not sure I can really trust what they say now though.

OP posts:
Jc2001 · 08/12/2024 18:51

Mosaic123 · 08/12/2024 18:34

I live in a share of freehold flat. ALL blocks have service charges.
Communal facilities such as maintaining a working lift or painting the outside of the block all need paying for.

The block can be administered by a managing agent or a small committee (Directors) made up from some of the residents.

Edited

Noone is questioning that a leasehold property will have a service charges. It's the fact that they're £2.5k higher than the vendor let on.

AffableApple · 08/12/2024 18:46

Mosaic123 · 08/12/2024 18:34

I live in a share of freehold flat. ALL blocks have service charges.
Communal facilities such as maintaining a working lift or painting the outside of the block all need paying for.

The block can be administered by a managing agent or a small committee (Directors) made up from some of the residents.

Edited

These are the best ones. You're very lucky. We had a flat like this once. Having a freehold share and directors amongst your own neighbours is gold. I wouldn't touch a flat with unstable service charges. (Or known upstairs noise problems and knotweed!)

Butchyrestingface · 08/12/2024 18:36

I would pull out.

Mosaic123 · 08/12/2024 18:34

I live in a share of freehold flat. ALL blocks have service charges.
Communal facilities such as maintaining a working lift or painting the outside of the block all need paying for.

The block can be administered by a managing agent or a small committee (Directors) made up from some of the residents.

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 08/12/2024 16:53

The service charge alone would put me off. Japanese knotweed is a pain as well.
TBH, I would avoid flats with service charges altogether, they can be a complete money pit. Especially if the block has a lift. Buying a share of freehold is much safer.

WreggGallace · 08/12/2024 16:51

"...The service charge is 2.5k higher than advertised" This alone would make me pull away. They can increase the service charge at a whim to whatever they like and you are trapped

Glittertwins · 08/12/2024 16:03

You've just found that out? Withdraw that offer asap, this is ridiculous- can't trust a word the vendors are saying.

Original poster
Wingingit1989 · 08/12/2024 15:46

Thanks everyone! I didn’t even list all the potential issues. There is planning permission for a modular development on the roof top but I know about that when I made the offer :(

OP posts:
pikkumyy77 · 08/12/2024 15:28

Run

BillStickersWillBeProsocuted · 08/12/2024 15:21

Absolutely pull out!

I'm wondering if you've seen threads criticising people for pulling out and that's part of why you're having second thoughts? Pulling out for no good reason after a long drawn out process is a shitty thing to do - but you'd be pulling out because you have learned the property is different to what you thought you were buying - that's just sensible!

The sellers should have been upfront and honest - this is on them

JustWalkingTheDogs · 08/12/2024 15:13

Pull out. Noise complaints can ruin your life! Not to mention the extra costs for service charge AND issues with the heating etc could cost a fortune:

Sounds like there's a reason it's not sold before now

timenowplease · 08/12/2024 12:22

If there is a noise issue with the flat above that alone is enough for you to pull out. Don't even consider it.

Bumcake · 08/12/2024 10:57

Run! Each of those problems are quite bad, but together it’s a nightmare.

Breatheincalmbreatheouttension · 08/12/2024 10:40

You may not be able to get a mortgage if there is Japanese knot weed.

Purplecatshopaholic · 08/12/2024 10:40

Those are significant issues you have found. So it depends on how much you want the place. Reduced offer if they are things you are willing to deal with, or pull out if not. I would pull out if it was me - noise, and a higher than expected service charge would put me right off.

Oldandcobwebby · 08/12/2024 10:39

See those hills? Run for them! Run as fast as you can!

MyPithyPoster · 08/12/2024 10:36

After my experience of renting a flat, I wouldn’t even rent another one never mind buying one
You’re at the absolute mercy of the service charge, they don’t seem to increase in value at the same price as a house and that’s without all the neighbour problems. You literally never know who’s gonna be above or below you. We lived in peace for about four months and then a herd of elephants moved in above us apparently.

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