Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Mosaic123 · 08/12/2024 10:35

I too would pull out on the basis of the knot weed only.

Find something with less problems!

MondayTueWed · 08/12/2024 10:32

Pull out!!!

Startingagainandagain · 08/12/2024 10:30

Pull out!

Growlybear83 · 08/12/2024 10:20

I would pull out just on the basis of the knotweed alone let alone the noise.

Daisymay2 · 08/12/2024 10:13

I’d pull out too. The Service Charge issue would be the killer. I am really cautious about identifying the management companies DS withdrew an offer on a flat once he had identified it was managed by a dodgy one who up charges at the drop of a hat.

Changingplace · 08/12/2024 10:05

Based on all that I’d run a bloody mile, service charges on flats are an absolute bloody nightmare, you’d probably be better off buying a house with the extra money you’d pay on a service charge they can raise whenever they fancy, and Japanese knotweed is a total no from me, you’d no doubt have trouble reselling in the future.

I’d pull out and tell them exactly why.

Glittertwins · 08/12/2024 10:04

I'd be looking to pull out, you've been misled on the service charge and that will only increase over time. Could there be a possibility on indemnity insurance on the heating/hot water and the knot weed on that the issues are fully resolved or the vendor is liable for charges prior to exchange date? I don't know how much cover you could get.
The neighbours noise could be something or nothing - some people are very sensitive to noise whereas you might feel it's normal. But all things considered with what you have written, I'd be uncomfortable progressing.

toomuchfaff · 08/12/2024 10:03

go with ypur gut. Even just with a service charge 2.5 x higher, why are they lying? what else haven't you found out?