Buying a top-floor flat in Mansard roof - bad idea?

[fursitet]

Please help!!!

I am considering buying an apartment on the top floor inside the flat-top mansard roof of a Victorian mansion block. (the link to building photo is below).

It has timber frame walls and EPC E 40 with improvement potential to D 56.

It's a very expensive purchase overall but some 25% discount to "normal" flats in that building.

Will we be freezing living there even after changing the windows and boiler/radiators/termostat, etc. and/or have astronomic heating bills? (It's >1,000sq.ft.)

The internal wall insulation firms said that one can not insulate timber frame walls.

Please advise if I should just forget about it or what can be done to make it a comfortable home for family with small child.

Many thanks!!!

www.google.co.uk/search?q=avenue+mansions+finchley+road&espv=2&biw=1242&bih=545&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMI_NaanaeUxwIVRjgUCh3rhwhW#imgrc=lnix7G9uLZVkbM%3A)

I think D and E are pretty standard - indeed quite good - energy ratings for any Victorian property, whether top floor or not. And many people in the UK live very comfortably in them . Carpets, rugs, thick curtains all help.

Yes timber framing/top floor may be a bit more difficult to keep warm, but on the other hand rises so you may find you get the benefit of your downstairs neighbours' heating!

I wouldn't count on being allowed the change the windows, check with council first, it may be in a conservation area.

heat rises