Anyone bought an apartment in a Georgian house?

[Smallfry1]

I have seen a first floor apartment for sale in a Georgian house that I really like in a UK city, has anyone lived in a similar property before? If so, would you recommend this kind of property based on your experience? What are the pros and cons?

Slanty floors, eccentric plumbing, not a right angle to be seen..but they can be perfectly solid - they have been up a long time after all.

Get a decent survey (the middle one) done if you put in an offer, and check how recently the roof has been redone and how much maintenance charge is. Is it shared freehold?

But overall you are probably better off with Georgian than new build.

@partyatthepalace thank you for the reply! And thank you for the tips re the roof.
Rightmove advertises it as ‘leasehold’ 999 years with a £60 per month service charge. Is it better to have a share of the freehold?

Yes! I loved it. Massive rooms and windows, high ceiling which made it feel like a stately home even though it was a one bed in south London.

YY to wonky floors, but it was remarkably sturdy.

It is better to be share of freehold. Estate agents sometimes say 999 years is virtually the same but it is different. A separate freeholder will just want things maintained and stick to lease in terms of timings etc whilst if you have share of freeholder there may be more flexibility eg in my share of freehold we would save up in a reserves fund and make a call on how the building was rather than stick to strict letter of the leases on timing of works. Or you could have a freeholder who didn’t get around to organising works which saves money but doesn’t keep the building well.

Is it listed?
How effective are the management company?
Yes slanty floors, draughty windows, narrow stairs to get furniture up (but managed) but beautiful property...

I used to live in one in Hove. Loved it and only had to leave because of divorce. Rare to get SoF and 999 years us vey good. Be aware that building maintenance might be high but if you love it go for it!

Yes, we lived in one in SE London and loved it. Huge sash windows, lovely light. We were in the top floor flat and could hear some noise from our downstairs neighbours but it wasn't bad.

Check and see if any major works are scheduled and if the housing association/management company has a sinking fund for this. Ours didn't and we received a bill for £18000 for redecoration and window repairs for the entire block!

Can be lovely. Can be draughty, uneven floors, damp rooms (and all the usual issues with older properties).

Who else lives in the building? Mainly rented and you are more likely to have issues as tenants won't be invested in looking after the communal areas such as corridors and bin/bikes stores. May also get people leaving junk in the hall way or prams at the bottom of the stairs etc if it has a few floors in the house.

Are you clear on ground rent fees? These are separate to service charges for the maintenance company hired to manage the building by the freeholder. Who owns the freehold?

Are any repairs due for completion and what will the anticipated costs be? Is there a sinking fund?
The scaffolding costs alone were huge when all the windows were replaced according to the listed building regs of the place my friend had (4 storey Georgian terraced townhouse).

Hi All, thank you for your thoughts and the questions to think about, really helpful

It’s better to have a share of the freehold, but lots of flats are leasehold and a long lease can be fine - but do check the history with the freeholder for any problems

Most are managed by agents and they can make your life miserable if they are bad. Your solicitor will ask for a management pack which should give three years of accounts etc. And you can tell if a building has been well looked after.

DH and I are currently thinking of viewing one of these. The light alone is amazing. Go for it OP

@SnafuButGreyNow wow those are beautiful! I want one!!!

I live in one, top floor. Pros - walls are really thick so hear almost no noise from the other flats, lovely old fireplaces, big rooms. Cons - wonky walls and floors and something ALWAYS needs repairing!

Yup. Twice. Both great. In winter, once warmed up, retained heat because of massive stone walls and cool in summer - because of the same. However, we did get secondary glazing compliant with Grade listing.

Also recommend one that has own management company i.e owners (preferably resident) who are invested in maintaining property.