I am about to complete on a leasehold flat in a smallish development made up of a mix of flats and houses.
I have now been made aware (11th hour!!!) that because all owners of the properties involved have historically refused to pay towards the service charges/ground rent and as a result, the landlord and management company have said they will no longer carry out upkeep of the communal areas or carry out work on the grounds.
What should I do?? Will the bank even be willing to continue with the mortgage? And what does this mean in reality for me as an owner??
I don't know much about leasehold, but can the owners really refuse to pay, and can the landlord refuse to do work and break terms of the lease?? It sounds like i would not be bound to pay any charges as they have effectively given up on the whole place.
There are 10 properties in the development, and it looks like only one (the flat i am buying) pays towards the charges. Other flats refuse, and ground rent is not being paid by any house owners. The development is less than 25 years old and all concrete/driveways/parking - no gardens etc to be maintained.
I am a first time buyer and don't want to made a silly decision, or lose the property but feel like i have such little information here. My solicitor has said he will clarify points with the managing agent and update me, but am not sure how serous a problem this is.
if it's relevant, this is in the south west, in a very desirable village where affordable property like this is hard to come by!
Thanks in advance for any advice or support from those with more knowledge.