I went to see a flat today. It is a residential development converted from an old pub back in 2003. I checked the planning application online before I went to make sure the conversion had been done properly - it had been granted permission back in 2003 and the building work was carried out. 8 flats were created. Everyone has held onto their property bar one flat that has been sold 3 times in that time.
It has gas central heating, each flat has a boiler and on the face of it, it's a nice development. However, I asked why the service charge was higher than I would anticipate for a flat in a small block and was told that there has always been a septic tank. I'm surprised that the developers didn't ask for a sewer connection when they did the conversion (or that the planners didn't insist on it) but I went back through the application and there is no mention of it. I'm guessing the old pub was just never connected to the mains.
I've asked the agent what the story is as he wasn't entirely sure when I asked (seems as though no one has asked this question!). We used to live rurally so I'm familiar with them but never thought in a million years I would see one in London. Or am I wrong and this is more common than I realise?
I'm going to ask all the relevant questions now but just wondering if this is unusual.