How much would this flat cost to refurbish.

[onthefencesitter]

it has 3 bedrooms, 2 receptions. I am viewing it today. It is owned by an elderly couple who have moved to their new property so it is now empty. I know I need to get a surveyor to see for sure, but based on the experience of mumsnetters, how much would it take to make the property a decent liveable space (not high spec or like anything in interiors magazine).

Thanks.

It’s a lovely apartment, really spacious. I’d agree to knocking the kitchen and reception through. You could live in it as is but I think you could justify spending quite a bit and it would increase the value exponentially.

It’s hard to know from the picture but could you split the bathroom between the two windows and make an en-suite for bedroom 3 and the other side a family bathroom? I think in an apartment that size two toilets would be a really good selling point and help it appeal to families as well. I can’t stand toilets/bathrooms/en-suites without windows and I’d rather just one bathroom than a second without a window. It would also be more straightforward for plumbing which would keep costs done.

It all depends on the finish you want. I would say 30k upwards for a reasonable refurb to include kitchen and bathroom, new flooring, decorating throughout etc..... if it needs a new boiler, windows etc..... more money.

As for knocking walls down, you will still need freeholders permission (even though it is share of freehold) and there may be a charge for this, depends how the freehold is set up. Also you will need structural engineers to come in and check for supporting walls etc....... then the other freeholders could ask for a surveyor to check when the work is done and then the floor plan will need updating when the work is complete.

Check how long is left on the lease and also how the share of freehold is set up. You will still be a leaseholder as well as a freeholder in normal circumstances and they are not one and the same. A lot of people fall into that trap.

It’s a good flat, it looks purpose built which is always more comfortable than a conversion.

I’d say 25-30k - new kitchen, new bathroom, replace carpets and paint.

Doesn’t include plumbing or electrics. How old is the boiler?

I mean that would include kitchen and bathroom plumbing but not general upgrades.