Help! Which flat would you choose and why?

[Shadow12345]

Hi Mumsnetters - Hope all is well! Please help me choose between these two flats of the same price, but very different in characteristics. Thanks in advance!

Option 1:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150578588#/?channel=RES_BUY

Close to waitrose, shops and Amenities in Finchley road, close to tube station, but ex-LA, no garage, no balcony, leasehold.

Option 2:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/146939888#/?channel=RES_BUY

Has garage, balcony, private owned, share of freehold, but an annoying 20 mins walk to the West Hampstead station, not close to waitrose, shops and amenities.

I used to live nearby. The second one is in Kilburn.
I’d go for the first.
what’s the service charge?

The second one appears to have a share of freehold. It would depend on the lease details really.

But I think I prefer the look of 1.

Flat 2, for the freehold, outside space and it looks nicer so will be an easier sale when you want to move on.
See the walk to the station as cardio.

So much for a two bedder!!

Are you wedded to north London?

I often see ex-LA being put as a negative but I don’t understand how it makes a difference - can anyone enlighten me?

First flat looks nicer to me personally!

Flat 1 looks like a council owned block. I'd avoid it like the plague. Not snobbery; bitter experience.

The second one has other stations quite nearby though, do you need West Hampstead specifically?

You could do it up to look like the first. Also looks like a slightly nicer street

First flat looks nicer and is in a better location, but research the lease, service charges, likely maintenance etc.

I think shared gardens are majorly overrated.

Sorry, just seen that you'd put it was exLA. Avoid.

Flat 2 with a facelift. It has more storage and I prefer being on one floor in a flat. The square footage is similar but it will feel less cramped than small 2 storey.

What are the management fees like on both of them?

Flat 2 looks a lot nicer to me. The walking will be good for you!

I live in the area. the quex road one is probably a better bet. my reasons are

• more space including balcony and garage and shared garden which is great
• not ex-local
• share of freehold is v good
• there are lots of buses up Abbey road if it is raining and you need to get to the tube, otherwise you'll get used to the walk
• kilburn has sainsburys and other options for quick shopping, or you stop at M&S when you come out of West Hampstead tube and walk home.

Flat 2, with redecoration. Balcony and a garage is a plus.

1200 per annum for the first, 2000 per annum for the second.

Of course flat 2! Flat 1 has been done nicely but that building looks terrifying.

Yes, freeholder is the camden council. It is 60% private owned, 40% council tenants.

The first one.

Keep looking.

With all the building safety stuff I think you are better in LA freeholder situation.

Having said that Quex road is low-rise so currently lower risk than the first one.

I'm also all about amenities. The easier walking distance to flat 1 appeals. What's the block actually like?

My sister lives in a block that look pretty intimidating in an edgy part of N1. Her neighbours are totally lovely and really look out for her (one of them got all indignant one day when I let myself into her flat to water her plants and refused to believe I was her sister until i showed him a picture of us together).

I need to take the Jubilee line as my workplace is in Canary Wharf.

The balcony would influence my decision, that would be my choice.

I'd keep looking. Having bought a flat to flip & getting stuck in it, not having a balcony even was hell, for me.

one thing I loved about living in London was being able to walk to a lovely 'village' or high street on a weekend morning, for a coffee etc.

the first flat looks much nicer, but would be a no go for me now, with no balcony.

the second one needs too much work done & that's a nightmare in cost & trade availability in London. Would you have the money to 'do it up'??

my feeling is there has to be a better option out there.

The Block looks like this from the front and back roads.

I am wedded to either the Jubilee or Elizabeth line.

You must have lived a sheltered life!