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New build apartment - need advice

77 replies

Gifgaf · 14/04/2025 02:44

We are FTB and after lots of research and viewings we have come across an actual dream home located in a perfect location. The new build is very lux in every aspect with 24/7 conceriage and blue chip businesses below and private podium and winter gardens etc. The apartment we want is on high demand because there is not enough 3x beds in the building.

However, we are super uncertain and split on what to do because we are hearing horror stories of service charge increases and people being presented with large bills that they can't afford.

What are people's experience with new builds and does it make much of a difference in having a super lux one compared to maybe an average one in terms of service charge and building works etc.?

On the contrary, me and DH have a house each to our name (selling them is out of the question ) and we are in a financially stable position as we are but it is now way too small for our family and should we decide to take this new build, we will more likely be very difference financial position and will have to be extremely conservative on our spending and constant budgeting.

I am really looking for valuable advise, authentic experiences and opinions.

It's a huge decision and I am worried about making the wrong one especially have small children.

OP posts:
Upsidedownsides · 14/04/2025 18:54

blandierst · 14/04/2025 18:42

Whereas I always voted to keep the sinking fund contribution minimal knowing that I was planning on moving and that was never money I was going to get back. Actually I would’ve rather had a cash call, than put money into a sinking fund- no one ever looks at management accounts and says there 200k sitting there I am buying 10% of that so the place is worth 20k more.
If you only buy a flat with the intention of living there for 2 or 3 years and it doesn’t have a sinking fund you’d be mad to push for one.

That's where you are wrong. That's the whole point of a sinking fund. You have zero guarantee that there might not be a massive unforeseen expenditure within your 2 - 3 year window that is not covered by insurance and would affect your ability to sell. You say you'd rather had a cash call but that's assuming it's a small bill. Some expenditure can be huge.

You don't know whether it's your own risk you are gambling with.

& for flats not being bought off plan, it would definitely deter some buyers who are more savvy - or are properly advised by their solicitors.

You are 100% right though about different priorities when it comes to management.

But if there is no or low sinking fund then to start to build it is just pointless if you
are planning on leaving. It won’t cover a cash call, and the building up of money is just money you dont get back in a sale. It is great if it is there, or if you plan on being there long term- there is no advantage to building one if you are only there for a short amount of time

HundredMilesAnHour · 14/04/2025 19:22

No or a low sinking / reserve fund is a red flag for any savvy buyer. It’s usually a sign of a badly managed and/or badly maintained building. And will potentially impact any future sale unless the future buyer is an idiot and has an idiot for a conveyancer too.

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