Why hasn't it sold?

[TooManyAnimals94]

Been on the market 2 years! Shared ownership available. Had a cash buyer but unfortunately the HA who own the other half made admin so awful and slow she pulled out. That was 8 months ago, no bites since.

On my third estate agent. Viewings are few and far between (a lot of no shows) and often feedback is they like it but there is a large office building opposite in need of new ownership and it puts people off.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/163116008?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=buying&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_BUY

I am absolutely desperate to sell. The mortgage and service charge have gone up significantly this year and I'm really struggling every month, even claiming what I'm entitled to as a low earner.

Moved in with ex husband 7 years ago. He left 3 years ago and we can't get divorced until it sells because neither of us can afford to buy the other out and I can't afford solicitors fees until it's sold.

Any advice please.

That is so totally shit. I'm sorry.

There need to be a human being at the HA who can see that the lower offer is the best anyone is going to get. But I guess there's not a human being anywhere who can or will make sensible real life decisions

I’ve only just read what you’ve said about your ex. I know he pays a little towards the property and has a lot of debt, but he is in a better place than you are in that it’s you who takes the burden of most of the bills, dealing with the estate agents and HA, and the stress of everything. Yet with any money leftover you’ll split it with him?

This is so tough for you and the rules are ridiculous. If the recent offer is the only one you have had over a 2 year period, that is the market value. Can you ask for an up to date valuation and speak to whoever comes to do it?

Sometimes estate agents can argue to down value it with the HA, I know of people who have been successful with this. The EA just needs some examples in the area, particularly with short leases and high service charge, could be worth a shot

It does

That will be a lot of council tax. Also lease less than 100 years it's hard to get a mortgage on. You need to extend the l ase to sell it. What is tank in living room? If a reptile that is very off-putting. Many people again of reptiles especially snakes.

I understand walking away and cancelling the debits. I would be tempted. It may be worth chucking some £ at legal advice about the implications though.

That’s good, how much is the ground rent?

I saw my son tonight who lives in the same complex and mentioned your situation - not much consolation but he did say that derelict building is the site of the new police station in next 2 years, hope that’s a little positive. I was going to find your thread to let you know but you posted tonight anyway, coincidentally. Really hope things go your way soon, good luck.

Oh gosh OP an offer is good news, if there's any chance that the HA will accept it then I am keeping everything crossed for you. Thanks for the update

It's a fish tank...with perfectly normal tropical fish 😅

I did know someone years ago who had a phobia of fish but I think it's quite niche....I tend to keep the lighting in the tank dimmed for viewings anyway just in case they bring small kids that want to tap the glass or be nosy.

Between you, me and the gatepost, I have no intention of giving him a penny. But it's the only way to keep him vaguely interested when there is a form.to sign or bill to pay.

That is the hardest part- tracking down a hunan being with a brain!

For anyone who still has any interest and because the comments (even the harsh ones) really did pull me out of my slump of self pity, I am back...with good news!

The surveyor who did the valuation was an absolute delight, did me a deal on a standard valuation plus a lease extension valuation in case I need as a back up and basically asked what number I needed! I told him and he matched the offer so I could accept.

Paperwork is moving slowly but steadily with the HA and the buyer has arranged a survey for this Friday. I'm really trying not to get my hopes up but this could be it!

Fingers crossed for you !

Please come back and update us again in the future.

That's great news. Hooray for the fantastic surveyor!

Delighted and relieved for you. Thanks for updating us.

I very much hope that Friday goes well and you finally sell.
With the proposed development on Bull Hill there will "soon" be a massive glut of flats in Leatherhead.
Who knows what their service charges will be, but then again all the new legislation is going to radically change flat ownership, although SO will still have all the extra issues of being SO. It is very useful for some getting started, but "always" a problem when selling.

Used to have a colleague who lived in a block a bit further down from you. She also had trouble selling following relationship breakdown, but she got there and has now made a fabulous new start in Crawley. Hang in there, life will get better.

That’s funny I was thinking of you last night as I went to a gig in London with my son (the one who lives in the same block) and was saying how good and reasonable his commute is. I’m really pleased! I hope everything goes smoothly and - in a nice way - fingers crossed you’re not neighbours with my son for much longer 😂 Well done for ploughing on in a tough situation.

Fab news OP thanks for the update. I'll continue to cross my fingers for you!

Fingers crossed!!