Extension taking forever and we have share of freehold

[Snazzy73]

I am at my wits end. Really don't want to fall out with our neighbours but it is now getting ridiculous. We live in the top floor flat and they are in the bottom flat of a semi-detached house - together we share the freehold of the property. We have already been more than patient as the work started in 2021 but it is still not finished. The owner has tried to do some of the work himself as a builder. When i asked for an update on when it should be done there isn't one as they can't find anyone to do some work that is needed (same excuse has been given since Christmas!) When we last redid our mortgage we had to pay a little more because of the risk of the extension (it was ongoing and there was a hole in the back of the house - there still is) We did not tell our neighbour this and just swallowed the extra cost, but the mortgage renewal is coming around again and we thought it wouldn't be a problem as it would be more than finished by now. I have now told our neighbour that we face having problems remortgaging and may have to pay more due to the hole in the back of the house but they don't seem to realise fully the implications - and the impact the work has had on us on a whole. Noise, mess for years. We've not been able to enjoy our garden or really invite friends around as the work has been sporadic and we've not always been updated as to when work is being done. We've tried to stay friendly, polite and patient but now we're coming to the end of our tether as we really can't afford to pay more again for our mortgage due to their overrunning work! Does anyone have any advice?

Sorry I don't have any expert advice, but I groan with you. What a bloody nightmare.
If you are ready to start being more confrontational, you could write down what their sloppiness is costing you in terms of money and inconvenience, and send it to them adding that if they don't finish the work in say the next 3 months, you will have to take legal advice; and meanwhile you want compensation for the extra mortgage costs, and possibly higher buildings insurance.

I agree, you should write down how much extra you've had to pay per month and the overall total so far. Then add that mortgage renewal now may be affected. Give it to them and ask to discuss timeliness as you are joint freeholders and this needs to be sorted.

Thanks FourLove it is a real shame as we get on with them and i'd hate for it to get to us having to seek legal advice but we just aren't prepared to shoulder the extra cost next time around. They just seem so unaware of the impact it has had on us and telling me they are stressed too (they have been away twice in the last month) and that they are fed up living like it too. It's become a running joke with visitors who have come to our house as literally nothing has happened with it for so long! But their attitude just seems to be it will be done when it's done and that i'm being bothersome for asking for an update and also it shouldn't affect us....even though i had already explained how it would affect us re our mortgage.

I'm all for going out of my way to stay on good terms with close neighbours because disputes are horrible, but it sounds as if they are taking your patience for granted now, and not recognising that even though you are all suffering, they are causing the suffering. I can't see a way through this which doesn't involve you putting your foot down. I'm sure you will do it politely and kindly.

Have you started the legal work to change the lease plan on their half yet?