Any experience of buying an ex-council flat in Hammersmith & Fulham?

[ChocoMarmalade]

I'm thinking of buying an ex-council flat in a small 1930s block in Hammersmith & Fulham, London. It has 98 years left on the lease and low service charges so hopefully mortgageable.

Does anyone have any experience of buying an ex-council flat in terms of things to look out for?

I suppose I would need to get the lease extended in a few years so would be good if anyone had experience of negotiating a lease extension with Hammersmith & Fulham council.

It seems to be a well-kept block with no obvious problems apart from the slightly scruffy communal garden. I've just read a few horror story articles about people buying flats and then the council sends a massive bill out of the blue to private tenants for £30,000 for contributions to new windows for the block so curious to hear any experiences.

I am in an ex council flat in London, although not Hammersmith and Fulham. I would never, ever buy ex council again. Last service charge bill (on top of the service charge paid monthly) was 17k. This was 7 years ago and they do major works every 7 to 10 years so another such bill could come along in the not too distant. It was a total shock as previously service charges had been reasonable, A neighbouring council was taken to court by leaseholders and won due to fraudulent, exorbitant charges. Of course you can have horrendous service charges in privately owned blocks, but it’s more obvious often from the get go, you’re also getting extras for that rate, gyms etc… You may be more protected by being part of a small block, (less potential work) I’m in a large series of turn of the century period buildings.

The large bills for major works arise because of how the council procurement processes work and how the few major contractors that are able to bid for them price. It certainly is a risk. If you do proceed the conveyancing process should identify and major works planned but can't of course predict future ones. We've always been in flats for 25 years as we choose to live in nice areas and can't afford £2m+ for a house. Over the years we did look at some ex-council ones but always chose private, which we usually found were not priced massively higher. Our current flat is share of freehold which we have found to be much better than previous leasehold arrangements in terms of both reasonable service charges and also owners taking pride/care in communal areas. In all the areas we have lived (Southfields, Putney and now Barnes) the local council flats have always had more anti social behaviour and 'problems' than the private blocks.

I would not buy a leasehold property again because you never know how much your service charge will be. I recently sold my flat back to the council because the major works bills were too high (roof, electrical, decorating – £35,000). The service charges were not too high at £900 a year.

My friends live in a purchased ex council flat in a different London borough and 15 years on, they have not had any unreasonable surprises charges. It’s a good location in a nice area with good schools. In fact they have had very cheap service charges, almost nonexistent. They live in a smallish purpose built block of flats if that makes a difference. However what they do have is a ton of antisocial behaviour from other residents. They are now looking to move to avoid the noise, the shouting, the smoking in the hallways and the weed smoking near their windows. Not unsafe really but very unpleasant. Just something to consider.

A friend did what should have been the sensible thing. He was a council tenant and when his father passed away he bought the flat he was renting.

The bills he has had for upgrades to the lift, sprinkler system and a few other bits and pieces are horrendous.

He is currently battling the council because they have not followed the rules on billing leaseholders.

Thanks @BillABongesq , @Lattice2026 , @Piletka and @AnotherSliceOfCakePlease for sharing your experiences - all really helpful

@BillABongesq your point about council procurement processes and share of freehold are really interesting. I think I'm going to pause my search and focus on trying to get a share of freehold apartment if I can - maybe a maisonette or garden flat.

I am about to sell a share of freehold flat in Fulham, part of a converted Victorian terrace off the New King’s Rd. 1 bed. DM me if you’re interested, I’d be very happy to do a deal for someone ready to buy!