[billie]

I'm considering buying a property in deepest south east london, which may be in itself is a risk. On one of my reccys, I saw scaffolding on one of the towers. On investigation, I discovered there had recently been a fire,( fortunately no one was injured), in one of the upper floors. The tower block is 9 years old and seems well built, but I am concerned about the building insurance incurring a hefty premium, and once scaffolding is up, like ivy, it tends to cling. The fire was cause through carelessness of one of the tenants/leaseholder, and this also concentrates the mind. Apparently the place also suffered a flood, although this was a burst pipe and its source nothing to do with the block. A pestilence next, perhaps?
Seriously, am looking for fellow writers here who know anything about the possible dark crevices I'd need to look out for with managing agents. (Consort, I understand). Or anyone who may have had there fingers burnt with this kind of problem.

many thanks

[motch]

Need to find out all charges, service charges, ground rent, building insurance, parking charges? etc
I would want a pretty good escape route in case of fire, high up and lots of residents means greater danger/risk of fire.
Long rope ladder and hook worth thinking about (seriously in case of fire)
Not trying to put you off but needs looking at.

[billie]

Thanks, Motch

It does seem rather daunting. The more flats per block, the more problems, and those variables. All us disparate bods carrying on their hazardous lives, eh?

 motch, on 28 April 2012 - 01:22 PM, said:

Need to find out all charges, service charges, ground rent, building insurance, parking charges? etc
I would want a pretty good escape route in case of fire, high up and lots of residents means greater danger/risk of fire.
Long rope ladder and hook worth thinking about (seriously in case of fire)
Not trying to put you off but needs looking at.

[Tankus]

avoid anywhere that needs a lift

[billie]

Oh, dear. I won't be using the lift, but there is one. Is that because of the cost, or the breaking down bit?

 Tankus, on 29 April 2012 - 12:57 PM, said:

avoid anywhere that needs a lift

[Tankus]

service charges ...............

as well as the buggers break down ...and turning into vertical toilets

[tim123]

 billie, on 29 April 2012 - 01:26 PM, said:

Oh, dear. I won't be using the lift, but there is one. Is that because of the cost, or the breaking down bit?

They cost an arm and a leg to maintain.

And they need a "pass" certificate to operate so if you won't pay the bill your only option is too turn them off

tim

[billie]

thanks all for that.

I've moved away from the idea of clinging scaffolding for years, lifts, and general high-rise dwelling and the prospect of having to extend a lease in a few years....

[motch]

Yes lease length very important..
In my flat i think the lift is about 20% of the service charge. Breas down ocasionally which adds a little extra to service charge.
Plus someone will want a wage out of the freehold (admin/cleaning etc)
All adds up, but if the flat is very cheap may be worth it, just need to weigh up what you can get elsewhere nearby at what price (houses)

[billie]

Hi, Motch

Instinct blocked this particular path. I do regret, but it was shared ownership, too, so - mixed tenure, BTL and other elements, made me feel very insecure. The fact that the scaffolding had been up for 9 months, slightly dodgy area, put me beyond the point of commitment. Feel really bad for vendors, but hey, what to do.

Thanks for your replies.

Am going to post on Assett Trust housing somewhere else now. A T are neo commercial landlord that does shared ownership under the guise of helping those needing to get on to the property ladder. I've always wanted to discuss their MO with someone. Off to find a forum

billie

[motch]

I would check up on the shared ownership hassles on here and MSE. I'd rather rent or buy(mortgage) rather than buy 25% or 50% of a leasehold property.

[motch]

Could you find a 2/3 bed place to rent and with a couple of friends/collegues share the costs? while saving up for a deal when the time comes in the future?

[billie]

Thanks, Motch

I don't think I could share with other people. I don't where you are, but in London, I don't see Boris Johnson doing anything to stem the tide of BTL profiteering, and put a cap on rents. I know that S/O is a way of buying cheap(er) rent with hassle struck all the way through like Brighton rock, but what isn't?. Housing really is the big issue. I have quite socialist views on this, ie we should all be able to afford a home - (teenage pregnancies may even go down as a result)! Of all the 'entitlements', this is the most fundamental one, and from its tantalising lack, all manner of scams and ills ensue.
Sorry, about that!