[Misc] What is going on with this flat?

[kevo]

So about nine months ago I enquired about buying quite a smart flat in a new-ish development (about ten years old). I was told it was no longer available but a few months later it appeared on the agent's listings again. This time I went to see it. I was told the sellers wanted a quick sale. I wasn't sure so didn't proceed but have since thought it was probably at least worth a second look.

It is now appearing in the agent's listings AGAIN (I viewed it in March). It was first listed almost 18 months ago, and has been reduced in price by 20%. It has a long lease. I'm tempted to go back, but surely there must be something wrong with it What aren't they telling me?

The price is very reasonable for the location.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Hmmm. Does the patio look like it's recently been relaid, or is there a whiff of bleach about the place?

Also: we need pictures, so the experts of NSC can decide.

 

[Pevenseagull]

Might be this sort of thing?

'Fleecehold': New homes hit by 'hidden costs'

Could your dream home cost more than you think? A growing number of new-build buyers warn it could.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Brok]

Dodgy neighbour?

 

[kevo]

Hmmm. Does the patio look like it's recently been relaid, or is there a whiff of bleach about the place?

Also: we need pictures, so the experts of NSC can decide.

Usually in those cases it says 'Buyers are advised to research the history of the property'!

(someone bought Denis Neilsen's flat in North London because it was a knockdown price and I think the listing said something like that!)

 

[KZNSeagull]

We need pictures, address, everything you've got. NSC will get to the bottom of it for you I'm sure.

 

[Worried Man Blues]

Has it got a residents assoc. you could contact? Maybe they are desperate and are up the swanny?

 

[Lady Whistledown]

I mean, a lot of people have found it hard to get mortgages in the last year or so due to interest rate rises: maybe the agent has just realised it's overpriced in a sluggish market?

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Is it a top floor flat? If not, the flat above may well have 'contemporary' bare floorboards. So you'll hear every footstep from above, not to mention any devices they haven't taken steps to soundproof. Flat above mine is currently rented by a creepy dude who wanders his bare floorboards at all hours. His job? Running a 3D-printer from home 24x7. It was completely non-soundproofed until I threatened to have him slung out on his ear. At which point he miraculously discovered 'Stealth Mode' on his shitty printer. Which is the equivalent of me suddenly discovering 'Volume Control' on my telly remote. Sake!
And... RELAX!

 

[Springal]

Perhaps cladding issue ? Although agents would normally advise that and know which lenders would lend on it

 

[BNthree]

Maybe it is owned by a couple that have now split up and they can't come to an agreement about which offer to accept etc?

 

[dejavuatbtn]

Lease regulations, subsidence, structurally unsound, lack of lifts, access problems for furniture and or people. The list of possibilities goes on. Good luck.
Get a survey! Talk to the occupants of a neighbouring flat.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Massive CPFC mural on the spare bedroom wall maybe?

 

[WATFORD zero]

Maybe they've seen what is happening to property prices and want to 'get ahead of the game'

I wouldn't rush into a purchase just now if you don't have to.

 

[HeaviestTed]

Phone the estate agents and ask, then ask again when you are viewing - you should get somewhere close to the truth if you can see their eyes

 

[Justice]

Nothings selling I would offer £250k

 

[LamieRobertson]

Have you looked at the books re maintenance over the years ..and planned etc

 

[kevo]

Might be this sort of thing?

'Fleecehold': New homes hit by 'hidden costs'

Could your dream home cost more than you think? A growing number of new-build buyers warn it could.

www.bbc.co.uk

Is it a top floor flat? If not, the flat above may well have 'contemporary' bare floorboards. So you'll hear every footstep from above, not to mention any devices they haven't taken steps to soundproof. Flat above mine is currently rented by a creepy dude who wanders his bare floorboards at all hours. His job? Running a 3D-printer from home 24x7. It was completely non-soundproofed until I threatened to have him slung out on his ear. At which point he miraculously discovered 'Stealth Mode' on his shitty printer. Which is the equivalent of me suddenly discovering 'Volume Control' on my telly remote. Sake!
And... RELAX!

It's top floor. I have suffered the same as you in the past!

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Does it overlook Selhurst Park?

 

[Stat Brother]

A few properties I couldn't get in the door of 18 months ago, keep reappearing on the market.
Prices don't seem to be dropping but that said, 18 months ago my asking price offers were all knocked back for being too low.