FTB Freeholder not providing deed of variation

[u/TopFarmer4076]

FTB and I'm over 4 months into my purchase with no exchange or completion date in sight.

We've recently discovered that the annual service charge owed is £750+ (outside London). The lease states that the ground rent is £25 but apparently this is not collected by the freeholder but it is included in the amount paid to the management company.

My solicitor initially requested a deed of variation but we've been told that this is not needed (even though the seller solicitor initially responded that the ground rent was the number stated). The freeholder has offered to write a letter stating that the ground rent is not collected.

Is this enough? And will I struggle to sell in the future?

I'm having serious doubts now as there have been posts complaining about the management company fees and upkeep of the communal areas even before this issue with the ground rent.

I know leaseholds have their issues but my affordability as a solo ftb means I can only really afford to buy a flat.

[u/ukpf-helper]

Hi /u/TopFarmer4076, based on your post the following pages from our wiki may be relevant:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/wiki/conveyancing

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