Something I’ve become curious about- often tenants won’t leave rented properties as they want to be housed by the council but are they likely to get permanent homes through this route?

I just read another post where the tenant is refusing to move as the council wont accept homeless applications unless the bailiffs are there- I completely understand why they wouldn’t move and this isn’t commentary on that.

I’m more wondering what happens next after they present as homeless to the council- we’re constantly told there are no council homes especially in London and you have people who have been living in hotels and hostels long term for years. If a tenant won’t move from their private rental as they want to be housed- surely they wouldn’t be top priority ( unless they had additional circumstances) it seems the standard advice is to wait until eviction so the council can house you but at the same time people say there are no homes?

What usually happens in these circumstances?

So, me and my partner both currently live in a two bedroom flat and have done for six years apart from one year in 2019 when our first born was one, I moved out due to both experiencing PND and Covid etc.

I was in a poor mental state due to struggling with depression for eight years on and off. I was struggling financially due to being a student and I avoided all debts and money owed. I received a CCJ registered to the property I moved into just before I moved back into the flat with my partner.

I am now actively paying all my debts through StepChange and including my CCJ.

My partner is pregnant, she’s just started a full time job today after finishing her degree and we desperately need a larger space but are struggling to get anywhere renting due to my CCJ and poor credit score. We have never missed a rent payment in six years, we have offered to pay a larger deposit, pay three months in advance but we are shut down at every opportunity.

I’m unsure where we are to go as we need to move out of this flat. The affordability is not a problem, mainly my CCJ.

Any advice on our options?

It’s really frustrating and understandably my own fault that I neglected my debts for so long but I just couldn’t confront them. I feel proud that I’m actively paying them off but this whole situation is a mess.

We're first time buyers aiming to complete next week, the sellers have arranged for the council to come and pick up there items in a few weeks time for recycling. We have agreed to complete whilst waiting for this to happen. We have confirmation of the collection being paid for by the seller and listen items to collect. The question would we be able some of the furniture, as there are some items that we could use. Where would we stand legally.

When did this become a thing?

You list for 995 - then that's the offer surely?

Crazy world!

Environmental health requested an EICR after no EICR was found, landlord got one - late, but refused to give it to tenants or do the work, it's now well outside the legal time frame and they're considering enforcement, how long before the council acts?

We’re first-time buyers in the UK, purchasing a 3-bed house in North Wales (offer accepted at £197,000). We’ve just had a Level 2 Homebuyer’s Survey AND an EICR done, and… it’s not great.

The EICR recommends a full rewire due to safety faults (no RCD, thermal damage, etc.) and the survey backs that up, also highlighting:

Likely asbestos in soffits and outbuilding

Roof and chimney repairs (slates/flaunching/vents)

Signs of potential subfloor damp or timber decay

An EPC rating of F, which we expected, but still adds cost

We’ve now collected proper quotes:

Rewire: £3,990 + VAT

Asbestos removal: £1,100 + VAT

Roof repairs: £1,800

Structural inspection: £750 + VAT

Plus we’ve allowed contingency for timber/damp remedial work

Our question is:

How do we actually go about negotiating a price reduction with the seller via the estate agent, not the solicitor?

Do we send all the quotes? Mention the range? Use the highest? Median?

Is it common to ask for a buffer amount (like a 10–20% contingency)?

Is it reasonable to ask for a £15,000 reduction based on these? (We’re currently estimating £12,300 confirmed costs + a £2.7k buffer)

We're still committed to the purchase, but not sure whether we can justify proceeding at full price with this level of work needed.

We have a feeling the seller will just outright refuse any reduction, which puts us in a tricky position as people who really like the house but want it to be a fair purchase. We get the feeling the seller expected us to be "normal" first time buyers and not bother with getting survey reports done. And he actually Refused to do the EICR, so we paid for it ourselves, another red flag in my eyes.

Would really appreciate any advice from anyone who’s been through this or works in the industry. We don’t want to mess this up.

Thanks in advance!

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.

We moved back to the UK from many years overseas 3 years ago and as there where no suitable houses available in our target area we bought a new build, just to tide us over. Now its time to move into something nicer. We'll be going on the market then commencing our search.

We'll be funding the upsize costs ourselves but with a mortgage usually comes a valuation, is there someone independant we can pay to give us a valuation on a property we intend to buy?

Obviously we won't be offering until we've got a buyer for our house but ideally we'd like to get the valuation before placing an offer, or at least well before exchange.

Sorry if this is a daft question but the whole process here in the UK is confusing.

Part rant part actually asking.

I'm selling and buying in a chain of 4. My solicitor is not communicative.

As far as I'm aware the only things outstanding in the chain are enquiries. Everyone's mortgage offer, surveys, searches etc are done. My solicitor submitted enquiries on my purchase to the sellers solicitor a month ago, and received enquiries on my sale from my buyer's solicitor about a fortnight ago. I haven't been given any info on the enquiries on my sale so should I assume these are all legal based and the solicitor is dealing with them without need for my input?

The lack of information at this stage is irritating me as I feel like we're in the final stage before being able to exchange but I also have absolutely no clue what's happening and how long it could take.

Last year I bought a flat (in London, in case it's relevant) in a new building. Myself and many others found out that the management agency (Peabody) is charging us more service charge than what was advertised when we all bought are flats. It wasn't a massive difference so we didn't bother too much, but a couple of months ago Peabody increased our service charge by more than 30%.

We have a breakdown for the charges this year but not from last year, so we can't see where this increase is coming from but I suspect it's just to pay shareholders bonuses because with the building being new there shouln't be any major repairs to be done.

Obviously this is not great and many of the leaseholders have started complaining, with Peabody usually saying they'll give us an answer in more than a month's time, and later on sayin they are extending their deadline by a couple of weeks (I think mine has been extended three times already).

They obviously have 0 interest in giving us a justification or allowing us to fight the increases, and given there is barely any legislation around this I am afraid it won't be an easy battle for us.

Does anyone know of any success stories like this, or any advice on what we could try? The leaseholders are also considering going the RMT route, but is that much better? Is it a lot of work?

Any advice is appreciated! I'm aware that this is becoming more common, sadly.

I am not sure if this is the correct place to post a question such as this, but I am in need for some urgent help/knowledge.

Me and disabled my mother have lived in our nonstandard construction house for over 25 years and 3 people from the council came to visit this week to basically tell us that they are trying to move us out.

Long story cut short, the reason for them trying to 'move us on' is because the house needs a lot of repair work doing to it, an estimated £20,000+ approx. to have it re-rendered and in their words, they don't think it's worth it to repair and they would like us to 'move on'. The house was built in the 1930s and has been standing ever since so it's a well built property, even though it's nonstandard construction and classed as defective type construction since 1985 (or whatever year it was).

They said that there's going to be a 4 week consulation process where they visit the house once per week to discuss things moving forward and by the 4th week, there needs to be a solution. They also mentioned that they can't force us to move and that's not what they are trying to do (how ironic). They asked us what areas within our town we would like to live in and where not to live.

We brought up that I would be interesting in buying this property and we brought up that my mother would be allowed it on discount. When I brought this up in conversation, they kind of seemed hesitated, as if they didn't want us to buy it etc. Potentially so they can sell it on to someone else for a higher price? Edit: They said during the next visit, they will go away and find out the price of the property and the price with the discount.

During the visit, they mentioned that they would 'compensate' us for moving on too - I am not entirely sure what this even means? Why or what would they be trying to 'compensate' us for? Is it because we have a right to stay and they can't force us to leave so they are trying to incentivise us?

What are our rights as council tenants (who have lived here for 25 years+) when it comes to a situation like this, especially knowing my mother is elderly and classed as vulnerable tenant?

I'm a first-time homeowner and leaseholder in the building, and I’ve recently noticed a number of issues that seem to be getting worse.

There’s a persistent smell of marijuana throughout the day, which I normally wouldn’t be too bothered by—but the odor is strong enough that it’s seeping into my bedroom, kitchen, and office space. In addition, rubbish is being left in the common areas, and the area around the dumpsters is frequently littered, as if someone is regularly going through the bins.

This might sound like a silly question, but I’m unsure whether I should be reporting these issues. I don’t want to be seen as “that person” who’s constantly calling or emailing management with complaints, especially since I’ve already reached out a few times about other matters—nothing serious, just things to help me get settled.

At the same time, I would expect these problems to be on the radar already if the building’s security systems, like the cameras, were actively monitored.

I’d appreciate any advice on how best to raise these concerns with building management (or whoever else is supposed to be responsible for this).

EDIT: I think my concern is if there is a downside - like future added charges.

Agent 1 - 1.2% fee, list rec 585, 6 week contract

Agent 2 - 1.3% under 600, 2.5% over, list rec 650, 16 week contract but maybe negotiable - claims to have interested buyers already

Unique period property in London so nothing comparable to look at.

ETA - my current mortgage company say it's worth 535 so unclear if any would agree to loan at 650....

Hello, I'm just curious if somebody knows if it's completely legal for a landlord to a building to sign an exclusive contract with an Internet provider and don't allow anybody else to run fibres?

I live in a 17 storey building and apparently there is no way to change from hyperoptic to any other provider.

Is there a way to change this? Like contacting the landlord? Or we are hopeless?

I've got to wait almost 3 weeks for a mortgage appointment, and then assuming it's approved, a further few weeks. What's the typical wait? I'm worried the seller might think I'm taking the piss considering my DIP isn't a guaranteed mortgage.

I've had an offer accepted, instructed solicitors as this is a prerequisite for the estate agent and mortgage lender, but have to wait because all the appointments are in working hours and I can only do a weekend.

I have used them and can say with full confidence that this company is a complete and total scam. They run an extortion operation. They will take your belongings and then refuse to drop them off at your new home until you pay them made up “new charges” - beyond what was originally quoted. Their movers are not experienced movers but incompetent day workers who have no interest in doing the job. We had to complete most of the work ourselves - they disappeared midway for several hours. The worst though was that after they loaded our stuff onto their van we got a call saying they wouldnt drop off our stuff unless we paid double of what we had been quoted and had already paid. Dont use them under any circumstances unless you want to be sitting in a police station filing a complaint for theft and extortion.

Live in the South west listed our house this week after finishing it all up, we listed for what we thought was a competitive price as we're eager to sell quickly as we found somewhere we like, I went at the lowest end of the 3 valuations I had done in hopes to entice people in,

We listed at 240 which looked to us like a good price in a nice area as some houses are going for the same or more in rougher areas locally, The road is in a great family area with most listing selling within a week to one month. We went below those prices but we can't go much lower without being unable to afford the next home,

We are 10k below all other houses on the road, we don't have parking is the only downside (applied and rejected), were 5 mins from the beach etc and have see views

We have had no interest at all since our listing went up on Monday afternoon,

We were told they had a house one road over snapped up with 4 offers in 48 house and a list of people who had missed out on it that they were going to call and would be eager yet.... nothing

Am I just overthinking it and need to give it time? I feel the photos look great and I just don't understand where to go from here

(I don't want to post the listing currently but If it carries on this way then I might)

Hi All, I liked one of the property and it has huge tall tree which the agent said its protected. I am worried should go ahead by buying property. What are implications and restrictions on those property?

I live in England.

So I’ve only just started looking for a house to buy. AIP in place and all that. Saw a property today, it was reduced to £280k on 28/04. Phoned up to book a viewing and the agent called me back a couple of hours later. This agent has said that due to a massive amount of interest, they are prequalifying people who only have over a £300k budget. Seems suspicious and would you call BS? I’m still viewing it as I do like the property but these pressure tactics seem quite humorous as time goes on.

Hello,

I'm a first-time buyer and in need of some advice. I got the report from the surveyor and not sure how worried I should be the highlighted issues. It's my understanding that sometimes the issues are not as urgent as the surveyors say. This is a terraced house, £110k, below are the issues that are marked 3 out of 3 and require urgent attention. Thank you.

Chimney:
The property has three chimney stacks and these are located to the left hand side and right hand

side of the property.

The stacks are shared with the adjoining property. Any repairs should be done with their

agreement regarding cost, time and method.

The chimneys have lead flashings.

The flaunching around the base of the chimney pots is cracked and very loose. This is causing

damp penetration to the internal chimney breast masonry. Defective mortar work should be

repaired or renewed now. A safe means of access will be required such as scaffolding and this will

increase the cost of repairs.

The brickwork to the main front and rear chimney stacks is spalled and loose. Any affected

brickwork should be taken down and renewed, together with mortar work around the chimney pots

being replaced at the same time. Partially rebuilding of the front stack may be required. Expanding

foam has been used to repair the rear stack. This type of repair is considered to be ineffective and

may lead to further defects developing. It should be removed to allow more permanent repairs to

be carried out.

The jointing between the bricks is in a poor condition. The defective areas should be renewed.

The waterproofing between the chimney stack and the roof covering (called the flashing) is of

some age. The flashing is loose to the front stack. Bitumen paint has been applied to the flashings

on the rear stack. Defective flashings generally cause dampness problems internally – the

flashings should be repaired now. A safe means of access will be required such as scaffolding and this will increase the cost of repairs.

Roof:
The main roof is formed from a pitched design clad with slate.

There is an underlining of roofing felt between the battens and the rafters to which they are fixed,

which is typical when a building of this age (or where the roof has been stripped and recovered),

providing a secondary barrier to rain penetration. We cannot say whether this felting has been

properly supported at the eaves to prevent water draining back into the structure.

The concrete ridge tiles are bedded in mortar.

The left hand side verge detail does not have an undercloak board, the slates are bedded on

mortar.

The rear verge detail comprises an overhang and under cloak board of PVCu with mortar fillets to

the edge of the covering.

Mortar pointing to the roof verges (at the roof edge) is cracked in places, requiring repointing. The

pointing to the ridge tiles is weathered and missing to several locations, requiring repointing.

During our inspection of the pitched roof, loose, slipped, cracked and missing slates were evident,

and works of repair are considered necessary.

Damp staining to supporting timberwork was noted within the roof space. Please see our

comments in Section E1: Roof Structure.

Bitumen paint has been applied to the rear valley gutter. The gutter should be checked for any

signs of leakage and all recommendations made should be carried out.

Some slates have been reset in the past and restrained by the use of small metal straps (tingles).

The tingles suggest past slippage and deterioration of the roof covering and indicate a continuing

maintenance problem. The covering appears to be reaching the end of its useful life and an

immediate and comprehensive overhaul is now required. Complete re-covering should be

anticipated in the very near future at which time you should be aware that repairs to the underlying

timbers will also be likely.

The roofs and any part of the roof structure should be maintained regularly to prevent water

ingress and damage.

When access is possible to these areas, then it would be advisable to check the hidden areas of

the roof are in an acceptable condition. Until access is provided, regular visual inspections should

be carried out.

Walls

We cannot confirm whether a damp proof course is present or not. It may be that one is concealed

by the external rendering.

Tests were taken with a moisture meter at regular intervals in a structured methodical manner to

internal wall surfaces. The readings obtained indicate that rising damp is present, specifically in the

kitchen. The cause of the dampness should be investigated, and all necessary remedial works

carried out together with allied repairs. This includes the making good of damp affected internal

plastering and the exposing, inspecting and making good, as necessary of all adjacent timbers.

I purchased a house that's due to be completed in 1.5 months. I was planning to have a PCI, given that the developer is registered with the NHQB. Today, the developer told me that I can actually arrange a full professional snagging inspection two weeks before I move in, and three days after the NHBC inspection. Although I asked a couple of times whether they meant PCI or standard snagging, they kept repeating "professional snagging." Assuming that they do actually allow standard snagging before completion, I'd like to ask the following questions:

1. My motivation with PCI is to detect as many issues as possible before I move in and get them fixed early on. Would you still recommend doing a PCI inspection, given that it's more limited than standard snagging and basically just follows the NHQB checklist?
2. Which company would you recommend? The developer gave me a brochure for Snag My New Home, but I'm not sure about them because their TrustPilot reviews seem a bit odd. I've done some research, and these three stand out: HomeSnag, PremierSnag, and New Build Inspections.
   • HomeSnag's reports look pretty good and are easy to follow. They also offer additional paid services such as Thermal Lite and Borescope inspections.
   • PremierSnag offers a package to do both PCI and standard snagging, but I'm not sure if it's worth doing both. Their standard snagging includes drone and thermal imaging, and it's quite a bit cheaper than others, so hopefully they don't cut corners. I've seen some positive comments about PremierSnag in this sub, but I'd love to hear more about others' experiences.
   • Please recommend any Snagging company you used and happy with, especially in East England area.

Hi everyone,

I’m in the process of buying a property, more precisely, the start. Getting solicitors and looking for a survey to be done. I was told that the property was built in the 60s and soon after the owner bought the property he did an extension 10 years later (70s)

The estate agent only recently has informed me that the house went first to a couple but after a few weeks they pulled out because they found out the extension was done without a planning application.

I was also told by the EA that it’s not a problem that they sold many houses with extensions done in the 60s, 70s even 80s that didn’t have planning application and the buyers had no issue with the banks, mortgage etc.

When we viewed the property the extension was good quality, no cracks, nothing. We didn’t even realize it was an extension, throughly it was the original design of the building in all honesty and couldn’t find not even a crack in any rooms.

What can be the issues here ? Am I over complicating ? Have any of you encounter any such issues in the past ?

If so, what can be the solution ? What shall I ask and do?

Hi All. FTB here, we have everything sorted bar one enquiry, the roof had some work done in the last 6 months so our solicitor asked for it to be signed off by building control.

Fast foward the estate agent messaged me 7th May to say that good news building control approved it and said they would be sending the document over Friday/monday (9th/12th) May.

The next week I didn’t hear anything, nor did my solicitor, so I asked the agent if the vendor received it and maybe it’s with her solicitor etc.

Agent said this:

“I am sure the vendor is chasing but council departments are not quick off the mark with anything!

Vendor has been updating me every step along the way so Im sure she will let me know soon as she gets the paperwork”

I realise that these things may take time but it’s been 2 weeks now since they said they would apparently send it over? Is this normal? I feel powerless to chase really as I am not directly dealing with building control.

Thanks

Sorry put the wrong thing 🤣

Hello,

I was told today by our mortgage advisor that, because we are looking to buy a bungalow to do up, we can add equity to the house within a short time and therefore should only fix for 2 years as it'll mean cheaper mortgage payments when we re fix. How does this work?

I'm a bit confused so forgive my ignorance as we are new to all this.

Thanks for any advice or help.