Don't mean to scare you but Bridge Court has always been a bit suss to me - the flats there tend to be up for sale for long periods of time even in hot market conditions, and the prices seem too good to be true. I expect part of this is due to the freeholder being useless and/or a ripoff merchant when it comes to maintenance/service charges etc. The stairwells were in a state - obviously used by undesirables, and the outer doors into the street never seemed to be closed or very secure when I walked by. Things may well change as the area as a whole gets spruced up though. Perhaps look at which flats have sold recently and knock on the doors of the occupants to ask about their experiences of the block?
edit: this link implies that the following extra charges could be coming your way - the flat you're buying may not yet have contributed to the major works (you may know all this already!)
Service Charge: £2,000 per annum including sinking fund and building insurance.
Ground Rent: £300 per annum
Major Works: £8,500 for roof, communal areas, doors & security
Yeah it's a weird space. Thank god there're two blocks there - the one to the street is pretty unpleasant but the one behind is quite nice. Was aware of the service charge / ground rent but hadn't seen the Major Works - will check this one out. Talking to tenants is definitely the next step.
Don't mean to scare you but Bridge Court has always been a bit suss to me - the flats there tend to be up for sale for long periods of time even in hot market conditions, and the prices seem too good to be true. I expect part of this is due to the freeholder being useless and/or a ripoff merchant when it comes to maintenance/service charges etc. The stairwells were in a state - obviously used by undesirables, and the outer doors into the street never seemed to be closed or very secure when I walked by. Things may well change as the area as a whole gets spruced up though. Perhaps look at which flats have sold recently and knock on the doors of the occupants to ask about their experiences of the block?
edit: this link implies that the following extra charges could be coming your way - the flat you're buying may not yet have contributed to the major works (you may know all this already!)
Service Charge: £2,000 per annum including sinking fund and building insurance.
Ground Rent: £300 per annum
Major Works: £8,500 for roof, communal areas, doors & security