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If the eight grand isn't coming out of the sinking fund, run a fucking mile.
Next thing that will happen is that they'll be redecorating the internals and putting new carpet down etc. I sold my flat 12 months before the freeholder decided to do a major renovation internally which would have cost me (I.e each flat) about 3 grand. I'd also be a bit worried about the service charge. It's likely to be at that level because the building has a poor claims history and is subject to a high excess - check it all out very carefully. The water ingress excess in my old block went from 750 quid to 2000 per claim in the space of 4 years ! Service charge when I sold was 2500 quid and it spiked 10pc just as I left. Fuck that shit.
princeperch
ReekBlefs
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