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This is a hugely helpful reply (maybe just because it’s what I want to hear, haha).
We currently live in a damp, shite Victorian terrace and have zero interest in buying one having seen the horrors our landlord uncovered when re-rendering the front (serves him right).
We’re viewing another property fairly close by, so will be a brave boy and chap on the neighbours doors later.
@lemonade: no bother, it’s just bikes and houses innit.
JacqueLucque-
Just had another look at the pics and it looks like it’s brick as there is a brick part on the ground floor with the cladding next to it under the window, a closer look will tell you if they continue under the windows. Also there is height above the top window so if that’s the same front and back then it might be a warm roof.
Mr_Smyth
A few observations.
The great thing about those kind of properties are they are a box that is very easy to remodel inside if you see fit.
Re the heating you will either need to fit Quantum storage heaters which are a massive improvement over the old tech as they do not leak heat and are run by a timer/computer which charges up based on you being ‘in all day’ or ‘out all day’ and the ambient temperature. The heat is then released when you want it with a low speed fan. I fitted them in my old flat and the bills stayed the same but I was warm when I wanted to be instead of the flat being like in an oven in the morning but freezing in the evening as all the heat had leaked out. Not sure you can even buy old style heaters as you have to fit Euro10 compliant ones now.
Looking at the cladding I would imagine there is just a small amount of insulation behind and possibly just a single skin of brick or even just stud work, if it was mine I would insulate internally and get the best glazing I could afford (triple or at least Low-E ) at least you are not having to deal with moisture transfer like a Victorian property so more insulation options for the panels below the glazing.
Having a floor below and neighbours means it’s always 13° plus the other side of those walls which helps as less external walls and freezing temps.
Would have a poke around on another viewing and see if it’s a warm roof with a void, how wide those panels are below the windows (they might even be spandrel panels with cladding over the top) and if you can insulate the ceiling? The service charge documents or those of the limited co management might show when the flat roofs were done and if they added insulation at any time, it’s always good to try and speak to a resident and find the details of the person who’s most active with the management as they will be able to answer a lot of questions regarding what work was done and to what spec, it looks like they were all re clad recently so may have better insulation then when built.
You can also scope out the possibility of a heat pump and if anyone else has enquired.
You shouldn’t have to wait for leasehold reform to insulate as unless there is a clause to prohibit that in the lease they can’t stop you. Obviously you can’t alter the external features.
I wouldn’t be put off as there are lots of plus points over a shitty built Victorian terrace with mud under the floorboards and damp everywhere.