🏠 Buying & Renovating
Buying a Flat? Questions to Ask Before You Commit
Service charges, the lease, and the building’s condition can matter as much as the flat itself.
Marcus Ibe · Sep 17, 2026 · 8 min read · 4 steps
When you buy a flat you are also buying a share of a building: its roof, its lifts, its management, and its future repair bills.
A bargain price can be wiped out by a short lease or a large repair bill, so ask early.
Ownership and lease
Find out:
- Whether the flat is leasehold, freehold, share of freehold, or another form of tenure
- How many years remain on the lease, and the cost of extending it
- The ground rent, and whether it rises over time
- Any restrictions on pets, letting, or alterations
Running costs
Ask for the last three years of service-charge accounts and the current budget. Check whether there is a reserve (sinking) fund for major works, and how healthy it is. Large planned projects — roof replacement, window replacement, cladding work — can mean big one-off bills for each flat.
The building
Look at the common areas: tidy halls, working lights, and maintained entry systems are good signs. Ask about any recent or planned major works, fire-safety assessments, and whether there are any disputes with the managing agent or freeholder.
The flat itself
Check water pressure, the age of the boiler or heating system, signs of condensation, and noise from neighbours and the street. Visit at different times of day if you can. A survey is still worthwhile, even for a modern flat.
This is general home-maintenance information, not professional advice. Building codes, permits, and safe practices vary by location — consult a licensed contractor, electrician, or plumber for work beyond your experience.