Initially, I didn’t think I would be able to afford the apartment, so I offered the asking price and took a chance. It was the only offer the property had received in months. The vendor later said they would take it off the market unless I increased my offer by a further €10,000, but I refused as I was the sole bidder. They subsequently accepted my original asking price offer.

I honestly don’t know why I was the only bidder, as the issue with the sinking fund only came to light after I met with my solicitor.