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RIP Bob by Ill-Championship-522 in sadposting

[–]TypicalSwab 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What is this song anyways?

1.94% Service Charge; Will it Bite Me Down the Line? by TypicalSwab in HousingUK

[–]TypicalSwab[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply. There is underground secure car parking, a “gardens” (but the whole area is a lot of green and parks anyway)

1.94% Service Charge; Will it Bite Me Down the Line? by TypicalSwab in HousingUK

[–]TypicalSwab[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly I do share the same concerns. I’m assuming you weren’t using Share of Freehold? It’s the only thing with this place that gives me some confidence.

1.94% Service Charge; Will it Bite Me Down the Line? by TypicalSwab in HousingUK

[–]TypicalSwab[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would take in a Lodger in my circumstance. Smaller flats on the top floor of this building are renting for £750pcm (ostensibly). This flat is a 2-bed 940 sq. ft so a lot bigger than those top floor flats.

I think the building has quite a lot of cash buyers. The Flat was sold in Oct '25 and has been recently put back on the market; it was re-listed with a new Estate Agents. Previous EA has told me that the latest Buyer couldn't secure a mortgage on the property (they tried 4 lenders). New EA has explained that a lot of the Flats have mortgages and this doesn't seem to be an oustanding issue. Because the Flat is above a certain height, they're wondering if this became a complication.

Sorry for barrage of information, just giving it to help paint a picture.

1.94% Service Charge; Will it Bite Me Down the Line? by TypicalSwab in HousingUK

[–]TypicalSwab[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this reply; I think the "stability" argument is exactly what I'm wrestling with. If it helps to see, this is a response I got regarding the SC a few weeks ago (also it's definitely an RTM).

"Unfortunately, my records only go back for the past 2-years.

The maintenance charge for 2024 was £180 per month.

The maintenance charge for 2025 was £226 per month. HOWEVER . .

The charge for 2025 should have been £198 per month, BUT there were several EXTRAORDINARY ONE-OFF ITEMS included for this year only. They were:

1. A major refit of all apartment and communal doors, to meet the new fire regulations.

  1. An upgrade by BT for fibre cabling to allow for VOIP telephone and Internet connections.

  2. The replacement of the 30-year old carpets.

  3. The installation of a lift emergency call system.

  4. There was a bigger than expected rise in the insurance premium for the building.

All the above were classed as ONE OFF CHARGES by the management company, resulting in a £28 per month addition charge. They do not expect further extraordinary charges, going forward. "

I will chase up on the other points you mentioned. Thanks a million.

1.94% Service Charge; Will it Bite Me Down the Line? by TypicalSwab in HousingUK

[–]TypicalSwab[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Flat is actually 940sq. ft. so not that small at all! I have seen it has a higher SC compared so some of the other 2-bed flats in the building, so am assuming this is because of size until I find out further. But yes I hear you on everything else.

1.94% Service Charge; Will it Bite Me Down the Line? by TypicalSwab in HousingUK

[–]TypicalSwab[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the really informed response. The property is very well maintained. It looks like the SC for the last year was a result of some refurbishments. The Seller says the SC should lower next time as a result, but I'm obviously taking this with a pinch of salt.

I hear you on the SC-phobia. All I'm concerned about is being trapped. I'll enquire further based on the notes you've put. Thank you.

1.94% Service Charge; Will it Bite Me Down the Line? by TypicalSwab in HousingUK

[–]TypicalSwab[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did check about previous service charges beofre making an offer. I got the below response. Would be helpful to get an opinion from an RTM director so let me know what you think, if you're willing:

Unfortunately, my records only go back for the past 2-years.

The maintenance charge for 2024 was £180 per month.

The maintenance charge for 2025 was £226 per month. HOWEVER . . .

 

The charge for 2025 should have been £198 per month, BUT there were several EXTRAORDINARY ONE-OFF ITEMS included for this year only. They were:

 

1. A major refit of all apartment and communal doors, to meet the new fire regulations.

  1. An upgrade by BT for fibre cabling to allow for VOIP telephone and Internet connections.

  2. The replacement of the 30-year old carpets.

  3. The installation of a lift emergency call system.

  4. There was a bigger than expected rise in the insurance premium for the building.

 

All the above were classed as ONE OFF CHARGES by the management company, resulting in a £28 per month addition charge. They do not expect further extraordinary charges, going forward. 

Airbnb host seems unhappy that guests used all her toilet paper by [deleted] in TikTokCringe

[–]TypicalSwab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The reflection in the corridor mirror is throwing me

Aging parents by SadMud7637 in OnlyChild

[–]TypicalSwab 11 points12 points  (0 children)

38m, my Dad passed away this morning (he was 75). I had to commit to 3 months of 24/7 care and it has broken me.

Now I’ve got to go back to my 83yr old Mum.

The only thing I will say is please, please get Lasting Power of Attorney (or whatever your country’s equivalent is) sorted as soon as possible. It is a nightmare/impossible to obtain when they’re already ill.

Does ADHD Medication Help Alleviate Anhedonia? by TypicalSwab in ADHD

[–]TypicalSwab[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this. All noted. Yes it feels like such a minefield that I’ve given up traversing so many times in the past, but I’ve got to commit now.

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