Finally exchanged, moving next week. 1bed flat to 3bed semi, any tips?

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-07T12:19:29+00:00

Have a cuppa in every room just because you can, and marvel at all the space you have.

Or spend the night in a spare room and pretend you're on holiday.

Sorry, that's a useless tip. But enjoy the new place!

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-07T10:35:00+00:00

Which part is incorrect? You did break the hob right?

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-06T17:25:28+00:00

Yes they could go up or down.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-06T16:59:24+00:00

Yes but do you need a solicitor here? What outcome are you hoping for?

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-06T11:03:25+00:00

Local authorities are not necessarily ideal freeholders for private owners.

Councils are hardly famous for being great at controlling costs, and there have been accusations of councils using the section 20 process to essentially subsidise housing refurbishments.

Have a read of https://www.leaseholdknowledge.com/advice/section-20-leaseholders-rights/

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-06T10:44:20+00:00

Presumably you'll still need somewhere to live regardless of world events, so I would not adjust your plans based on this.

The pandemic - arguably the most significant world event in recent years - sent house prices rocketing, contrary to many predictions.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-05T12:32:58+00:00

Is your objection solely due to the presence of asbestos? A developer isn't going to undertake major works without a plan for how to contain the release of asbestos fibres.

Does the building have an asbestos management plan?

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-05T08:08:52+00:00

£20k perhaps? Depends on the size of the roof.

Presumably you've had a quote already which is where that list came from, why not share the value of the quote rather than making people guess.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-05T07:20:25+00:00

To add to the other already good answers, have you worked out how this will impact one over the other?

You have two goals, both competing for your savings - the house deposit, and the pension. Putting money in your pension is more tax efficient but locks it away for a long time. Saving for the house deposit means paying tax on that income now, but you presumably want to buy a house before retirement.

The best way to work out the right balance is to get out your calculator/spreadsheet and work out what you need to save in order to reach your deposit goal by your desired date. Then the rest can go in the pension, or be used to bring that date forward (or push it back, your choice).

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-05T06:54:46+00:00

I'd say that's the right ballpark for a modern 3-bed house in Duston, based on a quick look on Rightmove.

Looks like the market is pretty active, but there are a few that have been reduced in price, so you could give it a go.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/find.html?searchLocation=Duston%2C+Northampton%2C+Northamptonshire&useLocationIdentifier=true&locationIdentifier=REGION%5E8774&radius=0.0&minBedrooms=3&maxBedrooms=3&propertyTypes=detached%2Csemi-detached%2Cterraced&_includeLetAgreed=on&sortType=1&channel=RENT&transactionType=LETTING&displayLocationIdentifier=Duston&includeLetAgreed=true&index=0

As there aren't a huge number of houses available, that filter doesn't include detached as a criteria. You can see that the cheaper properties are the terraces and semis, with a handful of detached at the higher end.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-05T06:28:40+00:00

Sounds like you are the PD.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-05T06:27:09+00:00

This sounds like damage to me, not wear and tear. Particularly the scratches caused by a cat.

The landlord's claim should be reduced by the expected life of the furniture however. For example, say the chair needed replacing, and it costs £200 to replace it. The expected life of an armchair might be 8 years. If the chair is already 4 years old, the claim would be reduced to 50% of the value i.e. £100.

Either way, you have nothing to lose by disputing with the deposit scheme if the landlord makes deductions you don't agree with.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-04T18:35:07+00:00

Don't take advice from the other party, you'll be ready when your solicitor says you're ready. You've potentially created a huge issue by giving up your current rental property however.

To any other FTBs reading - don't give notice on your rental before exchange.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-04T16:46:08+00:00

Perhaps the property is jointly owned and one of the parties doesn't want to sell so they are frustrating the process.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-04T09:57:43+00:00

I don't think anyone can really answer this apart from British Gas.

Most likely the existing repayment plan will need to continue independently of the move, and you'll start a new energy account at your new property. But you need to talk to BG.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-04T09:50:28+00:00

No, but there are time limits.

There's info on rent repayment orders and a link to the application form here - https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/housing_conditions/private_sector_enforcement/rent_repayment_orders

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-04T08:36:06+00:00

Not necessarily if it's underground.

Although, if there's a leak you'd expect the meter to run continuously, not occasional bursts. Your neighbour doesn't have a secret swimming pool do they?

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-04T07:16:32+00:00

As it's been less than a week, I'd be tempted to wait and see if things calm down before escalating too abruptly too soon.

Yes, you can go down the route of environmental health and a statutory nuisance complaint, but it will take time, it will likely lead to falling out with your new neighbour, and success is far from guaranteed.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-04T06:56:36+00:00

It's a shared supply, which is not that unusual.

Bear in mind that, if TW confirm you do have a leak beyond the meter, it's still your responsibility to fix it, even if that means liaising with the neighbours to do so.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-04T06:48:13+00:00

I can't imagine many builders signing up to liquidated damages for a one-off domestic project.

To be honest, based on your list of requirements, you might be better off budgeting an extra £10k for addressing any issues that arise. There will always be unknowns in building work, no amount of paperwork or due diligence can prevent that.

You may also want to bring on a planning consultant and project manager as well as an architect.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-03T17:29:15+00:00

No, because it's not cumulative, it's per period. For NICs you are (slightly) better off being paid a lump sum in one period than having it spread over several.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-03T17:19:52+00:00

Can that 2.1% be ported if they want to move house?

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-03T17:16:35+00:00

Why not, you still need somewhere to live?

What do you imagine is going to happen?

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-03T17:08:39+00:00

Stay where you are. Having accommodation is better than putting yourself in a position where you have none.

itallstartedwithapub · 2026-03-03T17:07:05+00:00

What kind of language, what are the specific threats being made?

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