Buying a flat in London brings checks that houses do not, and this guide from IQSURV, a RICS regulated firm, explains what to look at before you commit.
Key checks when buying a flat in London
Ask your solicitor about the lease, service charges, ground rent and building insurance, and use a survey to understand the condition of the flat and the visible state of the building around it.
Flats make up a large share of homes for sale in London, from converted Victorian houses to purpose-built blocks of different ages. Buying one is not quite the same as buying a house, because you are buying a share of a building as well as your own front door. This guide sets out what to look at before you commit.
Think about the building, not only the flat
The condition of the roof, the structure, the communal areas and the external walls affects every flat in the block, even though you do not own them outright. When you view, look at the entrance, stairs, hallways, windows and any visible signs of damp or cracking. A surveyor can report on what is visible of the wider building as well as your own flat.
Check the lease and the paperwork
Most flats are leasehold, so the lease matters a great deal. Your solicitor should check its length, the ground rent, the service charge arrangements, who is responsible for repairs and any restrictions. Ask about planned major works, because costs can fall on leaseholders. These are legal and financial points for your solicitor, not something a survey will decide.
Inside the flat
Look for signs of damp and condensation, particularly around windows, in bathrooms and on external walls. Check windows and doors, the condition of the kitchen and bathroom, and what you can see of wiring, heating and plumbing. Think about noise from neighbours and from the street, and how the flat is ventilated.
Conversions and alterations
Many London flats are in converted houses. Ask what work was done when the house was divided, whether any internal alterations have been made since, and whether the right approvals were obtained. If walls have been removed or changed, a surveyor can note what is visible, and you may need further advice from a structural engineer.
Top-floor and ground-floor points
On the top floor, the roof above you is a key area, so look for staining on ceilings and ask who looks after it. On the ground floor, check for damp, drainage and ground levels outside. In between, pay attention to pipework and any signs of leaks from above.
Which survey for a flat?
A Level 2 Home Survey suits many conventional flats in reasonable condition. A Level 3 Building Survey may suit older, converted or altered flats, or those in need of work. The surveyor reports on the part of the building you are buying and on what they can see of the rest. Get in touch to talk through the options.
Speak to IQSURV
IQSURV is a RICS regulated firm serving London, offering Level 2 Home Surveys, Level 3 Building Surveys and RICS valuations. If you are buying a flat in London, get in touch or request a quote, and tell us about the property so we can suggest a suitable survey.
Next steps after reading about buying a flat in london
If this guide on buying a flat in london raises questions about your own property, you may find our guides on Level 2 or Level 3 survey guide and damp checklist for London homes useful. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors sets professional standards for the industry, and you can read more on the RICS website. To discuss your situation, get in touch or request a quote through our home page, or call 020 3780 5386.