The Guardian is seeking to hear from people across the UK who are currently trying to buy or sell a flat. The property market for flats has become increasingly challenging, with many owners facing significant hurdles that can delay or derail transactions.
Key challenges facing flat owners
High service charges, fire safety concerns, and onerous leasehold conditions are among the issues that have depressed flat valuations over the past decade. There are reports of flat owners, particularly in London, being forced to sell at a loss. According to research by Zoopla, flats in England take an average of 46 to 47 days to sell, compared to just 16 days in Scotland, where the long leasehold system does not apply.
Additional obstacles
Experts note that first-time buyers often cannot secure loans for flats in blocks with a high proportion of rental properties. Surveyors are also accused of “down valuing” flats, which can scupper sales. These factors are putting a stranglehold on what has traditionally been the most affordable route onto the property ladder.
Share your experience
The Guardian is inviting readers aged 18 and over to share their stories, anonymously if they wish. Contributions can be submitted via the encrypted form below, or through Signal at +447766780300. For fully anonymous communication, the Secure Messaging service is available. All personal data will be deleted once no longer needed for the feature.
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