Not only will this save you money on your heating and energy bills, but it will also help you achieve a cleaner, greener and more environmentally friendly property far into the future. the practices you instil within your home can go a long way to help the environment as well as your energy consumption, for example in the case of an air source heat pump which can help you heat your home in a cleaner way that traditional boilers. Find out more about new boiler costs.

There is no single or most effective way in which to make your property more energy efficient through new boiler quotes or any other way but there are a number of well-established as well as more recent practices that will go a long way in making your property warmer, more energy efficient and thus, more comfortable for you and you family to live in during the colder months.

Interestingly, insulating and making a property more efficient in the winter, can help it maintain a cooler and more comfortable temperature in the summer too.

Home Improvements for Energy Efficiency

As you may expect, there are a range of home improvements which can be undertaken, to specifically improve the energy efficiency of a property. Although the specifics of what needs to be done may vary due to the precise nature of a property (for example in the case of a house rather than an apartment) the principles remain.

Also important to remember is that you don’t necessarily need to undertake all of these improvements to go a long way in improving property energy efficiency all year round.

Double Glazing

One of the best ways in which to improve energy efficiency and the overall levels of temperature comfort in your home. Double glazing replaces older fashioned single-pane glass with stronger, longer lasting and insulating double paned glass. Furthermore, double glazed windows will also have better frames which will go further in helping keep out the cold air from outside.

With two panes of glass, rather than one and with a vacuum in between the two layers, double glazing maintains an efficient barrier between the interior and exterior environments.

Double glazing is a very popular home improvement and something that it is possible to take out a loan specifically for (more information about home renovation loans). Not only will it help with energy efficiency, but double glazing can increase the value of your home, with prospective buyers favouring more energy efficient and up to date homes, particularly when it comes to something as important as the windows.

Installing double glazing is also a great way in which to improve the security of your property. With the windows often being one of the most vulnerable points of a property, strengthening that very area can turn would-be burglars away.

Roof and Loft Insulation

Because heat rises, insulating he uppermost part of your property and protecting it against heat loss is one of the most popular and most effective ways in which to efficiently insulate your home. This can be done fairly inexpensively, although it will require work to fill gaps within the roof and potentially the walls. Additionally, if you have any chimney breasts, you may wish to remove them, as well as the chimney stack, to better insulate the property.

Draught Proofing Your Home

Although this may seem small and potentially trivial, reducing the amount of air infiltration that occurs as a result of draughts can make a very noticeable difference to the property’s temperature and energy efficiency. Draught proofing is also a form of DIY that you can carry out yourself, with the right materials in your home, making it one of the most cost-effective options. Remember that when you turn on your heating, the thermostat monitors the temperature of the property and the cooler it is, the harder the boiler will inevitably need to work.

Hence, by sorting out draughts which commonly occur through the gaps in doors and windows as well as any other gaps leading to the outside, you will instantly feel the difference. You will also find yourself needing less heating, less often, directly impacting your heating bills for the better.

The post Maintaining an Energy Efficient Home appeared first on Premier Lofts.

What about built-in furniture?

It is often common for older properties to not have rooms that are square, which can make older houses more charming but can nevertheless make finding the right furniture to fit in the space a bit of a challenge. It can also make it difficult to use the space effectively.

However, there are ways to get around this. For example, have you ever considered creating built-in furniture? This can be a fantastic alternative in older properties, as you can make use of sloping ceilings and uneven walls too.

Using reclaimed columns

An inventive way to make your home more modern is to use reclaimed columns. These can help to make a property look not only more aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps to remove the need for a load-bearing wall in a roo, helping to provide additional space.

Exposing original materials

Whilst modernising the space tends to be the usual route when it comes to renovating older houses, it can also be nice to make the most of the original features of the property too to provide additional character to the property.

For example, why not look at trying to salvage original materials, or exposing the original fabric within the property, such as exposing timber frames?

Have you thought about a ‘broken plan’ layout?

We have all heard of the term ‘open plan layout’, and whilst it can have its advantages for many kinds of space, thanks to its ability to make the most of smaller rooms and help light travel more easily, it isn’t always the best option. One of its drawbacks tends to be the difficulty in being able to create more private areas in renovation projects.

However, you could look at having a ‘broken plan’ layout instead. Wondering what we mean by this? That means thinking about a layout for a property that is open, but also has partial walls, internal windows or room divides in order to create a more private space.

It isn’t all about floorspace

For most people carrying out renovation projects, such as creating a loft conversion, they are usually scoping out their property for ways to create maximum floor space in their existing property. But, what about the space above? There are a variety of ways in which you can make the most of the space above you, especially in an older house where high ceilings can often be a common feature.

For example, you could look at strategically placing roof lights, having picture windows and making the most of vaulted ceilings in order to make the house feel more spacious and airy.

The post Home renovation ideas for old properties appeared first on Premier Lofts.

Removing walls is usually necessary in order to create a new extension or provide more space and give you the living environment you desire. However, if you intend to remove internal walls in a property, you need to make sure that you have carefully planned how you are going to do it, as failing to plan appropriately could mean that you risk the property not being structurally sound. As a loft conversion firm with many years in the field, we know one or two things about knocking down internal walls. Therefore, we have put together the guide below to help give you some tips on how to best go about this.

Will I need planning permission?

In the majority of cases, getting planning permission for knocking down internal walls is not necessary. This is because this type of renovation typically falls under permitted development rights, which means as a property owner, you will not be required to apply for planning permission in order to carry this work out.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that it does depend on the type of building you plan to remove internal walls from. For example, if you are intending to do this work in a listed building, you will most likely need planning permission. This might mean you need to make a Buildings Regulations application. That means your work will be inspected, an providing that it meets the supervisor’s requirement, you will be issued with a certificate to carry out the work.

Consider getting structural engineer advice

Before starting to remove walls, it may be worth getting in touch with a structural engineer if it is the first time you have removed a structural wall.

A structural engineer can help to advise you as to how best to go about this, helping you to ensure that the work is carried out safely.

Think about fire regulations

Prior to removing internal walls, it is also worth seeing if the wall you want to remove is currently providing fire protection. Take for example a loft that has been converted: you will find the walls surrounding the staircase usually provide you with protection, enabling you to escape easily if a fire occurred. If you removed such walls from a loft conversion, you would need to get Building Regulations consent beforehand.

Will removing internal walls also affect party walls?

You will find that in a semi-detached or terraced houses, new beams will need to rest in the party walls that keep you separated from your neighbours, and before starting internal walls you should do your research first. Making sure you remain compliant with building legislation is important, therefore think about talking with a specialist Party Wall surveyor prior to undertaking work.

Have you got a completion certificate?

It is worth getting a completion certificate when carrying out internal wall work as if you fail to get one it could potentially cause you problems in the future.

Why might a lack of completion certificate cause you problems? this is because not having a certificate means you have no evidence that the internal wall work carried out in your property was safely and correctly carried out. This is why it is important to contact Building Control, in order for an inspection to be carried out and so you can then receive the necessary paperwork.

Is the wall loadbearing or not?

You should always make sure before knocking down internal walls that you have verified if the walls are loadbearing or not. This is because some walls are integral to the structural integrity of the house and may be harder to alter, whilst others are simply there to divide up space.

Don’t be fooled into think that simply tapping a wall to see if it sounds hollow means that you have figured out if a wall is loadbearing or not. Make sure you have sought the advice of your structural engineer or builder first who can verify this information for you.

The post Everything you need to know about knocking down internal walls appeared first on Premier Lofts.

Through this piece, Premier Lofts will be exploring some of the key elements to consider to make sure that your loft conversion project runs on time. For more on loft conversions and how to make the most out of the spaces in your home please visit this page.

How do you make sure your loft conversion is completed on time?

There are many different factors that can be carefully considered to ensure that your loft conversion project runs on time. Below is a list of some of the main considerations that help to ensure this:

• Financial stability

• Understanding of preliminary inspections

• Preparing the space for loft conversion

• Work with a trustworthy loft conversion specialist

Taking the time to properly consider all of the above factors can help to make sure that your project not only runs on time, but has also been completed in a proper manner of ways, ensuring its longevity.

Financial Stability

Although fairly obvious, it is vital to ensure that you fully understand any and all financial costs that will incur from a loft conversion project. Failure to do so can severely delay, if not entirely stop, a project from continuing, as without a full understanding as to the overall cost of the conversion, you cannot effectively prepare the funds for said conversion.

If you are using finance to make your extension or conversion (typical for larger products), some companies such as Magnet Capital will provide money in stages so that you have better control over your cash flow.

Understanding of preliminary inspections

Understanding the preliminary inspections can help you to ensure that your loft conversion runs on time, as it helps you to factor in all time consuming elements of the project and therefore build up a more realistic time frame for its completion. Such preliminary inspections may include an inspection of the roof space and a confirmation for conversion suitability from either an architect or surveyor.

To find out more on the typical schedule for a loft conversion, please click here. 

Preparing the space for loft conversion

Effective preparation of the space for the loft conversion can eliminate the chance of any setbacks in the projects development. For example, clearing the space of the conversion before the project starts can enable the conversion to get underway from day one, being given a perfectly cleared, blank space with which to start development.

Work with a trustworthy loft conversion specialist

Making sure that you pick a trustworthy loft conversion company to carry out your project is vital to ensure that the project is finished on time. Premier Lofts has built up its reputation solely from word of mouth, and is dedicated to providing its clients with top-quality conversions as efficiently and effectively as possible.   

The post How to make sure your loft conversion project runs on time appeared first on Premier Lofts.

However, the self-employed are not the only group of professionals that require an office space. A home office can also be a great addition to anyone wanting an area within their house to conduct any and all means of work, including studying, or finishing off any final bits from the office.

But how do you build the perfect home office? And where do you find the best people to help you build the perfect working space for your home? Through this piece, we will be taking you through some of the main things to consider when building the perfect office for your home.

What are the main things to think about when building a home office?

When building your home office, as with the development of any new space within your house, there are many different things to consider, all ensuring you get the most out of the working space you create. However, although there is an abundance of different factors to be considered when creating your home office, these factors can almost be entirely summed up in the following two areas:  

• Design

• Location

Both the design and the location of your home office are both essential factors that both hold numerous different components that can help to create the optimum working environment for the office.

Design

The design of your home office can have a significant impact on your attitude and further productivity when working from home. Ensuring that your home office is designed to stimulate a positive working environment can improve these levels of mood and productivity, and help to create a stable, positive environment for your working life. Below is a list of some of the major design features that can help to create a positive working environment for your home office:

• Open space – ensuring that you have a good amount of open space throughout your office can help to eliminate any feelings of claustrophobia. Having enough space throughout your working environment can help give you the room to think clearer and allows your thoughts to flow better, increasing productivity at work.

• Good lighting – similar to open space, good lighting can help you to think more clearly and therefore be more productive.

• Comfortable furniture – as you will be spending a considerable amount of your day in the office, having a comfortable place to work is vital to help ensure a positive environment and attitude, and also helps to eliminate the chances of physical strains and pains from such examples as an uncomfortable office chair.

Location

Another major component that can greatly effect this working environment is the location of the office within the house, below is a list of the major factors to consider when deciding the location of your home office:

• Signal (both phone and wifi) – as you will most likely be needing to have access to the outside world (e.g. communicating with people and accessing information via the internet), ensuring your working space has good signal is vital to make sure effective communication is had throughout your work, thereby increasing overall productivity.

• Privacy –  if there are multiple people living in your home, having a home office set in a private location within the house that is both harder to access and lower in general noise levels can help to minimise interruptions to your work flow, therefor increasing overall productivity from within the working environment.

A great area of your home to consider putting an office in is the loft. A loft extension can help to create a fantastic office space that can be great for signal, privacy and noise levels, whilst also being able to provide any and all of the features listed as important in the design of the working space.

The post How to build the perfect home office appeared first on Premier Lofts.

It is also important to keep in mind that the exact process will inevitably end up varying depending on the building and individual requirements of the project itself. The schedule is given to provide an outline of the sort of things you can expect in a loft conversion project.

Step 1: inspection of roof space

The first stage in any loft conversion will typically involve your roof space being inspected for it suitability in terms of a conversion taking place. When it comes to what is actually being inspected, it will be things such as access, height as well as any potential obstacles that could arise. For example, chimney stacks or a water storage tank in the roof could make things a bit more complicated, but can be addressed nevertheless.

Step 2. An architect or surveyor confirms suitability

Once the roof space has been assessed for suitability when it comes to a loft conversion, the next step usually involves an architect or surveyor verifying the loft’s suitability for work to be carried out too. In addition, the architect or surveyor will also take into consideration as to whether the building itself is adequate to take the added load that is typically involved in a conversion.

Step 3: Plans are made

Once this step has been carried out, the plans are drawn by the architect or surveyor, and this is also a chance for you and your team to get a thorough understanding of what your costs will be, and how you can potentially cut the cost of certain things by carrying these out yourself on a DIY basis.

Step 4: the loft is cleared

Once you have also got Building Control approval (this can be sorted out yourself or by the surveyor or architect you have hired) then it is possible for work to get going on the loft conversion.

The first step in this individual process is clearing the loft space. This includes things such as water storage tanks, or chimney stacks, which will need to be moved to a more convenient space so extension works can take place.

Step 5: rewiring is assessed

The next step in a loft conversion project more often than not involves sorting out electrical wiring and assessing carefully what needs to be done to make sure that safety is not jeopardised.

For example, it is vital that any electrical wiring or other services which are attached to binders and joists are removed as well as rerouted.

This usually also presents itself as a good time to both replace and improve the original wiring too. The requirement will also mean that certain services will probably not be available in the meantime in the property itself, which is something to remember. It will usually not work until new wiring or pipework has been completely replaced.

Step 6: floor insulation

This part of the loft conversion process will involve ensuring that spaces between joists are now filled with insulation to a depth of 10mm. After this, joists can be covered with floorboards, providing that a Building Control inspection has already taken place.

Step 7: floorboards are laid

The next step involves floorboards then being held in place with screws.

Step 8: rafters reinforced

Rafter reinforcement can now start in line with structural requirements, which means that collars, struts and purlins can be removed safely.

Step 9: dormer installation

If applicable, this is the point where dormers are usually installed.

Step 10: rooflight installation

Typically, roof windows are then installed, providing a great way of letting in natural light to the conversion.

Step 11: staircase installation

Exactly where in which the staircase is fitted will usually be dependent on the individual conversion itself.

The exact costs and requirements will also differ depending on the building itself.

Step 12: dormers tiled and vents fitted

In order so that they are completely weatherproof, dormers are tiled and cladded at this stage. Ridge and soffit vents will also be fitted too.

Step 13: windows fitted with dormers

The next stage involves fitting the windows in the dormer openings that have already been measured.

Step 14: roof insulation

At this part of the project, roof insulation will usually take place. It is placed between the rafters, with a gap between the roofing felt and the insulation (a 50mm gap) for ventilation.

Step 15: partition walls erected

A quilt will usually be placed within the spaces in between the studs whilst the plasterboard is attached.

Step 16: wall plates and first fix

Wall plates are then fitted between studs so that a secure fitting is provided to items such as radiators.

Step 17: electrics upgrade

It is necessary for all new electrics to meet the requirements to Part ‘P’ of the building regulations as well as the 17th Edition Electrical Regulations.

Step 18: access to panels for water, eaves storage

Water supplies and central heating feeds can be connected to the loft conversion in this stage.

Step 19: walls are plasterboarded and skirting fitted

In one of the final stages plasterboard is attached to the studs and rafters using drywall screws. Then the area is painted as required and skirting will then be fitted.

Step 20: the bathroom clad and extraction is then fitted

In this stage, the shower room walls are clad with a cement-based aquaboard, and an extractor fan is fitted.

Step 21: second fix, finishes and heating carried out

Plumbing and second fix electrics are fitted into place.

Step 22: decorating

The final step! Now you are all ready to decorate your loft conversion.

The post What does a typical loft conversion schedule look like? appeared first on Premier Lofts.

Is planning permission required?

One of your first questions regarding loft conversions is likely to be regarding the grey area of planning permission. Do you need it? Not in every case. For example, for most people looking to carry out a loft conversion, it will usually fall under the parameters of being a Permitted Development, with the design needing to meet certain regulations.

However, in some situations, planning permission could be needed. This will apply if you are looking to extend beyond the limits and conditions in place of a permitted development. Alternatively, if your home is in a conservation area, or it is a listed building, then you will also be required to get planning permission before carrying out renovations.

In addition, planning permission will also be needed if you will be making alterations to the shape or height of your roof.

In terms of dormer and roof lights, these are allowed under Permitted Developments, however, they need to meet the following conditions: they cannot sit forward of the roof plan where the principal elevation is, and they can’t be higher than the highest part of an existing roof.

If for any reason you are unsure if your planned loft conversion fits under a Permitted Development or planning permission category, check with your local planning authority first.

Can I convert my loft?

Of course, when planning a conversion you should first take into account the level of suitability.

But how do you do this? We recommend that you think about the following factors, such as:

• Roof structure
• Roof pitch
• Available head height
• Obstacles such as chimney stacks

Don’t forget building regulations

Regardless of whether or not your loft conversion falls under the Permitted Development category, or needs planning permission, you will absolutely need to have Building Regulations approval.

How does this work in practice? What will happen, is that a specialist surveyor will come to your property to take a look and assess the conversion taking place during its various points of development. On the final inspection of the conversion, the surveyor will provide a completion certificate to you.

The Party Wall Act

Do you live in a terraced or semi-detached property? Then if you are building a loft conversion, you will need to inform your neighbours about the work that will be undertaken beforehand. This is if it falls under the conditions stated in the Party Wall Act.

Is moving the water tank necessary?

Depending on your property, it could be the case that you will need to move the water tank to have the loft conversion. If there is not adequate space for the plumbing and water tanks in the roof, you can replace the hot water and heating system with a sealed system. In the majority of cases, an unvented hot water cylinders is a better than replacing a typical boiler with a combi boiler.

Will I also need new ceiling joists?

If you are carrying out a loft extension project, then you will most likely find that it will be necessary to obtain new ceiling joists, in order to fully comply with building regulations. This is due to it being the case that the existing joists will unlikely to be able to fully take a conversion floor.

In terms of the size and grade of joist needed, this is something that your structural engineer will inform you of.

How do I insulate my loft conversion?

Another aspect you will need to keep in mind is how you intend to insulate your loft conversion, and consider the options you have. The two main ways you can insulate them are through:

• A cold roof loft insulation: this tends to be the preferred option, due to its straightforwardness. It will involve filling the space that is in between the rafters with slab foam insulation. Adequate spacing is needed between the roofing felt and insulation for proper ventilation.
• A warm roof loft insulation: using 100m Celotex insulation or something similar in nature over the rafters as well as a covering capping, tile battens and tiles. It tends to be a less practical option for most people carrying out a loft conversion unless the roof coverings have already been stripped off.

There are other options available too, such as:

• Insulating the party walls: this is to protect the loft conversion against noise as well as heat loss if you have timber studwork with mineral fibre insulation. It can also be covered with sound-rated plasterboard.
• Floor insulation: another option is insulating the floor, through a mineral fibre quilt, which is then placed between the joists.

Who designs the loft conversion?

You have a few options when it comes to choosing who designs the loft conversion. Keep in mind they will deal with planning permission if needed as well as building regulations approval on your behalf too.

If you have bespoke specifications in mind, it could be better for you to choose a designer or architect. However, if you are looking for an all-inclusive service then you may find a design and build contractor a more preferable option for you instead. It all depends on your individual needs and requirements for a loft conversion.

The post A beginner’s guide to loft conversions appeared first on Premier Lofts.

Choose a simple design

As a rule of thumb, you will find that the more complex the building design is, the more expensive it will be for you to run. As a result, try to keep the building design simple to keep renovation costs lower, as for every corner in an external wall you add, you will slow down the building process. When you introduce a hip or a valley, you extend costs of roof timbers and the cost of labour too.

DIY when possible

Another great way to keep build costs in check is to carry out do it yourself projects wherever possible. Whilst it is not recommended to carry out do it yourself tasks that are completely out of your skillset, minor tasks, like plastering or painting, could easily be carried out by you and will be a great deal cheaper then asking tradesmen to do the work on your behalf.

Determine your budget

From the very beginning of your renovation project, make sure you have decided on your budget, and make sure it is always clearly communicated with your designer, builder or architect. Make sure that not only you have drawn up a budget and stick to it, but that it is realistic to begin with. There is no point drawing up a strict budget that will be hard for you to keep to.

Avoid bespoke details

One of the biggest factors leading peoples build costs to get out of control is down to deciding to opt for bespoke details. Whatever stage of the build you are in, you will find it can dramatically increase your costs. You should try to keep to standard sizes whenever possible to reduce lead-in times too.

Think creatively with cheap materials

Where possible, think about the ways in which you could better use inexpensive materials when renovating. Think about whether you may be able to use plywoods instead of very expensive hardwoods, or perhaps there are materials you can recycle or upcycle.

A quantity surveyor could help

Don’t necessarily assume it will be the case that an architect will know how much it will cost to build. You are more likely to have a better idea of all the cots by investigating yourself and then figure out the final build sum. If the idea of doing this feels a little on the overwhelming side, look at getting a quantity surveyor who can work alongside you on the project about costs.

Thoroughly research

Always ensure you have done thorough research prior to carrying out significant changes to a building in order to keep build costs down. Think about attending workshops by self-build specialists, self-build shows or open days, to build upon your existing knowledge and also gain expert advice too.

Stick to tried-and-test methods

If you are serious about keeping your renovation projects low, then don’t make the decision to start using techniques or building materials that your builders are not familiar with already.

This is for a number of reasons. For example, it could increase wastage, it will also increase the time the builders are on site, meaning higher labour costs, and it could even lead to a sub-standard finished project.

Reduce waste

When designing a building, make sure you are making the most of your chosen build system by ensuring it is as efficient as possible, to help reduce waste and unneccessary cuts.

Be savvy

It can be tempting to just use one builders’ merchants to save on time, but it wont necessarily save you any money. It is worth taking the time to shop around for the best price for build costs as it could make a dramatic difference. Always ensure you are asking for trade prices and materials prior to making a purchase. Remember also to think about things such as delivery fees, too, if you pick a smaller builders’ merchants, you will find they often deliver for free.

The post Top tips to save on building costs appeared first on Premier Lofts.

Learning the basics

There are a number of different things you can learn to do yourself, and it is far cheaper for you to do so than getting the help of an expert to come and do it on your behalf. This includes the funademental basics such as:

• Repairing your gutter
• Replacing a tile that has broken in your kitchen or bathroom
• Bleeding a radiator
• Fixing a dripping tap

There are a number of courses you could look at signing up for so you can become a master at these basics. For example, take a look at the courses available at the The Goodlife Centre or the DIY School. Paying money upfront could save you a staggering amount over a period of time with regards to unneccessary call out charges.

Learn plastering

Depending on your individual needs, the project you are carrying out may mean you need to replaster the entire building, or perhaps simply replastering some walls or parts of them. If you need to restore a particular feature, it is generally recommend you hire a specialist to do so, however if you simply want to restore it to its former glory, then you could look at signing up to a class yourself.

You could sign up to a one day Lime plastering course, or if looking to restore fibrous plaster mouldings, you can look at signing up for a one week fibrous plastering course such as the one offered by APC plastering.

Learn plumbing

Why not take a look at mastering the basics of plumbing? Take for example the Plumbing Academy, which has locations across the country and offers intensive course in heating and plumbing. You even have the possibility of learning how to fit a bathroom too!

For bigger projects

If you are looking at taking on a bigger project but would still like to carry out much of the work yourself as is feasibly possible, then look at the accredited centre Able Skills. They provide training from EAL, BPEC, CITB and City & Guilds. They offer a number of introductory courses for beginners in a range of areas, such as bricklaying and plumbing.

The post How to do DIY around the home appeared first on Premier Lofts.

What is a leasehold?

To clarify, a leasehold is one of the most popular ways of owning a flat, apartment or a maisonette across England and Wales. The other possible purchase option for you is a freehold property. The fundamental difference between the two is that a freehold means you own the building outright, whilst a leasehold property means that you have ownership of the right to occupy it for the length of the stated lease. Depending on when the lease was first created, this can be anything from 99 to 999 years in total.

What is ‘ground rent’?

If you are leaseholder, then each year you will need to pay what is known as ground rent to your landlord. Depending on the individual circumstances, this can vary substantially in cost. It could be as little as £10 per year, all the way up to £200 annually. For some leaseholds, the ground rent can increase over a short period of time. Ground rent is something you can not navigate around if you buy a leasehold, but it is worth consulting your solicitor early on in the process of buying to ask how much it is, as well as any potential consequences of a rise in ground rent, and how likely that is to occur.

Will I need to pay service charges for a leasehold?

Service charges for a leasehold refer to the costs you will need to pay for the maintenance of your flat, apartment or maisonette. These charges will be applicable if you have a leasehold. You will typically pay these charges on an annual basis and in advance.

The exact amount you will pay for service charges will be dependent on factors such as the condition of the building and its age. It is well worth asking your landlord before buying about the typical cost of previous service charges, and if major renovation plans such as external painting are intended in the near future.

How is the block maintained if purchasing a leasehold flat?

When you purchase a leasehold flat, you automatically become a leaseholder, which in the contract sets our your rights and obligations. The freeholder (your landlord) will be responsible for internal and external maintenance of the block. Usually, the freeholder uses the services of managing agents who look after building maintenance, with the cost of this passed onto you as the leaseholder through a service charge.

What fees are there if I buy a leasehold flat in a retirement development?

You could have to pay for additional services and facilities for a retirement development leasehold, such as a warden or a 24-hour emergency call system. These could be integrated into the service charge.

What are event fees?

If you are looking to buy a leasehold flat in a retirement complex, then expect event fees. These are payments which you as a leaseholder make to the landlord when the flat is sold on or if it is sub-let. The amount will usually be calculated on either the rent when it is sub-let, or the sale price.

In terms of how the event fees are used, it is used for a myriad of reasons. It could be used to help reduce large increases in the service charges by helping with maintenance costs. Whilst in other cases, it is used to provide income to the freeholder and not used for building services. Always check with your solicitor first as to whether there will be event fees, what they are used for and when they are going to arise.

How do I check a leasehold building’s fire risk assessment?

If you are looking to buy a leasehold flat, make sure you have obtained a copy of it’s fire risk assessment prior to buying. It is a legal requirement for all blocks of flats in England and Wales to have a regular, fire safety risk assessment carried out. This covers things such as the likelihood of a fire starting, what would happen if a fire started, as well as how you can minimise the risk of it starting.

Is it possible to make alterations to a leasehold flat?

If you want to modernise a house that is a leasehold once bought, always make sure before buying if you need the landlord’s consent beforehand, or the managing agent working on their behalf. This is because some leaseholds have outright bans prohibiting building changes entirely.

Can I sub-let a leasehold flat?

Again, make sure you check with your landlord and or managing agent of the building.

Not all leases allow you to sub-let the property, whereas others simply require consent. Always make sure prior to buying you have checked the conditions for sub-letting.

Is there an expiry date for a leasehold?

Yes, as with any other kind of tenancy there is both a start and finish date. You should make sure you know how long is left on it prior to buying because the shorter it is, the harder it will be for you to sell later on. You can get this information from your estate agent, conveyancer or a solictor but it can depend on the lender in question.

In terms of your rights as a leaseholder, you can extend the lease of the flat after two years of ownership. However, you will need to pay the freeholder this amount, and depending on how long the lease itself is, it could be a high cost.

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