rye_lass

Thanks again for your responses - so helpful. We found out today that sevice charge is also ?350 per year - so ?700 total. Feels quite bonkers but given the market we think we probably have to suck it up - the flat has probably increased in value since we put in our offer anyway. Will definitely be looking into taking over the management and possibly buying the lease. Ta ED folk...

Thanks everyone - that's pretty reassuring. A few pieces of information, like this, had frustratingly been withheld until the last minute so we were really wanting to check that they weren't trying to hide unfair costs - which it sounds like they're not. We'd expected to pay maintenance costs but had assumed the ground rent would be lower. Our solicitor is great, but not London based, so wanted to check local info. Some useful advice too - especially about checking upcoming work and taking over the management, cheers. Fingers crossed this will be the last surprise before we exchange...

We're in the process of buying a flat, very close to exchange, and have only just been informed of the associated leasehold costs, which seem quite high. The lease is new 125years and owned by the vendor. The ground rent starts at ?350p/a and doubles every 25 years. In addition all of the freeholder's building maintenance costs are expected to be covered by the owners of the flats, not the freeholder. Is this the norm for this area? Would be really useful to know if other leases are under similar terms. Thanks!

That sounds like a pain for them. Cheers for the info - I have been holding out for a haircut as I wanted to try them out and support a local business, but not sure how long I can wait!

Does anyone know if this hairdressers is going to open any time soon?

After years of trying nearly all the local places the ones we always go back to (for takeaway) are further afield for takeaway at least... Indian/Nepalese: By far the best takeaway, are the two nearest Nepalese places. Amazing spicing and always fresh - Gurkha's Flavour in Forest Hill (or we've liked Gurkha's in Sydenham.) Indian Mischief is great if eating out. Thai: Thai Orchard in Forest Hill for takeaway is always spot on. Thai Corner Cafe on NCR for ED. Japanese: Edo in Crystal Palace (they'll usually deliver for a charge) Breakfast: Homemade on Barry Road if you can get a seat. Keep meaning to try the Cafe on the Rye, but they stop breakfasts before we've made it out. Pizza: The Gowlett - they do takeaway too. Admit we haven't tried the Actress out of loyalty! Roast: Yet to be impressed in a pub, will have to try the tips. My house usually wins every time. Much further afield there's a brill Vietnamese, Mien Tay, on Lavender Hill - if only they were closer. And the tasting menu at Trinity in Clapham is great for something special. (I like it when these threads reappear - always useful and good to have current info.)

I'll admit I haven't read the whole thread - but has anyone tried to meet with the owners to discuss the objections? This online community of ours is great for sharing opinions and raising issues - but you can't beat speaking to someone face to face.

Oh dear soya. Please lets not turn this into East Dulwich snobbery. Celia said at the beginning that notes were put through doors, so these people aren't completely inconsiderate and it was probably a one off. The party got out of hand and people had more fun than the owners expected. Perhaps if a few of the neighbours had gone round to speak to them, when it continued the next day, the noise would have died down a lot earlier. I live on a junction with Dunstans and hadn't heard a peep - but can imagine how annoying it was. However... we all live in London and near to people with vastly different lifestyles. I embrace that, even when I'm tripping over buggies and trying to relax in the sun while the dad down the road has a ridiculously loud water fight with his kids *yes, that was annoying too* Hope that party has stopped now!