Service Charges and Major Works: Problems Selling?
Are service charges or proposed major works putting buyers off or holding up your remortgage? Perhaps a substantial bill has arrived, the reserve fund is insufficient, or nobody can confirm your likely contribution.
What did the accounts and management information reveal when you bought? Were known works, estimated charges and financial uncertainties explained?
Visit When I Bought to explore the original purchase and arrange an initial conversation about what happened. You do not need to know whether anyone was at fault before getting in touch.
A major-works bill has arrived. Could the warning signs have been there when you bought?
Service charges are putting buyers off. Proposed works have left your contribution uncertain. Or a substantial demand has raised questions about what you were told before purchasing.
What did the management information disclose, and was its significance explained?
When I Bought helps you explore the original purchase and the records that may matter. A later increase does not automatically mean the original advice was wrong, but you can start a conversation without deciding whether anyone was at fault.
Service charges or major works? Tell us what happened →
An initial conversation. No report to buy. No claim to start.
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Leasehold service charges under attack at Westminster
A heated debate has recently taken place at Westminster Hall where it was argued that the current leasehold system favors property management companies. Jim Fitzpatrick MP has opened fire on “rip-offs” faced by leaseholders in a call for reform of unfair charges and a confusing legal system. Mr Fitzpatrick said: “Urgent action is needed to…
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Service Charges and the 18-Month Rule: When Are Costs Incurred?
Originally published 12 May 2013. Updated 13 October 2026. A service-charge bill arriving years after work was done is not automatically too late to recover. The crucial question under Section 20B of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 is when the relevant costs were incurred, together with whether a demand or qualifying written notification was…