Overview: Building Survey of a Leasehold Apartment in Notting Hill
Purchasing a leasehold apartment requires consideration beyond the condition of the accommodation alone. Defects affecting the roof, elevations, rainwater goods and other communal parts may ultimately result in major works being arranged by the freeholder or managing agent, with costs potentially recovered from leaseholders through service charges or other lease provisions.
The client therefore required a detailed understanding of both the apartment and the wider building, including any defects that could require repair in the short to medium term. The survey also considered the likely scope of remedial works where defects were identified, allowing these matters to be raised and investigated before the purchase progressed. Level 3 surveys in Notting Hill often call for this wider view, given the number of leasehold apartments in converted and mansion blocks across the area.
Our Response
A Level 3 inspection was completed to the accessible parts of the apartment and building, with particular attention given to defects that could affect the client’s ownership or future financial exposure. The inspection considered the external elevations and high-level elements as far as reasonably possible, rather than limiting the assessment solely to the internal demise. This gave the client a RICS building survey covering both the demise and the parts of the building that could affect future costs.
A drone was used to inspect the main roof, chimney elements and high-level rainwater goods. This provided a much clearer view of areas that would otherwise have been difficult to assess from street level and allowed relevant defects and maintenance requirements to be recorded within the report. Following issue of the survey, ongoing consultation was provided to help the client understand the findings and consider any further information obtained during the conveyancing process.
Method in Brief
- Apartment Inspection: The internal accommodation and accessible building elements were inspected in detail for defects, deterioration and maintenance requirements.
- Wider Building Review: External and communal building elements were considered because future repair liabilities may affect the purchaser through the leasehold service charge.
- Drone Inspection: The main roof, chimney details, gutters and high-level areas were inspected using high-resolution drone imagery where safe and appropriate.
- Post-Survey Support: Follow-up consultation was provided to explain findings and assist the client as further information became available during the purchase.
Outcome & Deliverables
The client received a detailed report explaining the condition of the apartment together with relevant defects affecting the wider building. This provided a clearer understanding of immediate repair issues and potential future liabilities, while also identifying matters that could be raised with the solicitor, managing agent or freeholder before exchange.
Why It Matters
With leasehold property, the condition of the wider building can be just as important as the condition of the apartment itself. Significant external repairs can lead to increased service-charge expenditure or major works contributions, so identifying visible defects before purchase gives the buyer an opportunity to investigate planned works, available reserve funds and potential liabilities in greater detail. A building survey in Notting Hill that looks beyond the apartment itself is what makes this possible.
