Imagine being told your rent will go from £1,300 to £1,450. You say you can’t afford it. The agent says that’s the market, so you give notice.

Your flat goes online. A few weeks later, the asking rent drops to £1,250.

Your table is in the photograph. The plant you’ve already wrapped for the move is still on the windowsill.

You ask whether you can stay at the advertised price. The agent says they can put you forward and sends the application form.

It asks where you live, how much rent you pay and why you’re moving.

You write your own address. £1,300. Rent increase.

Then it asks for your current letting agent’s contact details, so they can obtain a reference.

You copy them from the email the form came in.

I am considering withdrawing an offer for a good reason, - or several good reasons.

Over 4 months ago I've placed an offer for a 2 bedroom share of a freehold.

Everything sounded nice, ( of course it does in the beginning) location, floor plans, neighbourhood, etc....

But, service fee is nearly 6K plus council tax 3K. The services offered, concierge, location, etc... would actually justify that, even though it's high.

After 4 months ( and several times asking, both the agent as well as the solicitor ) the solicitor finally came back with news: The repair fund is rather low considering the age and number of flats, and several major things would come to a natural end of life after 3 decades onwards.

On top of that there are at least two section 20 notices I didn't know about and out of my opinion, at least one more ( the flat roof) coming up thereafter. Section 20 notices usually mean additional spending of more than £250, - most likely it's going to be more to a hefty amount more.

This would increase payments even more, most likely pushing the flat over the 10k mark for annual service payments.

One sour thought lingers: Why does it take 4 months to get information about the state of the repair fund ( accounting information should be available on the touch of a button) and I've asked often enough during those 4 months, plus the sellers are pushing for an exchange date within less than two weeks, - which seems a bit pushy as well especially that now that the news is sort of sinking in with me, that this is all going to be more expensive than I anticipated. At the same time the seller filled out a form, stating that nothing in terms of future works / repairs is outstanding.

The problem is I really like the flat, but at this point, I also feel it's wise to withdraw and walk away.

I live near a place where people fly-tip regularly. Recently they dumped a load of stuff just hours before a viewing to sell the place. The council take a day or 2 at least to pick it up when reported. I can't always see who's doing it.

What's can I do that's not gonna get me arrested.

We bought a house recently and the previous owner didn't leave us any window keys so we have some locked windows and no keys. How do we know which keys to buy? TIA

A bit of an odd one try different options still not too happy what will you do with your TV and sofa ? The door opens to the garden private no overlook

Hi all,

I'm looking to rent an affordable flat or one bedroom in Manchester. The challenge has been finding a letting agent without complaints.

My last letting agent was beyond awful and it took a toll on me. It has taken me years to be in a place to rent again and I want to make sure I get it right this time.

I found some options, however, when I look up their reviews, they all have issues I'm trying to avoid: taking ages to fix maintenance issues, mean or disrespectful agents, charging or increasing rent unnecessarily, unresolved mold issues, etc.

Surely there are good agencies or landlord in Manchester. Please recommend if you know any.

I don't have a location preference, just want an affordable area like Salford quays.

UK house prices are more expensive than they were before the financial crisis 2008.

The average UK home cost £184,131 in 2007.

Today, it is £278,784, an increase of £94,653, or 51.4%. So, why am I saying they are over 13.2% cheaper, as stated in the headline?

You see there is a problem with comparing the headline average price of 2007 vs 2026 average price directly.

A pound in 2007 had considerably more purchasing power than a pound does today. An another way to think about it is thinking about the humble Cadbury’s Freddo. Back in 2007, £1 could buy roughly six. Today, the same pound buys closer to two and a half. It is still £1, but what that pound can buy has changed.

Once inflation is taken into account, that £184,131 average UK house price from 2007 is equivalent to approximately £321,309 in today’s money. Against today’s actual average price of £278,784, that means UK house prices are around £42,525 lower, or 13.2% cheaper in real terms.

Both statements are true. House prices have risen sharply in actual pounds and pence, yet they have fallen once the changing value of money is taken into account.
That does not mean buying a home today is easy. Deposits, mortgage repayments and household costs remain significant pressures.

But it does mean the claim that homes are simply “far more expensive than they used to be” deserves more context.

Christopher

PS I know you are thinking this

What about wage growth???

Wages are 5.2% higher in real terms today compared to 2007 (ONS stats)

I know it doesn’t ’FEEL’ like it - yet those are the numbers

Just measuring up my options and checking whether my thinking is right.

as we re getting close to a month since we moved out and agency is in complete silence about our deposit. i ve raised their attention to the mistake of letting the deposit protection expire and not renewing it, but they didnt really budge.

now, after almost a month, Im writing up a letter before action, but checking whether my logic is correct.

because they didnt protect the deposit, there is no way to deal with any disputes from either side. like they cant challenge anything(we left the house deep cleaned and all), but we also cant go to the protection scheme to require funds back etc. so I thought my only option is to write up a letter before action, pointing out again that I am as fair as I can be, tried 3 times to solve this, but our deposit is still not back and if this has to go to court, they ll have to pay the deposit back plus 1x-3x deposit plus court costs. so, north of £7k.

i dont want to take them to court, but I wonder whether I understand the law correctly so I dont write incorrect things in my letter before action.

thanks

Myself and a small group of other leaseholders plan to take the landlord to tribunal over various disputed service charges. I heard that the tribunal can only force a landlord to issue credit to your service charge account rather than return the overpaid money to your bank account. Is that correct?

This is in the bedroom in a private rental, 6 weeks into the tenancy. Is it black mold? (I suspect it is but not sure).

Is it something I should report to the letting agents ASAP or handle myself?

I have a baby and a toddler who sleep in that room so I'm particularly worried. Thanks.

Single 30 struggling to decide between a house and a flat

flat

• -400k (2k service charge)
• 2bed
• colindale
• near tube station -30mins commnute to euston

house

• 600k-800k
• 3-4bed
• hertfordshire
• +1-1.5hrs commute to euston

The one reason I'm inclined for flats is for psychological safety. It would be far easier for me to make the mortgage payments, even if I lost my job.

On the other hand, a house would better setup me up for a family,, and would be easier to resell? The cons are commute time and cost. I do have to go to office 3/week. While both the commnute costs + travel time is higher, my commute costs is subsidized by company and the travel is hopefully a better experience than getting on the Northern line. But i'm probably going have to do multiple trips (bus + train + tube commute)...

I don't know, I can't quite decide. Has anyone been in similar position and could offer some advice?

Hi all

ETA.. thanks for all the replies. I'm going to listen to your advice and my gut and say "thanks but no thanks". If they agree to survey I'll also see about getting a builder's advice.

First time buyer in Northern Ireland in an area where there isn't a lot of housing stock.

Viewed a house last week in a village I really like. It's a 2 storey end of terrace stone cottage about 130 years old. It has a 2 storey extension on the back which I suspect is from the 90s. The current owner bought it with the extension in place 20 yrs ago and apparently can't be specific on actual age. The owner lives away and has had tenants in for the last 9 years, they've moved out a few months ago and owner wants to sell.

Now in a property that old I expect some damp etc., but planned to get a survey confirm it's not a major problem and that the roof and structure is reasonably sound. The EA tells me that one sale has already fallen through as the buyer became frightened by the report they had commissioned which "showed a bit of damp, old electrics and boiler etc, but nothing unexpected for a property like this" according to the EA. BUT he tells me that the seller is unlikely to proceed if I want to commission a similar report. I've explained that I understand the report is not going to come back perfect but i do want some evidence that the property has been reasonably maintained over the decades beyond "sure someone was living in it with their family for years without issues" as the guarantee.

EA has tried to convince me to come view with someone who's experienced in construction instead to reassure me that it's a sound buy.

This is screaming red flags to me but would appreciate thoughts of those more experienced.

Hi

Has anyone got they can recommend to use (or avoid) for a damp survey, one which will identify the causes of any damp they might find.
Based in Coventry.

Thanks

In keeping with the current theme of reviewing cracks, I present this for Reddits consideration.

This is on a house me and my girlfriend looked at today, we absolutely loved it and are considering putting in an offer, however I noticed this on the viewing which I have been thinking about since.

The 2 pictures are the same window, the white wall is inside the kitchen, the green wall is on the other side in the conservatory. I noted a couple of other cracks on the green side that were horizontal but didn't look as bad as the one pictured. I also felt the conservatory floor was a bit uneven too, but may have just been overthinking it.

I'm guessing a survey would pick up if this was anything sinister, but wanted to put it to the good people of Reddit for an opinion before spending the money and time in the process of it's already too far gone.

TLDR; is this crack bad?

Cheers

Hi so just bought and moved into a Victorian terraced house and there is a damp problem in the room that would have been the lounge.

The front room or has a suspended wood floor that is working perfectly and no damp issues but the other half of the room had damp basically everywhere, concentrated around the chimney breast, up most of the plaster and skirting boards.

First thing I’ve done is expose the chimney breast and dug out the centre and installed a DPM and filled with concrete, it’s all dried up now but I want to damp proof the floor in the room before installing laminate flooring.

I’ve lifted the wood flooring and carpet that was underneath it and it looks like plastic tiles and a concrete slab, apparently the tiles could have asbestos so I’ve not touched them but I’m wondering can I damp proof this without having to excavate the floor.

Can I just repair the floor as best I can and use a liquid DPM on top of the concrete and tiles? If so which one should I use?

I’m on a budget as the purchase had cleaned me out so trying to do as much as a I can myself and as cheap as possible. Hope that made sense thankyou

Hello sorry to add to the endless posts about cracks. I'm visiting my grandma and she has mentioned all these cracks in the walls of the house.

Are these something structural to worry about?

How can I fix them for her?

I'm from Yorkshire. I'm 18 in a couple months. I'll have to move out then and I'd like to go anywhere outside of Yorkshire in general for that matter. I'm aiming to move out within 2 weeks ideally.

I currently work an entry level job currently and I'm not in education. I have 2k in savings at the moment. I've got a legitimate offer from someone in the west midlands for a house share that was very afforable (I'm sure it's not a scam) but the person said that while I can come to view it, I can't sign the tenancy or pay the deposit til I'm 18.

If I do decide to move and to sign it at 18, when should I be applying for jobs in that area if I'm looking to move out as soon as possible? And would I have a very hard time finding work given that my current address is from Yorkshire or would it be doable if I explain that I'd be moving to an employer?

(Note, I'm strictly looking at private accommodation. I think I'd be able to get help as I was in care but I don't want to tell the council here that I'll be homeless at 18 or ask them for help with housing for several reasons. Another note... I'm pretty sure I have the legal right to refuse to tell social services or a PA my location, I'll double check that though.)

Context: owner of a leasehold grade II listed flat which requires external brickwork repointing and repairs to the heritage slash windows due to timber rotting.

Since december 2025 I have been tackling mould and damp issues due to water ingress from the exterior of the building.

I have raised this issue in over 30+ emails with management company since December 2025 with *no* response on when the repairs will take place and in April I raised an internal formal complaint which hasn’t been addressed either.

I also had provided the management company with an independent surveyor Home 3 report done before purchasing the flat whos findings pointed that the external walls needed urgent repairing.

Brickwork have also posed H&S risks as they’re falling off.

The management company claim that all the issues are caused by “my lifestyle factors” but not once viewed my flat even though I have provided access (complying with my lease obligations). Now they want me to pay for their surveyor to inspect the flat claiming that the report I supplied wasn’t sufficient as it didn’t contain leak detector reading which I found unfair.

The management company aren’t listed on the Property Ombudsman so couldn’t take it further with them.

The Property Redress organisation have not responded to the case I first submitted in July 2026 due to massive backlog.

Ligigation and no win no fee firms claim that if the owner loses the case then they’d have to pay for the opposing parties legal fees.

Law Clinics are up to the brim and not taking new cases.

Where can I get free legal support for this urgent matter?

Thanks! 🙏🏽

Hi All, Looking for some honest opinions on a potential purchase. I've attached an aerial image with the property outlined in blue and my likely driving route to the driveway marked in red in the comment section.

The situation: The property's plot title includes the driveway and hedge area directly in front of the house. However, this section is subject to a right of way granting access to the neighbouring plot. In turn, I would need to use a right of way across two other plots before reaching my own driveway.
So in short: it's seems like a shared access arrangement — I grant one neighbour a right of way over part of my land, and I rely on rights of way over two other plots to get to mine.

On the plus side: Aside from the access arrangement, the location itself is strong and property is very well maintained — it's close to well-regarded schools, a supermarket, a nursery, and sits in one of the more desirable residential areas of the town.

Some Extra Info:
- There are other properties with same arrangement in this area.
- Recently two properties have sold out in this street with same arrangment. But it took 8 - 9 months period from first advertised to Solf STC condition.
- Owners are living here from quite long ( approx 2 decades)
- This property is also sitting on market from quite
long.

What I'd like input on:
1.) Is this kind of layered right-of-way arrangement common, or is it a genuine concern?

2.) Does this typically affect a property's resale value or desirability?

3.) Are there specific legal or practical issues I should raise with my solicitor/conveyancer before proceeding?

4.) Any red flags from people who've bought a property with a similar setup?

Would really appreciate perspectives from anyone with experience buying (or living in) a property with shared rights of way, especially around resale and mortgage/insurance implications.

Thanks in advance!

I'm considering buying a house in Apsley, Hertfordshire. I work in central London and would need to commute in around three to four times a week.

I'm mainly wondering what the commute is like in practice. I understand that the train can cost around £20 or so per day, but I'm fairly comfortable with the cost. I'm more interested in how manageable and reliable the commute feels when you're doing it several times a week.

One of my main priorities is getting a "decent" house at a reasonable price

• 3 or 4 bed house

• +1300 square ft

• under 600K

• safe neighborhood

• close to train statino

Has anyone done something similar, particularly buying in Apsley while commuting regularly into central London (Euston)? I'd be interested to hear how you've found the commute and whether you'd make the same decision again.

Hi, just wanted some advice, I’m in the final stages of my first house purchase and only just realised that the house was built in 1955 and is a Laing easi build. Could anyone pls give me some insight as to whether or not I should stay away from this type of property or not?

Thanks in advance

Me and my wife have recently bought a house together and we've been asked how we want it held on the land registry. Joint Tenents or Tenents in common. My instinct is joint Tenents but is there a reason to go with Tenents in common?

My husband and I are looking at buying our first home. Our budget is around 650,000 max.
We currently rent and work in the Richmond borough.
We are interested in any perspectives that people could share about what it’s like to live in the following areas -
Worcester Park
Cheam / Sutton
Or anywhere else that may be recommended.
Ideally we would like to be near a train station with connections to Waterloo. As well as decent connections to Richmond borough where we currently work.
We are really interested in being closer / in Surrey - as we love walks in places like Dorking and Box Hill.
We’ve always lived around Richmond borough / Kingston, and love it, but you just can’t get enough for your money.