u/Aggravating_Skirt779

​

Hi,

(See attached picture)

​My partner and I are First-Time Buyers and we've come across a property we really like, its a mid-terrace property valued at £360k. But there’s one main thing giving us pause: a very large mature tree in the back garden. Home is in South East England

​As you can see, the tree is quite tall—definitely taller than the adjacent house/building—and sits near the back/side boundary of the lawn.

​We suspect (or are waiting to confirm) that it might have a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on it.

​As first-timers, we're a bit unsure about what this actually entails long-term, so we'd love to get your opinions and experiences:

​Would a tree this size / potential TPO be a dealbreaker for you?

​For anyone who bought a house with a TPO tree: How much of a hassle is maintenance? Is getting permission for pruning a nightmare with the local council?

​Property/Structural Concerns: Should we be worried about roots near building foundations, drains, or potential storm damage?

What specific surveys should we prioritize if we proceed?

​Would love to hear how other FTBs or homeowners view this. Are we overthinking it, or is this a genuine red flag?

​Thanks in advance!

Hi all,

Quick question about broker fees.

I’ve been working with a mortgage broker and they’ve just secured me a mortgage offer. They’re now asking me to pay their client fee immediately (as soon as the offer is issued), rather than waiting until completion. Is this normal practice?

I was under the impression that most brokers who charge a client fee only invoice it on successful completion (or at least after exchange). Has anyone else experienced being asked to pay on offer stage?

Just want to check what’s standard before I pay.

My purchase fell through after paying my broker when she got me the first mortgage offer. Now that I want to offer on another property, she passed me to her colleague who is now telling me I will pay another client fee when they get me a new offer.

It this how they operate, look like BS to me. A friend told me to only pay a brokers fee after exchange or completion.

Thanks.

My attempt to get on the property ladder was unsuccessful. I took a advice from inexperienced people and gave notice to vacate to property managers.

I wrote to withdrawn the notice 3 week before expiry. The agent is insisting I vacate.

Seems like I have shot myself on the foot. I allowed viewing during the notice period.

Been in the apartment for close ton4year, never owed rent, we a family of 4.

Agent is insisting I vacate by month end.

Any advice will be appreciated.

My attempt to get on the property ladder was unsuccessful. I took a advice from inexperienced people and gave notice to vacate to property managers.

I wrote to withdrawn the notice 3 week before expiry. The agent is insisting I vacate.

Seems like I have shot myself on the foot. I allowed viewing during the notice period.

Been in the apartment for close ton4year, never owed rent, we a family of 4.

Agent is insisting I vacate by month end.

Any advice will be appreciated.

My attempt to get on the property ladder was unsuccessful. I took a advice from inexperienced people and gave notice to vacate to property managers.

I wrote to withdrawn the notice 3 week before expiry. The agent is insisting I vacate.

Seems like I have shot myself on the foot. I allowed viewing during the notice period.

Been in the apartment for close ton4year, never owed rent, we a family of 4.

Agent is insisting I vacate by month end.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Hi.

So my first property purchase fell through early this month. I have earlier given a 2 month notice to vacate to me letting agent which is due to expire on 31st of July.

I have notify my estate agent that I withdraw my notice to vacate around 8th of July.

The agent has come back to me now that they have a new tenant due to move in on 1st of August and that I have to move out by month end.

Letting agent is offering me an alternative apartment in another building with £300 increase in my rent. I can't accept this.

What can I do in this regards?

Am at a crossroads here. I feel i shouldn't have allowed viewing to take place during the notice period.

Any advice will be appreciated. I have little kids and can move to any temporary home now.

Hi everyone,

​I'm currently buying a house on Vale Street with a mortgage. My conveyancer just flagged that the legal deeds don't show a clear right of way to use Cole Crescent to get to Vale Street.

​To fix this for the mortgage lender, they are proposing:

​A Statutory Declaration from the sellers swearing they’ve used the road for years without issue.

​An Indemnity Policy to provide legal cover if anyone blocks access in the future.

​As a buyer, I have a few quick questions:

​Is a declaration + indemnity policy normally accepted by UK mortgage lenders without fuss?

​Will this cause me major headaches when I try to sell the property in the future?

​Should I insist that the seller pays the one-off premium for the indemnity policy?

Several property transactions has taken place kne the street successfully. In the last 10 years, at least 6-7 property have been bought/sold on Vale Street and green acre.

I dont want to loss a good property over a None-issue.

​Any advice or reassurance from people who have been through this would be amazing. Thanks!

​Hi everyone,

​

I'm currently buying a house on Vale Street with a mortgage. My conveyancer just flagged that the legal deeds don't show a clear right of way to use Cole Crescent to get to Vale Street.

​To fix this for the mortgage lender, they are proposing:

*​A Statutory Declaration from the sellers swearing they’ve used the road for years without issue.

*​An Indemnity Policy to provide legal cover if anyone blocks access in the future.

​As a buyer, I have a few quick questions:

​*Is a declaration + indemnity policy normally accepted by UK mortgage lenders without fuss?

*​Will this cause me major headaches when I try to sell the property in the future?

*​Should I insist that the seller pays the one-off premium for the indemnity policy?

This is a highly developed area with properties all around the street, not a new site.

​Any advice or reassurance from people who have been through this would be amazing.

NB: Cole Crescent is unadopted. While Vale street is adopted.

Several property transactions has taken place on the street successfully. In the last 10 years, at least 6-7 property have been bought/sold on Vale Street.

I dont want to loss a good property over a None-issue.

Thanks!

Trying to take advantage a reduced rate 5 days to exchange and 10 days to completion. Seller and her EA are pissed am going to waste time trying to port to the new reduce rate.

​

Will it not be stupid of me to ignore a new reduce rate. Since it won't affect our completion date.

The reduction will reduce my monthly payment by £40.

​

​

Below is the summary:

Critical Findings (Condition Rating 3)

​The following areas are flagged as serious defects needing urgent repair, replacement, or investigation:

​Main Roof: Weathered mortar bedding and pointing to ridge tiles increase the risk of water penetration and tile displacement.

Moss growth and potentially

asbestos-containing undercloaking boards were also noted.

​External Walls: Missing or recessed mortar joints in the brickwork require repointing to prevent moisture ingress.

​

Building Services (Safety Risks):

*​Electrics & Gas: Lack of earth bonding to the gas meter poses a serious risk of electric shock.

*Professional testing of all gas and electrical installations is recommended prior to purchase.

​Drainage: The underground drainage is likely original vitreous clay and may run under the property; a CCTV survey is recommended to rule out leaks.

​Heating: Evidence of service history should be obtained; if not serviced in the last 12 months, it needs an immediate inspection by a Gas Safe engineer.

​Internal Safety: No fire-rated doors are fitted.

​Hazardous Materials: Asbestos is potentially present in the roof undercloaking and in Artex textured ceiling coatings.