Read the lease, not just the listing
Ask for the remaining term, the parts included in the flat, rights to shared areas and any restrictions on alterations, pets or subletting. Check the position on parking, storage and access if these are important to your decision.
The implications of lease length depend on the property and lender. Your conveyancer can explain the lease and a qualified valuer or surveyor can advise on value and condition.
Further reading: GOV.UK: buying or owning a leasehold home
Understand the service charge
The lease sets out how service charges are organised and what can be charged. Ask for the current budget, recent accounts, what services are covered, whether there is a reserve fund and whether any charges are disputed or unpaid.
Separate the regular charge from the cost of planned major works. A managing agent’s estimate or historic charge is not a guarantee of future costs.
Further reading: GOV.UK: service charges and expenses
Ask about the building and works
Request the management information pack and any available details of planned works, building safety information, insurance and warranties. Your conveyancer can identify missing documents and your surveyor can advise what condition or specialist inspections to pursue.
Ask who manages the building, how decisions are made and what costs could fall to the buyer after completion. The relevant answers depend on the lease and the building.
In England, where building safety documents or remediation are relevant, ask the conveyancer what information and certificates are required for that building and who may be responsible for costs. The statutory protections have conditions; do not infer the position for a particular flat from a general headline.
Further reading: GOV.UK: building safety leaseholder protections
Use the information in your offer
Compare the purchase price and recurring costs with other homes, but also record unanswered questions. Agree with your advisers which documents or checks are needed before exchange; an accepted offer does not settle the legal position.
Rivermark can collect available information and flag questions during a search. Legal advice, surveying and valuation remain with your appointed specialists.
Further reading: GOV.UK: how to buy a home
Official guidance checked 5 November 2026. Confirm the current position and how it applies to your circumstances with the relevant adviser.