http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/list/8 EN Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:22:41 +0100 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:22:41 +0100 Property Phorum 5.1.6 600 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/33227/93507#msg-93507 OscarMascott <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
Residents picking up litter?! Luxury!

I'll tell my fellow commitee members about your response and hopefully we'll take it from there.

All the best

O]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/33227/93507#msg-93507 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:22:41 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/93306/93462#msg-93462 The Mapmaker <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
Normally the landlord pays the service charge; sometimes water rates - though not generally if the water is metered; otherwise tenant pays. Set it out in the AST you will sign with your tenant.]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/93306/93462#msg-93462 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:16:33 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/93404/93404#msg-93404 kmitchell <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/93404/93404#msg-93404 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:06:53 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92915/93388#msg-93388 Bob33 <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
We are in a similar situation, with a 2000 gbp deposit at stake.
What kind of issues are you having?]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92915/93388#msg-93388 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:24:16 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/33227/93349#msg-93349 Michael Slee <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
I was very interested to read your recent post OscarMascott. I originally read this thread last year when we were looking for a new agent and can see the choices haven’t improved much.

I own a flat in North London and was one of 3 volunteer directors trying to find a new managing agent in very similar circumstances. We came to the conclusion that because our situation was so serious it would be preferable to sack our existing agent and have a period of self management whilst we sourced another. From memory, we looked at roughly a dozen agents and drew a blank. Some were very quickly revealed as sharks after very little research. Others appeared okay at first glance until we realised the prices we’d been quoted were entry level and additional fees would be loaded for services we considered to be standard. We are a small estate of 54 dwellings (18 houses and 36 flats) and we can’t afford Barbican style prices.

Our period of self management rolled into 5 months, which in reality meant I was doing pretty much everything myself. One of the other directors was selling up and the other was between jobs and actively stressed seeking new employment. At our last AGM in November I said it was just not possible for me to continue and we must all pull together and try to find a new agent. However, as you know all too well, that is much easier said than done.

Ours is a long story, but to summarise, it was eventually suggested I run the estate professionally. At first I was reluctant (not least because my business is registered in Prague!) but after speaking with my accountant and a little bit of planning I decided to give it a go. It sounds like a logistical nightmare I know, but I am in the UK every month and I have 2 UK based partners (and of course I stepped down as a director to avoid a conflict of interests).

Depending upon your needs and the size of your estate it might be possible for us to investigate the possibility of looking after your estate as well. Before I took over professionally I started up a website to keep residents informed and up to date. It’s rather raw, but I decided to continue with it and believe it speaks for itself – certainly it will give you a taste of how things are going and what we’ve achieved. To my utter amazement, a side effect has been that there are even some small signs of community spirit building and some residents are actually picking up litter and taking a pride in where they live.

Anyway, take a look at the site and let me know if you’d like to chat at some point: [url=http://www.freewebs.com/wedmorecourt]Wedmore Court[/url]

I can of course supply resident references, and whilst I’m not particularly looking to expand this side of my business in any big way I do enjoy it now that everything is in order and coming together. I should just say that it is of course all completely legal but I don’t think droning on here would add anything to my post – if you do want to know anything else then by all means just ask.

Ordinarily I would not promote my business in a forum but given there has been an active invite and I believe my post might inspire others to do something similar I hope this is viewed in the spirit it is intended.

I wish you all good luck anyway, Michael]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/33227/93349#msg-93349 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:25:43 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/88321/93308#msg-93308 Penny <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Penny]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/88321/93308#msg-93308 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:03:16 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/93306/93306#msg-93306 Flipper <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
I am thinking about renting my place in Bermondsey, it is a big 1-bed flat (I am moving to Yorkshire).

I have never done this so I am not sure how to go about it, I do have a long list of friends that would like to move to my flat but I don't know how much to charge per month.

I will leave the flat totally furnished (just taking my personal items like clothes, DVDs, books, etc).

Are all the bills paid by the tenants or will I have to pay some myself, i.e Council Tax, Service Charge?

If anyone is doing this, I would appreciate if you could let me know. I don't really want to go to an agency as they charge a lot for nothing and I rather rent it to people I know.

Ta very much!]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/93306/93306#msg-93306 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:39:02 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/93151#msg-93151 jeje75014 <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/93151#msg-93151 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:27:01 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/93060#msg-93060 ADT <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
For somewhere "stylish" the Jam Factory might fit the bill, although I'm not sure how cheap that would be. There are various school conversions as well, which tend to be perhaps slightly cheaper than the warehouse style stuff. e.g. http://www.gumtree.com/london/52/25363652.html]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/93060#msg-93060 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:03:58 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/93052#msg-93052 The Mapmaker <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
I'd have a look on rightmove or findaproperty at some rental prices if I were you.

For that budget, near London bridge you won't be living on your own; in SE16, you will.]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/93052#msg-93052 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:31:01 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/42757/93026#msg-93026 john Ames <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Hackney council are doing the same with bills of over £20k for works that can be done at less than half the price.

you have to get organised on a "block" by "block" basis and share information amongst yourselves
take a look at these

1) http://www.ltb.viviti.com/
2) http://www.ltb.viviti.com/the-useful-page
3) [url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2007/10/16/insideout_171007_feature.shtml]http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/.../insideout_171007_feature.shtml[/url]

the last link is a bbc news story about Sothwark Council and Leasholders

The last link don't seem to be converting to an hyperlink
just copy the full address and paste it into your browser address bar and go to it via that route]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/42757/93026#msg-93026 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:28:11 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/92995#msg-92995 jimbob <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/92995#msg-92995 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:37:53 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92915/92921#msg-92921 Jonathan K <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92915/92921#msg-92921 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:41:21 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/92917#msg-92917 beingjdc <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
Find Bermondsey tube station on a map. This is handy since it's on the right line for Canary Wharf, without having to deal with the scrum at London Bridge.

North-West of that point is posh, broadly "Shad Thames", in a fairly good way, but expensive. If you want a classic warehouse conversion and are prepared to up your budget a bit, this is the place to be.

South and South-East of that point is fairly unpleasant up to the shopping centre, but much more affordable. I live here, but then I grew up in Yorkshire so it comes as no shock to me :)

Beyond the shopping centre is like a poor man's Shad Thames, newer buildings that have shot up to replicate warehouse conversions, but aren't. I nearly lived here (and did live in a flat above a shop here for a while). There's nothing really wrong with it but it's rather soul-less at the moment. The cinema, bowling alley, and so on are here.

North-East of Bermondsey Station (the Rotherhithe Peninsula, effectively) is fairly nice, but a bit of a public transport backwater once you get beyond The Mayflower Pub. It doesn't have much 'stuff to do' within it, either (for a young chap - there's a nice park, and a city farm, and, umm). It's more affordable than North-West, but less than South. Unless you want a river view from your window, then it's expensive again. If you want a warehouse with a basement gym etc for substantially less than in Shad Thames, this is the place to go, particularly the East side.

South-West of Bermondsey Tube is slightly split, the North part of it is very much council flats and tower blocks (but relatively good or improving ones), whereas the south half is more little 1980s housing developments where the slightly better off families in the area seem to live, and some flats that trade off making it into the SE1 postcode. It's ok, but unless you're close enough to feel like you're in Borough, probably doesn't meet your needs.]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/92917#msg-92917 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:30:07 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92915/92915#msg-92915 londonbridgeluke <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
They were managing a flat of mine in SE1 until mid July when they closed suddenly, since that time some very concerning “issues” have arisen.

If anyone has had a similar experience with this organisation or if anyone has any information that they think might be important then I would be glad to hear about it.

Many thanks.]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92915/92915#msg-92915 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:49:40 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/33227/92877#msg-92877 OscarMascott <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
I came to this thread as I am a resident in a block in SE1 which is investigating changing managing agent. We, as residents, own the freehold so what we're after is someone to collect service charges, source competative tenders for maintainance etc. and who can behave in a professional, transparent and polite manner.

Any managing agents out there interested in quoting for our business, please by all means set out your stall here with contact details and we'd be very interested in talking to you.

Alternatively, if there are any other freeholders out there who would be interested in pooling resources to employ a dedicated manager with responsibilities for just one or two properties, I'd like to talk to you too. It could be a more efficient way forward.]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/33227/92877#msg-92877 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:18:14 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92875/92875#msg-92875 atam <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92875/92875#msg-92875 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:52:25 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/92840#msg-92840 Andrew G <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
I am looking to move to the area (London Bridge or Bermonsdey area) in October and I really don't know the area at all - can anyone help????

Am looking for a nice place, safe, comformatable, a little bit stylish - ideally to share with fun new peeps.

I am a 28yo professional, working in Advertisng and have a new job in Canary Wharf (not sure the two things go together, but anyho).

Am looking to pay anything from £600 - 750 pcm ex bills

Would ideally like a really fun place, perhaps a loft conversion, want to be able to come home an chillout, but also not be too far from nice local places for a brew?

I don't know the area at all- can anyone suggest nice places that are safe and interesting to live (i.e roads).

Or indeed does anyone need a new flatmate?

Would be really greatful for any advice on the area?

Seems like lots of people think highly of it though:)

Thanks all for your time!

Andrew]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92840/92840#msg-92840 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:56:11 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92478/92478#msg-92478 ppn <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
My wife and I are look for a 1 or 2 bedroom place to live for four weeks whilst we have our flat renovated. The closer to Great Dover Street the better. Most of our belongings will go into storage, so we can move in and out quick.

Minimal furniture required.

Both of us are professionals.

Thanks

Pug]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/92478/92478#msg-92478 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:31:21 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91565/92326#msg-92326 sarahw <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
Hi
We are organising a party to celebrate... this website SE1! We're currently looking at a couple of spaces and I saw your recent threads about the space in Borough Market. The party will be on 5 & 6 September. And if anyone else has any other ideas...
Sarah]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91565/92326#msg-92326 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:45:54 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91946#msg-91946 The Mapmaker <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
All perception. As an estate agent pointed out to me, those 500 yards can take a girl tottering in silly heels fifteen minutes or more.

http://www.propertyfinder.com/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=503673381 It IS SE1 thought you may argue that it's Walworth. It doesn't mention parking, but surely there must be...

Melford Court - at the top end of Grange Road - has parking http://www.propertyfinder.com/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=501307204]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91946#msg-91946 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:11:36 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91891/91923#msg-91923 emmab <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91891/91923#msg-91923 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:09:48 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91891/91913#msg-91913 janefs <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
the land registry office was my first guess but i can't believe that the only way to find out who owns something is to pay some scalping company for information that should be freely available.
BEn[/quote]

I suppose it's a fair assumption that you are looking to make a significant financial gain out of purchasing the building, so it's a bit rich to refer to the Land Registry fee of a few quid as 'scalping'.]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91891/91913#msg-91913 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:30:50 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91891/91891#msg-91891 benprebble <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
the land registry office was my first guess but i can't believe that the only way to find out who owns something is to pay some scalping company for information that should be freely available.

any help much appreciated,

BEn]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91891/91891#msg-91891 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:20:00 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91845#msg-91845 beingjdc <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
Does anywhere on actual Bermondsey Street have parking, except maybe Tyers Gate? Someone underground? I'd be tempted to look for a decent flat and then someone subletting a parking space nearby...]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91845#msg-91845 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:53:54 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91818#msg-91818 The Mapmaker <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91818#msg-91818 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:55:38 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91810#msg-91810 JGarcia <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91810#msg-91810 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:51:09 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91803#msg-91803 SarahElaine7 <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91803#msg-91803 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:22:26 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91798#msg-91798 beingjdc <forum@london-se1.co.uk>
325-400 a week, I reckon. The parking space will be the sticking point.

We pay 285, a bit further out (just into SE16). No parking space (no parking at all, frankly, but no need for it for us), but a big living room and two bathrooms.

This looks passable.

http://www.findaproperty.com/displayprop.aspx?edid=00&salerent=1&pid=942137&agentid=08074]]> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91798#msg-91798 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:16:30 +0100 http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91797#msg-91797 jonm <forum@london-se1.co.uk> Property http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/8/91797/91797#msg-91797 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:58:04 +0100