New purpose built flat soundproofing.

[bluenun20]

I hope this is the correct section as I could not find a more relevant website.

I am currently looking to sell my property as it is too big for me and the gardens are big and require a lot of hours spent on them that I do not have as I work long hours at home.

I was thinking of buying a new purpose built flat, looked at a few on the weekend and really like them.

They have concrete floors which are carpeted and no adjoining walls to other flats.

I was wondering how good the soundproofing is on newly built flats/apartments these days as I work from home and screaming/shouting, partying etc would distract me.

Outside traffic noise does not bother me as I can hear that where I am living now.

 

[Deluks]

Imposs to say really. There are sound regulations that apply to new build properties, but whether or not they have been adhered too, or if corners have been cut....?
In any case the minimum requirement still leaves a lot to be desired! You'd be better off meeting the neighbours and seeing what they're like when looking around.
Can you not find a smaller house with smaller garden? Or one that's been landscaped in a low maintenance fashion? ie: paving, decking, lots of gravel and stones.

Don't overlook the fact that you work long hours, and all that gardening can be therapeutic and de-stressing.

 

[Nige F]

House = freehold..... Flat = leasehold = . In my opinion

 

[jeds]

In theory current standards are quite good - certainly not like the bad old days. The way it now works is that new builds are either built to a higher standard (higher even than the current required minimum) or new units are tested post completion to make sure they meet standard. So the standard should be fairly good.

Even so, there are cases of sound problems in new flats. So you still need to do a bit of research. I would knock on neighbours doors and ask if there have been any issues. Ask your solicitor to ask the vendor if there have been any disputes over noise.

 

[bluenun20]

Yes I suppose every building and situation is different and one inconsiderate neighbour can spoil the peace for everyone else.

Difficult to do any checks as the flats are not occupied yet.
I suppose pets are allowed I never asked that, hopefully no constantly yapping dogs near by.

I noticed with a lot of new flats now that some of the lower floors are allocated to "affordable homes", not quite sure what that means.

Yes flats are leasehold, not something I am concerned about.

 

[Deluks]

I noticed with a lot of new flats now that some of the lower floors are allocated to "affordable homes", not quite sure what that means.

Toffs at the top, skagheads on the bottom!

Buy high up if you can!

 

[bluenun20]

The ones I looked at had 4 or 5 floors and I definitely had in mind I wanted to be on the top floor because that way at least I would not hear anyone above me but the tops ones had all sold.

What qualifies a person be able to buy the "affordable homes".
I had thought it was help with the mortgage.

This wont apply to me as I am downsizing (square footage is the same as this property actualy) and wont require a mortgage.

 

[Deluks]

No idea, you'll have to enquire. But affordable usually means available through government schemes like shared ownership, or for renting out to folks that claim housing benefit.

Still a backwards step IMO, like selling your blue-ray player to buy a DVD player.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

If you want peace and quiet don't buy a flat.

End of thread.

 

[jeds]

What qualifies a person be able to buy the "affordable homes".

You cannot purchase an 'affordable' home, they are rented. The developer has to let a minimum percentage of units at fixed (affordable) rates. The developer has to fill out 10 million forms and comply with a gazillion rules and regs to become a registered social landlord in order to do this. Because there are no surviving humans who understand the forms and rules most do the alternative - which is to hand the units over to an established registered landlord - i.e. a housing association. They get them for ten bob each and rent them for thruppence a month. Not sure how the economics of that works but it does?

 

[bluenun20]

I was reading some of the literature I picked up and they are providing this scheme called "East start", on a flat that costs £114,950 the buyer has to put down 5% deposit, then £17,243 is using their easy start loan and the mortgage is £91,959 so I think that is what they mean by affordable homes rather than used for rental.

All the replies have made me think again about selling this place, it seemed like a good idea at the time as I work long hours and find the big gardens here take a lot of time and work, thought a new purpose built flat with a balcony would be lovely.

I am prepared to give up a drive, garage and garden but not if it means being surrounded by noise.

 

[Nige F]

[quote="You cannot purchase an 'affordable' home, they are rented. quote] 21st. century socialism Council tenants among the middle classes, instead of in ghettos. Keep your freehold house - get a gardener in

 

[Deluks]

There's a huge waiting list for allotments. Why not turn the end of your garden into a large veg plot, and offer it out to some local greenfingered type, on the premise that they cut your grass and pull some weeds every now and again, to stop the garden from getting out of hand.
You might get a few carrots out of it too!

 

[Alarm]

Get in a gardener?
No unexpected noise, garden neat and tidy.

 

[bluenun20]

Thanks for all the replies, it has definitely made me reconsider after hearing all the negatives of owning a new purpose built flat flat.

Shame because I got an offer on my place today just 1% below the asking price, they have not sold their property though so nothing to get excited about.