Management company charging £4,500/year — for what exactly?
Bought a new build flat 2 years ago. Service charges were £2,800 when we moved in. Just got the bill for this year: £4,500. That's a 60% increase in 2 years.
The breakdown includes:
- Building insurance: £800 (was £500)
- Grounds maintenance: £600 (it's a small car park and two flower beds)
- Management fee: £1,200 (for what?!)
- Sinking fund: £900
- "Admin charges": £400
- Communal electricity: £600
The car park hasn't been resurfaced, the lift breaks every month, and the communal areas haven't been redecorated since the building was finished. Where is this money going?
I've asked for accounts and been told they'll be "available at the AGM" — which is in 8 months.