Anything to lookout for when buying a house in an estate with a management company ?

Sq

Buying a house in an estate and was told there are management fees (which I have no problem with). I admit I wrongly assumed management fees are mostly tied to apartments.

The question I would like to know is: are there things to be wary of? For example, what do you wish you knew before buying a house in an estate with a management company? As far as I know, according to the maps, this is a freehold property. Sorry in advance if this sounds like an ignorant question; I just need to gather as much information as I can to make an informed decision

CalamariFritti

I'd be wary of the fact there is a management company. 50 quid for grass cutting collected annually by a couple volunteers is all we have. What else would there be? I may be ignorant here admittedly.

o1s1n

Might be an electric gate to get in? Nice for a bit of added security.

Caranica

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122737373#Comment_122737373

Any developments in most of the 2000s had a management company requirement in the planning permission. Saves the councils a fortune.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058376633/anything-to-lookout-for-when-buying-a-house-in-an-estate-with-a-management-company

Are there only houses in the development or are there apartments too? I live in a mixed development where own door units (whether houses, duplexes or apartments) subsidise shared entrance services like communal area cleaning and fire services

Oscar_Madison

Parking and parking spaces likely a problematic area worth checking out - especially if you plan on inviting a number of friends over - indeed I’ve seen some new estates banning BBQs amongst other things so really I’d knock on a few doors until someone shares the rules and regulations with you - and also check what are the key pain points - expect to be paying anything up to 2-3k a year over time too

Rows Grower

Is it a management company or a management committee?

If it's a committee you should be fine, it'll most likely be some professionals volunteering their expertise to safeguard their investments, if it's a company then you'd be well advised to read the small print and do the numbers.

Mrs OBumble

Proportion of the estate owned by one party, eg a social housing company. If its more than 50%, they control everything.

Is the estate taken in charge bybthe council yet. If not, will it be.

Freddiestar

I live in a house in a mixed development. It is well run with landscaping, security etc but as a house owner you will get shafted because most of the funds go towards apartment block maintenance like lifts and indoor common areas which you, as a house owner will not benefit from.

You will likely have some insurance and bins covered but you will pay more in management fees than what this would cost independently.