Unmortgageable Maisonette

[Evs2033]

Hi,

I’m looking at making an offer on a maisonette that has been deemed unmortgageable for two reasons. The first is a short lease and the second because of a lack of fire doors/exits. 

The estate agent gent has been very unclear on the fire door problem and only states that it’s because of a lack of fire doors. Is this something that would make the maisonette unmortgageable?

The entrance to the maisonette is through a communal front door with the entrance to the maisonette and ground floor flat. There is only one entrance/exit to the maisonette  

As part of the deal I intend to purchase the freehold of the building. Would it be my responsibility as the freeholder to ensure that there are fire doors fitted for both properties or just the one that I own?

Sorry for the long post. 

Andrew   

 

[Tom Sutton]

 

I know nothing about why premises are unmortgageable that is for the property lawyers and mortgage companies. 

What I can say is if you intend to take the freehold as owner/freeholder of a property with a common area, you will be designated the Responsible Person (article 3) under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which makes you subject to the Order and will be required to conduct a fire risk assessment, the guidance for the premises, assuming it is a converted house, is HOUSING – FIRE SAFETY Guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing. 

Again it will be your responsibility to ensure any necessary works are carried out, how to recoup the costs is a matter for property lawyers.