We're looking to buy cheapish one bedroom flat in Glasgow and thus far we seem to like top flats for the view, safety, etc. Both we've seen so far and liked for other practical reasons have had issues with the roofs. Which of course being on the top floor is rather important as we're the ones getting dripped on! Is it feasible to think that this is something which can be sorted "relatively" easily and if so what kind of budget "zone" is one talking about?
When I bought my first flat my parents were guarantors and their only stipulation was that it wasn't a top floor! I've always stuck by it but through friends and other relations it's never straight forward as people not directly effected drag their heels over costs especially when dealing with landlords of other flats. And I wouldn't say they are more secure as breaking in through a close loft hatch is not uncommon. No that's great, we're FTBs so more info the better.
This is an utter minefield. Be wary of top floor. I had a first floor flat in the east end in a block of six. There were major roof issues but there were only two of us actually living in our properties, the other four had landlords and we couldn't track down one owner for a year and his flat was empty.
The roof had to be replaced and a whole load of other work done from the water seeping in, in so many places. They were charging a quarter what the previous ones were charging for two weeks. Look at the neighbourhood, whether there are other owner occupiers, the state of communal areas, which factor is used and their charges and don't restrict to top floor.
I was never robbed or broken into in my flat and felt very safe. Top floor had things stolen from the top landing. Bear in mind if you are 2nd floor you get the best from below and no risk of a ceiling coming in from a roof leak. Personally, I'd avoid a top floor flat. At least the home report will alert you to any potential issues before you get to the point of viewing or making an offer. Never mind roof issues Avoid student or lanlorded properties as they never want to pay anything I really struggled.
