Overview
- The annual service charge on the Park25 leasehold flat has risen from about £2,800 in 2018 to £7,500, with FirstPort saying 51% of the cost is energy-related.
- Estate agents report prospective buyers pull out after learning the ongoing charge, with roughly 10 viewings failing to progress.
- Sam and Evangeline Thorn cut their asking price to £220,000, below their 2018 purchase price and last year's £300,000 valuation, yet the property remains unsold.
- Residents were recently told of an estimated £80,000 general-maintenance overspend that they may be billed for, which the couple disputes.
- FirstPort cites failing heat-network components and higher biomass fuel costs, says it has an initial HNES grant with further funding sought, is exploring data-centre waste-heat recovery, and has pledged clearer billing after meetings with residents and the local MP.