Buyer's Nightmare
A block of flats in Camden has been branded worthless by apartment owners who claim that the building shakes when a lorry passes by. Dan Bruce, who purchased his top-floor apartment in the Agar Grove complex for £800,000 in 2019, says the property has serious structural issues that have caused rotting floors, leaks, and collapsed plumbing.
Fears of Building Collapse
The building's problems have left Bruce and other owners fearing for their safety. Bruce described the nightmare scenario of a building corner falling away and having to evacuate all residents. He also expressed concern about electrical problems in his kitchen due to leaking ceilings during heavy rain.
Developer Denies Responsibility
Prime Metro Properties, the developer and owner of the flats, denies any knowledge of the issues raised by the owners. It claims that it had no idea of the problems that exist in the building and that the issues were undetectable during surveys conducted by the purchasers. The developer also denies allegations that it attempted to hide shoddy work by painting over issues before viewings.
Struggle for Resolution
The apartment owners have been in a five-year battle to have the building's defects addressed. Despite claims being acknowledged, they have not received any compensation or seen any progress in resolving the issues. The London Fire Brigade issued an enforcement notice in 2021, but according to the owners, the necessary work has not been completed. They have turned to the government for assistance.
Government Involvement
Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, visited the Agar Grove complex in 2021 and assured residents that solutions would be found. However, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has not yet made any substantive changes. The DLUHC has stated that it is considering its next steps and has called on Acasta European Insurance Company Limited, responsible for paying out claims, to fulfill its warranty obligations promptly.
Seeking Compensation
The apartment owners, including Dan Bruce, believe they are owed around £1.5 million in compensation for the initial purchase price, legal costs, and the stress and poor living conditions they have endured. Bruce believes that the government should provide compensation since it allowed lax regulations and enabled the situation to occur.
HOAR reached out to Acasta Europe Limited for comment but did not receive a response.
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