Hi all (my first post on this forum) - I have lived in Forest Croft for nearly two years. I've had quite a lot of interaction with the new managing agents (MH Associates, of Herne Hill I think) and old (KFH, from West London), due to damp problems in my flat.

From what I have been able to gather, the block has been appalingly mis-managed for at least the last 15 years, and there are crucial structural issues which have not been sorted out - the roof, poor rendering (leading to penetrating damp), drains, some balconies, and rising damp due to a defective damp-proof course in certain areas. Then there are more cosmetic issues like the garages, internal hallways and lifts, tarmac at the back etc.

I think the major problem with the last set of major works, which cost residents about ?3000 each, was that none of these structural issues were addressed, and the directors (who seem to have made a number of very poor decisions over the years) opted primarily for an external paint-job, which looked reasonable enough but which should never have been done until the more important stuff had been dealt with.

On the positive side, I think there is enormous potential in the block; Forest Croft, along with Taymount Rise, is relatively rare in style, in a quiet area, and I have been told by various estate agents that interest is always high from people who want something 'period' but who cannot afford a Victorian converion of the same size.

I understand that there is something in the region of ?500-600K work required and not much of a sinking-fund currently in existence (though the recent 20% rise in annual service charge should slowly build one). There can be no doubt that if the major works are to be completed all flat owners will need to spend up to about ?10K each over the next 5 years or so, but I think that once structurally sound and cosmetically smart the increase in property values should make this back two or three times over.

The company which owns about 2/3 of the garages, Dudrich Holdings, are keen to sort these out (as they are a huge mess) and I understand they are hopeful work can commence sometime during the summer.