I think the Council have the power to buy any property that is left empty by compulsory purchase.

Let's hope the council doesn't get involved because they'll only turn it into something that none of the neighbours will want (see Hamilton Lodge!).

If the house is falling into the ground then RIP to it and I would love to see someone get hold of it who's got a love for the area, imagination, good taste and a load of money so it comes back with a new life that's appropriate for today and for the future.

Well, we would've been interested in restoring this house to its former glory and creating our family home here but with we doubt we can afford the kind of cost to tear it down and build it back up (especially given that it's semi-detached). What a shame...

Adelaide - are you the owner?

I forgot that it's semi-detached because it's been a very long time since I lived in the Coach House next door.

Is the subsidence so bad that it can't be underpinned and straightened-up?

We've been Forest Hill residents for the best part of the past decade and we walk past it every day on the to and back from the station

We tried to get in touch with the owner/ developer quite a few times before the building got to its current state, but never had any replies. I'll try to take a snap next day or so when we walk past it to show you how severe the subsidence is. The middle of the house is falling in a V shape, which is clearly visible when you look at the windows!

Sometimes you can get a builder to demolish it for free because the second-hand bricks are valuable.

Isn't the tactic to wait until it's in a state of disrepair? Then you can ignore all conservation issues, knock it down and just build a profit maximising new build without the costs of keeping the old fascade / make sure any extension blends in.

Decker, see post #39

Haha missed that.


But yeah. It must be the case. Subsidence is so costly and difficult. Not to mention even if you do fix it, your insurance premium will be insane.

Thsts one of the first questions on building insurance. Have you had Subsidence problems in the past?

Walked past earlier and spotted a for sale by auction sign. If you have a spare £1.1-1.2 million to hand, 1 Manor Mount could be yours (along with planning permission for conversion to 5 flats)!

Full listing here

Gate was open this morning and signs of activity, any ideas?