Residents of Admiral Court in Croydon, south London, are facing financial ruin as their new flats have been without gas, hot water, and heating for six months due to "potentially dangerous leaks."
Families, including those with young children and expectant mothers, have resorted to washing in buckets, using camping showers, or traveling to swimming pool changing rooms. Many purchased their homes with mortgages and substantial deposits, but now fear they cannot sell their properties, which estate agents suggest are worth "next to nothing."
The issues began shortly after residents moved in starting in March 2025. By the winter of 2025, gas leaks were detected in communal areas, and by February of the current year, the hot water supply failed. Residents report being trapped in bureaucratic disputes between the freeholder, housing association, managing agents, and the original developer over who is responsible for the costly remedial works.
The original developer, UK Land Assets, has since been liquidated, exacerbating the dispute over payment for repairs. An expert witness report commissioned in August 2026 by the freeholder, Groundinvest (101) Limited, and managing agent Warwick Estates, found that the gas supply pipework had not been installed in compliance with industry standards.
Warwick Estates stated that neither it nor the freeholder was involved in the development until after the "substandard construction work" was completed. They claim that while resident well-being is a priority, "significant obstacles" have delayed remediation. The managing agent also asserts that under the lease terms, gas pipes are the responsibility of individual leaseholders, but acknowledges that residents cannot simply arrange their own repairs, and the defects are not covered by the building's warranty.
Residents like Izabella Skrzypczak, 37, who put down a £76,000 deposit on a £211,000 lease, described the situation as "sheer hell" and "horrendous," expressing deep anxiety about losing her family's investment. Martyn Oak, 41, who has a £150,000 mortgage, fears "financial ruin" and stated that estate agents have indicated the property would be worth very little.
Paige Basterfield, 29, is raising her seven-month-old son, Aiden, in the difficult conditions. Benjamin Hudson, 32, an IT engineer, called the situation "soul destroying" and expressed concern about the cold during winter without heating.
The freeholder is reportedly seeking to recover costs from companies associated with the original developer. Warwick Estates is exploring the possibility of installing electric heating and hot water for each flat, with further expert advice and costings expected in the coming weeks.