At 65 years old, Sharon Naidoo finds herself trapped in a housing predicament that has left her financially and emotionally strained. Living in a flat on Southwell Park Road in Camberley, Surrey, her plans to relocate to Bracknell to be close to family are thwarted by the inability to sell her property due to the absence of a vital fire safety certificate. This situation stems from a broader housing crisis spurred by regulations instituted after the tragic Grenfell fire disaster in 2017, which has impacted many homeowners like her.
The remediation process intended to address fire safety concerns at The Courtyard apartments will not begin until the autumn of next year, leaving potential buyers in limbo, struggling to secure mortgages that hinge on a satisfactory fire safety status. The developer, Crest Nicholson, has faced scrutiny for its handling of fire safety inspections, particularly after a previous assessment conducted by Tri Fire faced criticism over its certification practices. A subsequent review by Crest Nicholson led to the conclusion that additional safety measures are necessary, yet no immediate solutions have materialized.
Sharon laments the financial strain of her situation, caught between paying rising service charges and affording basic necessities like food. With the financial burden mounting, she feels devoid of options as she grapples with mortgage lenders’ reluctance to accept properties with unresolved fire safety issues. The situation is exacerbated by the absence of a "deed of variation," which would help amend ground rent terms, further complicating the sale of her flat.
Support from local leadership, like Liberal Democrat MP Dr. Al Pinkerton, has brought attention to the housing crisis, highlighting the lack of government intervention for those affected nationwide. Sharon's plea reflects a deeper issue of systemic failures in managing residential safety and the fallout it has caused for countless homeowners who feel abandoned in their plight.
While Charles and E&J Estates have expressed willingness to facilitate it, the tangible progress remains slow, and for individuals like Sharon, the wait for remediation and a resolution could extend well into 2027—far too long for those in dire financial straits.
