When Kirsti Overton and her partner Chris Penfold bought their £150,000 three-bedroom flat, they were over the moon finally to own a home together. But five years on, they have been forced to sell up because their service charges have nearly tripled.
A Money Mail investigation today reveals how some firms appointed to manage properties are cashing in while leaseholders are seeing bills soar to unaffordable levels.
There are also fears that residents are being hit with rising charges by mistake. Some firms have been forced to refund residents tens of thousands of pounds after charges were found to be unjustified or made in error.
Meet the growing numbers of home owners who are the victims of sky-high service charges:
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