Service charge wether paid monthly or in one big hit,
is a water meter fitted, if so you cant get it remeoved, but i have one and it works out cheaper,
use of any communal gardens , drying spaces, washing lines and car parking etc, also cost of parking permit if required, maximum number of cars allowed per flat usually just one, cycle storage,.
are pets allowed,even if you dont have any, you dont want a yappy dog as a neighbour,
is their a residents management committee, ask for copies of the accounts of the management of the block,
is any major planned maintenance due to go ahead in the next few months, eg scafolding, redecoration, new roof , electrics or windows,
google the block to see what comes up, eg neighbours being arrested etc,
visit at night to see who arrives and departs parking, etc,
having a fridge or tv and a settee in the grounds doesnt mean its an affluent block, just that theyve been dumped there by residents, also check corridors for similar stuff its a high fire risk.
look for elements of poor maintance, ask about gardening and cleaning services of comunal areas, and is the cost included in the service charge.
oh and i live in an appartment, and am a director of the management committee.