‘We are being robbed’: Homeowners feel trapped by rising fees

“It makes me feel helpless, no matter how much I challenge the costs, it’s not going to change, there’s no accountability for them because they can just keep putting up the charges,” said Mr Mckinnon.

“And despite the fees going up, you receive next to no service.

“You’re being charged for the grass being cut and then you step outside and there are weeds all over the place.”

FirstPort said they only apply service charge increases where necessary and ensuring areas are safe and well-maintained is a priority.

They said the day-to-day running costs of a development are subject to inflation.

Mr Mckinnon said: “There is an acceptance among all residents, that if you need something from FirstPort, you’re either not going to get it, or have a massive battle on your hands.”

After putting his flat up for sale, he said he received and accepted an offer, but months into the process, the buyer pulled out because FirstPort had not provided a valid fire risk assessment on the property.