A former Kidderminster office block named after Margaret Thatcher, with planning permission to be turned into homes and shops, is among the star lots in Bond Wolfe’s livestreamed auction on Thursday 14 September. Originally built in the late 1970s to…

A 71 bedroom apartment development in Redhill, Surrey, has come on to the market. This was after the company behind Furness House was placed into administration. Watling Real Estate and Csquared have been instructed by joint administrators Georgina Eason and…

A new survey by Go.Compare Home Insurance has revealed that the most important trait in a neighbour, according to 71% of Brits, is being quiet and peaceful.[] The insurance comparison site asked respondents what they believe makes a good neighbour, along with…

Exploring the circumstances under which an application for dispensation from consultation under Section 20 of the LTA 1985 can be considered suitable.

Earl Kendrick support’s DEBRA UK, The Butterfly Skin Charity, a national charity for people living with genetic skin blistering condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

Belinda Bagnall explores the significance of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance for your Residents’ Management Company.

Using contractors may be very routine for your company, but this doesn’t mean that accidents and health and safety incidents cannot occur.

The specialist building safety team at JB Leitch provide an overview of the relationship between the process for undertaking major works and the new building safety regime… As readers will no doubt be aware, the main legislation relating to building…

Written by Gareth Lomax – Director of Ardent Lift Consultancy Further to our previous articles on major works, most notably the South London project we oversaw in 2022-23 (Flat Living article, Ardent Case Study), we wanted to identify the other…

Major works in leasehold flats can have a profound impact on the lives of residents, spanning from financial implications to emotional stress and the overall sense of community. These significant renovations or repairs, often involving the building’s structure, systems, or…

As every good property manager knows, you are managing people as much as bricks and mortar, therefore you need to be mindful of the fact that you’re turning leaseholders’ homes into a building site.

“The levying of service charges by landlords under leases of residential property in respect of their expenditure upon repairs and the provision of other services has for long been controversial.”

Enter B-hive Block Management Partners, a game-changing solution that offers a modern twist to the traditional business model

Colin Stokes, MD of adiuvo, looks at trends in out of hours Property Maintenance.  Insights from 2021 to 2022.

In this article, we delve into the significance of major works and service charges, what they entail, and how they impact residents.

Future Fuel EV Connected bridges the gap between new build developers and the Electric Vehicle chargers they are obligated to install, and the property managers and residents that inherit them. Future Group are firmly established as multi-manufacturer-approved EV specialists and…

Inclusivity extends beyond mere accommodation; it involves creating environments that allow all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Andrew Bulmer, Appointed Help Champion Competence Across the Industry on Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) New Committee.

When a block of flats requires significant maintenance work, property managers can swiftly find themselves overwhelmed with tasks. Such complex and unpredictable major projects often keep everyone on their toes. This makes it all too easy to forget to focus…

It’s important for residents and managers of leasehold blocks of flats to understand major works and the Section 20 procedure.

Carrying out substantial works on or in blocks of flats for the purposes of essential maintenance, large-scale improvements or safety compliance can be a complicated and time-consuming task. Following the right procedures according to the lease and the section 20…

Anyone managing a block of flats must be aware of the Work at Height Regulations of and their obligations re adhering to the regulations.

Communal cleaning companies can offer benefits to a community or shared living space, it is important that you employ for the right block.

The Block Recruit is delighted to introduce you all to our newest team member, Posy Spencer!

Belinda Bagnall details some claims that have been incepted on Directors and Officers Liability Insurance policies.

In this guide, we will delve into all things freehold, covering its definition, benefits, and other considerations.

By partnering with B-hive, you align your business with a company that understands the future and how to succeed in it.

If you and your fellow leaseholders have decided to take the plunge and collectively purchase the freehold of your building, your first question will likely be “how much will this cost?”. It’s a fair question, but not an easy one…

A credit controller at Principle Estate Management painted a total of five pictures for the company’s headquarters in Birmingham.

Much of the discussion around the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 has been focussed on the effects for current leaseholders. Obviously, the reforms have been brought in to increase protections for those living in leasehold properties (around 20% of…

Recent leasehold reform is making it simpler and more financially achievable for leaseholders to buy a share of their freehold. If you’re an existing leaseholder and would like to know more about what buying a share of the freehold of…

This article will explore the key duties and obligations that new freeholders must be aware of under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Multiple-occupancy buildings need varying cover depending on their construction, the number of flats and the amenities involved as well as the usual factors such as building age, current safety measures and location. Navigating the intricacies of this business is best…

JB Leitch were successful in a preliminary decision concerning a question which arises following the coming into force of new provisions in the Building Safety Act 2022.

It is important to understand that purchasing the freehold in the context of a block of flats is a collective action rather than an individual right. There are two main ways in which leaseholders can buy their freeholds, either in…

Exploring the concept of buying your freehold as a leaseholder, the advantages it brings, and the steps involved in this process.

When you hear the term ‘reinstatement cost assessment’ most people only consider underinsurance, but what about overinsurance?

Fraser Allen Estate Management, a leading innovator in Block Management, is thrilled to announce the launch of their brand-new website,

The long overdue opportunity to access funding for remediation projects targeting unsafe cladding in buildings ranging from 11 to 18 meters in height has finally arrived.

When looking at buying your Freehold, the building lift is probably not on your list of concerns, but it needs to be considered.

I have written about what steps can be taken to mitigate out of hours emergencies but in this piece we examine the numbers involved.

An increasingly popular option for leaseholders who want more control over the terms of their lease, their property, and how it is managed.

ALEP said a government report into homeowners’ attitudes to commonhold clearly shows the intended direction of travel for leasehold reform.

National law firm Irwin Mitchell is expanding its Real Estate Disputes Team with the recruitment of a new partner, William Scott.

On 21st June 2023, DLUHC published new guidance, relating to the legal criteria for determining whether a building is considered a higher-risk building under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Higher-Risk Buildings (Descriptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2023, during…

We are committed to better protecting and empowering leaseholders by giving them more information on the things for which their charges pay.

Four staff who started at Principle Estate Management back in 2021 have graduated with flying colours from their apprenticeship programmes.

The thrill of getting a new client is always rewarding, and building on the initial introduction to our business is a priority for the team.

A developer has bought an impressive former Victorian factory in Birmingham , The Jewellery Quarter. Planning permission welcomes 29 luxury apartments, in a deal sealed by Siddall Jones. The leading Birmingham commercial property agency arranged the purchase. The Grade II*…

As the theme of this months publication is Relationships: Customer Service, Communication and Wellbeing we thought it may be useful to get some tips from our staff here at adiuvo on dealing with customers who call (like they mostly do…

The wellbeing survey reveals the challenges Property Managers face on a daily basis, many of which are impacting on their mental health. 

Why should organisations invest in the wellbeing of their people? And Encore’s approach to workplace wellbeing.

Will artificial intelligence be intuitive enough to provide emotional intelligence in the way we interact with each other.

Working as a building surveyor gives you some fascinating insights into how people live and what makes them tick. We’re often in and out of people’s homes, after all, and we’re trained to be observant! But perhaps there’s no aspect…

As a property management agent, your top priority is ensuring your leaseholders and homeowners are safe, satisfied, and happy with their living conditions. But what about your own team?

To develop a trusting relationship between service providers and clients, a strong working relationship must be developed from the start, beginning with the foundations which all comes from knowing the client and their needs.

PMBs commitment to excellence doesn’t stop at managing properties. They go above and beyond to prioritise the well-being of their team.

Cassandra, founder of boutique law firm Property Management Legal Services, won the prestigious Honorary Industry Award from the Association of Residential Managing Agents’ (ARMA) ACE awards ceremony. This plaudit recognises people who have made a ‘significant contribution’ or devoted their…

Now is the moment for the property management industry to champion employee wellbeing, creating a supportive environment is essential.

Cat Orezzi, Rendall & Rittner’s HR Director, explains how Rendall & Rittner supports the wellbeing of its employees.

Rhian Radia suggests that businesses should keep policies up to date and adopt zero-tolerance on all allegations of bullying and harassment.

Block management professionals play a crucial role in creating an environment that enhances the overall quality of life for residents.

In today’s competitive business landscape, cultivating strong and lasting customer relationships is integral to achieving new clients, winning new business and sustainable growth. However, the demands of managing back-office operations and ensuring regulatory compliance can often take valuable time and…

Navigating the Underwriting Process: Finding the Right Policy for Our Customers, ensuring that their policies meet their needs and budget.

Property Managers, Residents Management Companies, Right to Manage Companies and Resident Associations have one thing in common. Direct contact with leaseholders who expect a high level of service. With service charges running high, great service could mean the difference between…

Harmonious communal living requires everyone involved to actively nurture healthy relationships. Great property managers will treat this as a priority. Living in close proximity with others increases the likelihood of conflict between you and your neighbours- and leasehold ownership means…

Manage Your Block discusses routes to take to resolve conflict in your block and the support to seek to help avoid costly court battles.

In this article, we will explore some of the best practices that RMC’s can adopt to engage with external service providers more effectively.

Earl Kendrick Project & Building Consultancy would like to announce that it has recruited IStructE Chartered Structural Engineer Azzahra Mahmud to its London team. With this new addition, Earl Kendrick will now be able to offer a range of in-house…

The winners of the ACE Awards were revealed at a glittering ceremony at Old Billingsgate in the heart of London on Friday 16th June 2023.  

Common mistakes landlords can make and what landlords can do to avoid these errors and reduce the risk of conflict with tenants.

4site: Register Your Tall Buildings With The Health And Safety Executive As Part Of The Building Safety Act 2022.

At Earl Kendrick (West), we are seeing an increased interest in historic buildings to understand their energy use and how it can be improved.

Crucial things that Fire Risk Advisors look for when carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment on residential blocks.

ARMA and IRPM have today published their 2023 Wellbeing Survey report which has been shaped by responses from over 700 property professionals working across the United Kingdom. Now in its third year, the report reveals that property managers continue to…

What you need to know about the Right to Manage process and how leaseholders can take control of the way their building is managed.

As readers will no doubt be aware, there has been considerable focus in recent months on the rights, responsibilities and liabilities for landlords, managing agents and leaseholders under then new building safety regime.

Whether you are a member of or deal with a Residents’ Management Company or Right To Manage company, there will be a point in the lifespan of your lift where planned major works will need to be undertaken to prevent a significant breakdown causing a prolonged period of lift outage.

Airspace development is becoming a trend in urban areas as property owners maximise the potential of their buildings by developing unused rooftop space.

With the global shift to digital and the lasting impact of the Covid pandemic, reliable, super-fast broadband is an essential asset to every property and something that tenants rightly expect.

Laurent Vaughan outlines the process by which flat owners can take control of their block via the Right to Manage process.

Property management and surveying firm Scanlans has expanded its team in Leeds following further growth in demand for its services.

Steve Perrett, Managing Director of Mainstay, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with Macmillan Cancer Support.

B-Hive explore the testimonials of some of their satisfied partners who have experienced the invaluable benefits of partnering with B-Hive.

Brady Solicitors are thrilled to announce the appointment of a new Head of Litigation, Liz Rowen.

Darren Bagnall discusses the steps that RMCs must take to ensure that all premises, machinery and equipment are maintained.

Private landlords should hold fire on plans to sell up and exit the rental marketplace, according to Worcestershire estate agents Nicol & Co. James Gwynne, lettings manager at Nicol & Co., which has offices in Droitwich, Worcester and Malvern, said:…

Following their government-requested review, the Financial Conduct Authority is proposing “new rights and protections for leaseholders to improve the transparency of the multi-occupancy leasehold buildings insurance market.” They are proposing a change in the rules so that leasehold residents will…

The statutory Right to Manage can be used by Leaseholders who wish to take over the management of their building. This option for self-management relieves the landlord of their responsibilities but doesn’t affect their ownership of the property (as would…

Managing a residential block brings with it a unique set of challenges. One that is sometimes underestimated is the importance of great communication- with residents, contractors, landlords and managing agents alike. Effective communication doesn’t always come naturally to Directors, who…

Colin Stokes, talks about the increase of abuse of staff in the property management sector and what we can, as employers, do to combat it.

Property Management is well known for being a challenging, multi-faceted role- and that’s for the professionals. When leaseholders choose to proactively take charge and volunteer to manage their own buildings, they must carefully consider the scope of the role involved.…

Building Centre hosts Retrofit 23 exhibition, showcasing the need for tangible action to UK housing stock WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 2023, London, UK Residential households account for just over a quarter of total emissions in the UK.1 On May 10th, the…

ALEP has said that the complexities of leasehold ownership made it impossible for the Government to abolish the leasehold system this year.

Over 110 ACE award entries have been whittled down to a select few following a rigorous judging process by a panel of independent judges. 

Have you or your staff ever felt scared, afraid or threatened when going out and about in their working day?

Could ChatGPT give good advice on lease extensions, and could it even go so far as to make lease extensions interesting!?

Phillipa Burgin MRICS is Associate Director at Earl Kendrick London and their lead on all matters ‘retrofit’.

Strong measures are being taken to transform housing services with almost £5million being invested to ensure council homes are well-maintained in Haringey and residents’ voices are at the heart of decision making. Thousands of households will benefit from major improvements…

A prominent Black Country office (Kingston House) building investment opportunity with the potential for residential conversion, subject to planning permission, has been brought to the market by agents Bond Wolfe with a price tag of £3,375,000. Kingston House is a…