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Like all UK industries, property is impacted by COVID-19 and the effect of the gradual lifting of lockdown on the way it works. But despite this ‘new normal’, we cannot ignore our sector’s other key issues. For property managers, the pandemic has elevated customer service to prime position and technology is now key to the ways in which our customers’ property journey can be enabled and enhanced.  In response, today the Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM) publishes the fourth part of its 20

SiteSales Property Group and Strettons have announced the formation of a joint venture which is a partnership to provide an end-to-end new build development consultancy, marketing and sales service. The partnership will bring together the vast experience of two specialist companies and provide market-facing advice and expertise gained from decades in dealing with substantial residential-led development sites. Their combined work will expand each independent firm’s service offering to help bring more value

Leaseholders can acquire management functions of their building in place of the landlord/management company where the building qualifies and there are sufficient numbers of tenants of “flats”.  A recent case shows that flats can be units that are not traditional family homes. Background Qualifying leaseholders in a building can take control of the management of the building (the Right to Manage “RTM”), using a company set up by them for this purpose (“RTM Company”).  If successful, control of functions su

“We are very excited to have James join us at JSR, he brings with him years of experience and will no doubt be an asset to the company. His expertise and success in placing site staff all over the UK, will compliment our market leading delivery of property management recruitment.” Stuart Jackson

Legal Planning experts brand this “Large scale centralisation of the planning system, and the biggest shift away from localism in a generation” Claire Petricca-Riding and Nicola Gooch of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors welcome the opportunity to discuss and re-invigorate the planning system in England.  London 6th August 2020 Late last night and early this morning saw the introduction of the ‘Planning for the Future’ white paper which sets out the ‘building better, building beautiful’ ambitions of the Governmen

Across the country, lockdown has reminded many people about the value of community spirit and finding enjoyment in where they live. Leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner has always recognised that community is a priority in building successful developments, but current circumstances have brought this into even sharper focus. In giving its residents a level of service that goes above and beyond, Rendall Rittner’s innovative Residents’ Club is just one way the company is helping enrich the lives of resid

MetroPM, the residential property management company with offices in Birmingham and Cheltenham, has appointed an experienced property manager.   Jean Brown, who has worked in the sector for 15 years, will look after the company’s portfolio in Cheltenham and the surrounding areas.   She is a member of the Institute of Residential Property Management and has qualifications with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.   Ian Smallman, a director at MetroPM, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jean on

Leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner has been appointed to take over the management of Metis Apartments in Scotland Street, Sheffield. The block of 122 apartments and five commercial units contains ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) cladding similar to the Grenfell Tower, which is due to be replaced under the Government funding. Rendall & Rittner was selected by the First Tier Tribunal to oversee the reinstatement work and the ongoing management of the building because of the company’s expertise, expe

Principle Estate Management, the UK’s fastest growing residential management company, has made another key appointment as the business continues to expand.   Adam Jones joins as business integration and asset manager as Principle continues to add to its team. He is Principle’s fifth recruit in 2020, taking total numbers to 22, including three consultants.   Mr Jones is an Associate of the Institute of Residential Property Management.   Joe Jobson, director at Principle Estate Management, said: “We know Ad

An experienced property manager has been poached by Principle Estate Management as the business continues to grow in the wake of COVID-19.   Jamie Noon was headhunted from FirstPort, the largest managing agent in the country with approximately 300,000 units.   Mr Noon’s appointment maintains Principle as the UK’s fastest growing residential management company with him being the sixth recruit in 2020, taking total staff numbers to 23, including three consultants.   Now in its third year, Principle has trip

QUESTION  I am director of a leasehold property of 44 flats in Putney London. We are managed by a large, local management agent. Recently my fellow Director and I discovered that the previous building manager made payments to contractors without informing the directors.  He also arranged an insurance claim from our block policy for an extraordinary amount for a leakage into another flat. He paid the excess from our funds, once again without informing the directors.  The manager left the company in Februar

Keeping major projects moving forward during the Covid-19 pandemic needs careful planning, according to experts at MetroPM, the residential estate property managers.   Director Ian Smallman said that when lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson back in March, it was difficult to see how construction and maintenance projects could continue.   “We have now moved a long way forward and the Government was keen to get the construction industry back to work as early as possible,” he said.