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QUESTION Our block of 100+ flats has two leaseholder companies 1) The superior landlord which owns the Freehold and Head Lease (Leaseholders Company LC) and 2) a Right to Manage company (RTMC) which appoints the Managing Agents and deals with the management of the block. These were set up to provide checks and balances and try to guard against predatory activity either internal or external. One director from each board sits on the other ex-officio. The directors are neighbours, sometimes friends, and have

Law firm Royds Withy King sets out its recommendations for the Government to restart the UK housing market once the lockdown restrictions are lifted. A Stamp Duty holiday should, says Tim Bunting, an Associate in the Residential Property team at Royds Withy King, be extended to benefit not just first-time buyers, but those looking to move up the property ladder, and property investors. Tim comments: “First time buyers, or the sub-£250,000 market, clearly need to continue to benefit from any stamp duty hol

Wise Living, one of the UK’s largest BTR (build-to-rent) specialists, has seen a spike in lettings across all its schemes, including the iconic Mansfield Brewery redevelopment, The Old Brewery. Wise Living believes the lockdown is helping drive unprecedented demand for these properties for a variety of reasons; the shift in market demand, potential tenants having extra time on their hands to research local properties and PRS tenants realising their current home is not quite what they are looking for, lead

Matthew Mackintosh, Managing Director of family business AM Surveying & Block Management is raising money to support the NHS by 'braving the shave'.    AM Surveying & Block Management was started in the 1970’s and provides block management, building surveying and property maintenance services to 1,500 properties throughout London & the South East.   During the current difficult times caused by COVID19 Matt would like to use the unusual circumstances many folks currently find themselves in - not being able

This article was first published on the Winckworth Sherwood website.  This case concerned the lease of an end-of-terrace house that did not give the leaseholders ownership (demise) of the structure i.e. load bearing walls, roof and foundations. To qualify for the right to acquire the freehold title under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (to enfranchise) they had to be “a tenant of a leasehold house” (s.1(1)). That phrase was interpreted as requiring them to be “a tenant of substantially the whole of a leaseh

MRI Software (“MRI”), a global leader in real estate software solutions, announces the launch of key new and updated features for its residential, commercial and financials solutions that will better equip its clients to navigate the emerging challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. The company has introduced enhancements to its comprehensive MRI Living, MRI @Work and Financials suites that will empower owners and operators of both residential and commercial properties to adapt to changing behaviors and market

Only an adult (age 18 or over) is legally competent to own property alone or jointly. There is a maximum of four joint owners (except in a few cases – e.g. Charitable Trusts).   When two/three/four people acquire a property, legal ownership is inevitably in their joint names (or the survivor or survivors of them).  If all but one of them dies, that last survivor becomes the sole legal owner. One should also consider exactly who has the equitable ownership – i.e. the benefit of the property.  There are thr

The coronavirus pandemic and its associated impact on the private rented sector (PRS) could lead to a rise in compliance-related complaints against letting agents in the coming months. In order to demonstrate adherence with new rules protecting tenants from unfair treatment while safeguarding themselves and landlords, agencies will need to prioritise good communication and record keeping, according to PayProp. New rules, new compliance risks The spread of coronavirus has disrupted normal life to such an e

It seems scarcely believable that just a month ago, towns and cities across the country were packed with shoppers and workers going about their daily business. Life was as close to what used to pass for normal.  But since then, everything has changed. Our homes have become much more than just places to live. They’re doubling up as offices and school classrooms. We’re still able to socialise, but online please rather than in person. This huge lifestyle change places great pressure on the broadband network

Whilst there remains considerable uncertainty as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, Sigma Capital Group plc, which markets its private rental homes under its Simple Life brand has put a number of measures into action, not only to keep its employees and customers safe and well, but also to give a little back to the community and to try and inject a bit of happiness and wellbeing into the mix, during difficult times. Sigma has joined hundreds of other businesses in a global initiative to help the most vu

Landlords have supported calls from the Mayor of London to ensure the benefits system covers the cost of private rents for those tenants adversely affected by coronavirus. In a statement Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association said:  “Recent polling has indicated that just two per cent of private tenants have had to stop paying rent due to the pandemic whilst 78 per cent have not had to make any changes to their living situation. This shows that the vast majority of t

Bellharbour, a new elite Property Management company situated in the very heart of London - Canary Wharf has launched.   Newly appointed - Mike Brown heads Bellharbour as Director of Property Management. Mike has worked in the Property Management sector for 33 years and in residential management for the last 22, specialising in managing luxury residential buildings and large mixed-use estates. He brings extensive experience both as a managing agent and on the client side, dealing with everything from sma