Featured Articles

It goes without saying that keeping properties looking pristine and inviting is a top priority for property and facilities managers, something that is made more difficult by rising reports of graffiti and vandalism. The impacts of such anti-social behaviour are far reaching and can have a lasting impact within local communities, creating a feeling of uncleanliness and unsafety, deterring potential customers and decreasing property values. Given these potential negative consequences, keeping graffiti at ba

A Birmingham-based one stop shop for developers and landlords looking for reliable, efficient property maintenance is providing a roaring success before its first year is even up. Arto Property Maintenance was launched in March 2024 by Sam Cole to set up an operation to maintain clients’ investments to a higher standard and at a lower cost on a more time-efficient basis. He had previously worked as head of maintenance for a Birmingham development and investment group before branching out on his own to set

With London now the ‘UK’s Pet Capital’, 46% of homes in London have a dog as their pet, yet one in five households in London do not have access to a private garden. As an increasing amount of Londoner’s live in flats, maisonettes and apartments, having accessiblepet friendly green space is hard to come by. For prospective buyers and their pets, developer Barratt London has created over 58 acres worth of green space in the capital, with their developments across London, boasting an abundance of nature for

Lansdown Insurance Brokers, specialists in block of flats insurance has unveiled key insights into the most frequent insurance claims for blocks of flats in 2024. The data highlights common risks faced by landlords and property owners, as well as positive trends in claim cost reductions compared to 2023. Darren Bee, Associate Director at Lansdown, commented: "It's reassuring to see a decline in claim costs across key areas, which suggests that property owners are taking proactive steps in maintenance and

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has said it ‘does not hold’ the information requested by global PropTech supplier, Reapit, about the numbers and types of rent increase cases heard by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Reapit made the Freedom of Information (FOI) request in a bid to understand the additional workload that is likely to be created by the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill, which is due to undergo further scrutiny when it enters the committee stage in the House of Lords shortly. Among o

Commenting on the Government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry, which the Secretary of State for Housing announced today, along with the publication of a consultation on reforms to the construction products regime, Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of British Safety Council, said: “It is good that the Government will enact all 58 recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry. As the tragedy at Grenfell Tower made clear, systemic change has long been needed to keep people living in high-rise buildings safe and to

Leading build-to-rent (BTR) provider, Sigma Capital Group, is celebrating a decade of setting the standard for the BTR single family housing (SFH) industry, as it marks the milestone with over 12,000 homes completed or underway, across c.172 transactions.  Less than 12 months ago, Sigma took the strategic decision to internalise its lettings and property management with the introduction of ‘Simple Life Management Limited’ for Sigma’s balance sheet portfolio. The group has further celebrated a huge milesto

Planning and development consultancy Lichfields has announced 10 promotions, including five new planning directors and two associate directors, reflecting the company’s continued success and strong position in housing, leisure and tourism, infrastructure and energy sectors. The newly promoted planning directors include James Cox, Emma Gomersal, Sarah Moorhouse, Melissa Wilson and Myles Wild-Smith. Emma Gomersal and James Cox strengthen one of Yorkshire’s strongest senior-level planning and development tea

MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, has released its latest Voice of the Property Manager report for the EMEA region. The findings reveal key insights into AI adoption, technology satisfaction, and training priorities that will impact the sector’s future. Ongoing economic pressures, regulatory changes, and shifting tenant and owner expectations have tightened profit margins and created challenges for property management professionals, highlighting the need for operational

Following a fast-selling successful first phase, Barratt London and Places for London have launched Stephenson House, the first building in the second phase of their joint development Wembley Park Gardens. It is anticipated these homes will be in high demand as the first phase which saw the launch of Pullman House, was over 90% sold in just 10 months. Wembley Park Gardens is a new landmark development being built in the heart of Wembley Park, one of the biggest hotspots for first time buyers. In the first

A substantial block of 18 self-contained flats in the Black Country is appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction with a guide price* of £1.2 million. The property at 1-18 Millennium Forge on Coyne Close in Tipton will appear in the livestreamed auction on Thursday 27 March. Gurpreet Bassi, chief executive at Bond Wolfe, explained that the purpose built block was vacant and may be suitable for redevelopment, subject to planning permission. Mr Bassi said: “This is a substantial, three-storey block that has 18

A 50/50 joint venture between award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group and leading housing association Peabody, has agreed a partnership with Goodstone Living to deliver 360 high-quality Build to Rent (BTR) homes at Dagenham Green. The BTR apartments will form part of the first phase of the regeneration of the former Ford Stamping Plant site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood which is currently under construction. The JV partnership is to deliver the first 935 home phase of the Dagenham Green scheme.