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The importance of a clear and definitive brief at the start of any major works project should never be underestimated. Briefs that are lacking in detail can lead to implications and assumptions on both sides later on and subsequent changes can often lead to delays, increased costs and dissatisfied freeholder and leaseholders. All of this can be avoided by having a clear brief that all parties are signed up to from the start. What makes a good brief? By way of an example, if a programme of external/intern

The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) has held its first regional training event in Bath.   The half-day session was organised by ALEP and hosted by law firm and ALEP member, Royds Withy King at its Midlands Bridge House office in Bath. The free event brought together 50 professionals from Bath’s property scene including enfranchisement solicitors and valuers, managing agents, estate and letting agents, portfolio owners and developers.   The common aim for all who attende

In its 20th year, the RICS and Macdonald & Co. Rewards and Attitudes Survey has found that professionals in the industry are mostly positive about the outlook for the real estate and built environment in 2019. More than half of respondents to the survey expect their companies’ revenues to increase as they benefit from new business opportunities. However, Brexit is casting a shadow and tainting the optimism, with more respondents expecting negative effects on their personal situation, their employer, secto

Reposit, the company changing the way landlords, agents and tenants handle deposits, has announced its latest partnership with property management company Way of Life, providing all customers with an alternative to the tenancy deposit schemes. The InsurTech firm operating in the PropTech space, has also unveiled an extension of its cover from six to eight weeks, covering all bases from rent arrears to cleaning and damages costs. Founded in 2015, Reposit is the creator of the growing deposit replacement se

In the immediate aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, on 14 June 2017, the Department for Communities and Local Government (“DCLG”) issued initial written guidance on cladding testing. The initial tests, conducted at the British Research Establishment on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government, consisted of a screening test to identify which panels contained fillers (in the core of the panels), which were of limited combustibility (Category 1) and which did not (Category 2 or 3).

Noise, vibration, dirt, dust, scaffolding, parking spaces taken up with skips and trucks and equipment, increased traffic congestion; the upheaval of extensive periods of construction, refurbishment and remedial works on your block can be invasive and stressful, bringing with it disruption, frustration and misery. Often for months at a time. While there are no laws precluding it and it’s broadly accepted that general repair and remedial work is necessary, if it’s not managed correctly, what was a positive

We're living in a time when the fitness industry is booming. According to the International Health and Sports club association, the health industry has boomed by at least 3-4% each year, with no sign of slowing down any time soon. All the while, younger generations like millennials and Gen Z are demanding more opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing. We're even seeing a growing number of gyms within the workplace to boost employee engagement and satisfaction. So, what does all of this have to

Forward-thinking managing agents, M J Mapp made the strategic decision in 2018 to partner with Locale, equipping their UK portfolio with an unparalleled solution to support site management and provide an instant communication channel. ‘Bringing us closer than ever to our customers’ Robert Stark, Senior Executive Director, M J Mapp One of the key challenges faced by managing agents in today’s environment is occupier engagement, and user centricity is key. Property consumers, investors and occupiers expe

On 1 March 2019, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced a number of measures aimed at further tackling homelessness, including funding to help potential new tenants with rental/first month rent payments. However, it was a different measure that dominated the headlines and could prove more controversial than intended. The Government has set its sights on tackling landlords and letting agents who (in its words) “potentially discriminate” against tenants who are on benefits. The

Award winning property manager, Abby Brealey MIRPM AssocRICS, has founded a new property management company - Metta Property Management, with a driving force to change the leasehold industry – for the better. Abby is passionate about the industry and has the intention to be a company of complete integrity based on her own personal values. She was recognised for her achievements when she was given the title of ‘Regional Property Manager of the Year’ at the 2017 – 2018 Property Management Awards.

The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) Spring Lecture titled ‘Up on the Roof – Developing Development Value’ has been deemed a great success by attendees.   Held at No.11 Cavendish Square, more than 200 professionals representing the leasehold enfranchisement sector joined together to discuss and debate how skyward development presents both opportunities and challenges for the sector.   The tone of the Lecture was set by the government’s recent technical consultation, Planning r

Whatever happened in property management during the early 1980s to lead to the implementation of section 20 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985? The answer is that there were many cases of abuse where houses were purchased, converted (often poorly) and sold on long leases (again often poorly drafted) and the landlords would continue to manage the development undertaking substandard repairs at inflated costs and not accounting properly for the costs incurred. It’s no wonder that statutory protection was requ