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A decade ago, the idea of electric cars was more futuristic science fiction than a realistic possibility, but in this ever evolving world of technology, electric vehicles are fast becoming the most talked about and important advancement. But what are the key things you need to know? In reality, although electric vehicles have been around for several years, it was not until 2015 that they started to come into their own and become established. So, what are the key factors you need to know? Firstly, where ca

Principle Estate Management has won another contract in Birmingham to manage a suburban development of 19 apartments. Principle won the contract after conducting a full audit of the development for  Heritage (West Midlands) Ltd, who had been managing Florence House, 31-33 Park Road in Moseley since it was purpose-built in 2008. Brett Williams, managing director of Principle, said: “It is becoming increasingly harder for the private landlord to keep up with changes in legislation and best practice. “We wer

If you manage a block with just a handful of flats, chances are some kind of domestic abuse is taking place behind those closed doors, statistics say. Every week in England and Wales two women are killed by their partner or ex-partner and police say they receive 100 calls an hour reporting domestic abuse. More than 1.9 million adults aged 16 to 59 have experienced such abuse in the last year, according to the most recent Crime Survey for England and Wales. Of those, 1.2 million were women while 713,000 me

Airbnb-style property rentals face a crackdown because members of New York’s City Council fear they are driving up housing prices.   Homeowners who use the listings sites may be soon be forced to register their properties with the council after its members unanimously passed a bill.   Bosses of the listings sites would also be required to file monthly reports about their hosts and hand over their details if the plans are approved by city mayor Bill de Blasio. If they fail to disclose the information they

Laws should be changed to prevent unscrupulous landlords offering accommodation in return for sex, a leading property lawyer has urged.   Liz Brady has joined a number of campaigners pressing the government to make changes because current laws rely on vulnerable tenants making complaints to police.   Ms Brady, who is partner at law firm Fuley Page, said many of those who were pressured to give sex for accommodation were unlikely to press charges under current laws.   “At the moment the only action that ca

A man who took a lift in a 40-storey tower block in Moscow cheated death when the elevator zoomed up and smashed into the top of the shaft.   At one point the man, who was identified only as Nikolai, went into a 220ft free fall after he got into the lift to go to his apartment on the 26th floor.   The lift surged upwards at a high speed, crashed into the top of the shaft on the 40th floor and plunged into free fall to the 20th floor.   Nikolai, who received minor leg and back injuries, told reporters: “I

The former prime minister of Pakistan has begun a 10-year jail sentence after a court ruled he and his family laundered money to pay for four luxury London apartments.   Nawaz Sharif faced the National Accountability Bureau – Pakistan’s anti-corruption court – over claims the he and four members of his family laundered cash in the early 1990s to pay for the properties in Park Lane.   Sharif was convicted in his absence as he was in London at the sickbed of his wife. The court also sentenced Sharif’s daugh

Leading law firm Bircham Dyson Bell is pleased to welcome the addition of Senior Associate, Gabrielle Roberts and Solicitor, Rachel Crapnell to the Leasehold Enfranchisement Team. Previously within the wider Real Estate team, Gabrielle and Rachel will be specialising in this area to further strengthen the team. Gabrielle is a solicitor with over 20 years’ experience advising on all aspects of residential landlord and tenant matters with particular expertise in enfranchisement, right to manage, right of fi

Meet and hear the industry experts, find out about the very latest developments and take part in a live debate on the issues facing the sector in this conference hosted by Bolt Burdon Solicitors.   Topics will include:   • Grenfell update and discussion • S20 consultation • Repairs and improvements • Breach of lease • Insurance considerations post Grenfell.   The conference will conclude with a panel discussion. So far confirmed are John Byers - Langley Byers Bennett Surveyors, Ayesha Omar as a panel memb

As the UK Private Rented Sector (PRS) evolves at pace, a Qube Global recent survey discovered that 88% of residential managers feel unprepared to meet the demands of the market with the technology solutions they currently have in place.   At this event Qube will explore how technology can be the core of your go-to-market strategy, helping you capitalise on the opportunities presented by the growing Build-to-rent sector.   What will be covered: Technology and design implications for the UK build-to-rent

Birmingham based property consultancy Pennycuick Collins has announced two promotions to its team.  Laura Lock has been promoted to Senior Property Manager in the residential block management team, whilst and David Baker is promoted to Senior Building Surveyor.  The duo have clocked up an impressive combined 23 years of service at the firm.   Laura Lock originally joined Pennycuick Collins as a trainee property manager and has worked with the firm’s residential block management clients over a prolonged pe

As the demand for new property in Manchester increases and the trend for large organisations to move operations to the North continues, POD Management is introducing its innovative style of home management to the thriving city and its residents. Having secured its first contract at the Fabrick development in Cheadle Hulme, the company, which is backed by entrepreneurs James Caan and Faisal Butt, will manage the new development of 184 micro-homes.   Dedicated to enhancing its customer’s lives by taking car