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In implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA), the Government has abolished the contentious two-year rule. This change, which takes effect from the end of this month, will make it easier and faster for leaseholders to extend their lease or buy their freehold unconstrained by the duration of their ownership.  Until now the two-year rule (as set out in the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993) required that to initiate an enfranchisement or lease extension, the lease

The leasehold reform process has advanced with Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook signing regulations to remove the two-year ownership requirement for leaseholders of flats and houses. Effective next week, this change enables leaseholders to extend their lease or purchase their freehold immediately upon acquiring a property, aiming to provide greater flexibility and reduce costs. However, industry experts and campaign groups assert that this measure is only a preliminary step. Linz Darlington, Managing Di

In the world of property management, particularly for residential blocks, the relationship between the Client /Leaseholders and the Managing Agent is critical.  An agent plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations, ensuring everything from maintenance, service charge collection, compliance to tenant communications runs smoothly.  However, just as businesses regularly review and renew contracts with suppliers or service providers, it is equally important to reassess your agent’s performance periodica

The latest analysis from epIMS, the EPC and energy efficiency platform developed for landlords, has shown that it’s the residential sector that is leading the way when it comes to reducing the carbon footprint of the property market, having seen the largest annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. epIMS, analysed carbon dioxide emissions* by sector and how the carbon footprint of each of these sectors has changed over the last year. The figures show that the residential property market is leading the

An exclusive live-work unit located in the heart of Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter is appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction. Unit 6 in the Grade II-listed Century Works development at 13 Frederick Street will have a guide price of £289,500+ in the livestreamed auction on Thursday 6 February. Ian Tudor, commercial auctions director at Bond Wolfe, said: “This is a vacant, self-contained office building which could be easily adapted to provide two bedroomed live-and-work accommodation. “This attrac

Rebecca Marsh has announced she will be retiring as Ombudsman and CEO at the end of January after almost five years in the role. Rebecca said: “Having reached a milestone birthday, I advised the Board toward the end of last year that I wished to retire and take full advantage of being one of the lucky few whose pensions kick in at an early age. "With The Property Ombudsman being in a good place for a new Chair and Ombudsman to build on the solid foundations, I am confident that the organisation is well pr

Five quantity surveying students at Birmingham City University (BCU) will take their careers to new heights thanks to the award-winning company building Birmingham’s tallest skyscraper.  Court Collaboration, which is constructing the 155-metre tall One Eastside on James Watt Queensway, will advise and guide the quintet to help prepare them for the workplace.  “We’re extremely proud to be launching this student mentoring initiative as part of our ongoing partnership with BCU,” said Court Collaboration CEO

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is a big step toward sustainability, and the UK government has made it easier by offering grants to support EV charging installations. But these grants won't be around forever – they’re set to end on 31st March 2025. If you’re considering installing an EV charge point, now’s the time to act. In this blog, we’ll break down the available grants, how much funding you can claim, who qualifies, and what you need to do before the deadline. Overview of EV Charging Grants The

A Grade II-listed property located in a Worcestershire town that contains a ground floor shop and planning consent for ten apartments is appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction. The mid-terraced, three storey property dating from the 18th century is at 3 Worcester Road, with extra land to the rear, and it will have a guide price of £399,500+ in the livestreamed auction on Thursday 6 February. James Mattin, managing director and auctioneer at Bond Wolfe, explained that the property was currently laid out as

For renters and buyers alike, 2025 is set to bring some of the most significant property reforms in recent years. Whether you’re navigating rising rents, worried about eviction, or preparing to buy your first home, HCB Solicitors breaks down what these changes mean for you. The rental market Renting has become challenging. According to the latest data from ONS [1], the average UK rent has increased by 9.1% in the past 12 months, turning what was once an affordable option into a financial strain. And while

Odevo, the fast-growing international leader in residential property management, is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Shepherd as CEO for the UK market. Claire's promotion underscores Odevo's commitment to strengthening its leadership team and advancing its mission to become the leading force within property management and residential services. Claire Shepherd joined Odevo in mid-2024 as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the UK and has quickly made a significant impact with her strategic insig

Research from insurance broker and risk management company Gallagher has revealed that over four in ten (46%) of commercial properties are underinsured, with the average shortfall being 40%. Inflation, in particular the cost of materials and increased labour prices are causing widespread commercial property underinsurance with many owners failing to keep pace Research amongst insurance claims managers reveals that nearly half (46%) of commercial properties are estimated to be underinsured The ave