Featured Articles

Get the answers to your questions and stay up to date about apartment building management with our featured articles and NOTB guides, on topics such as service charges, right to manage, buying your freehold, major works, building insurance and other issues about blocks of flats.

Top causes of insurance claims for blocks of flats

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

‘No business requirement’ to answer Reapit’s tribunal FOI request on rent increases

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

British Safety Council comments on the Government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry

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

Sigma Capital celebrates 10 years in BTR with 12,000 homes

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

Lichfields Announces 10 Promotions Amid Continued Growth

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

Increasing Adoption of AI Tools Promises Efficiency Gains in Property Management

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

Barratt London and Places for London launch Stephenson House

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

Block of Black Country flats in Bond Wolfe auction from £1.2 million

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

£116m Build to Rent deal in East London

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.

Free webinar opportunity – learn all you need to know about EV charging

Free webinar opportunity – learn all you need to know about EV charging for your properties! Join ChargeGuru UK for 'EV Charging for Freeholders and Property Managers: Unlocking Value & Avoiding Pitfalls'.  In this session, hosted by Denis Watling, Managing Director at ChargeGuru, you have the opportunity to:  Stay ahead of evolving regulations Discover cost-free installation options Get expert insights tailored for property managers & freeholders There will be two opportunities to join

Propertymark releases crucial survey assessing current leasehold landscape

Propertymark has issued its Leasehold “Still a Life Sentence” survey in partnership with the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership and the National Leasehold Campaign to understand how the current leasehold changes have affected leaseholders and property agents in England and Wales. In 2018, Propertymark released its Leasehold: A life sentence? report, which was a landmark piece of research delving into the issues experienced by leasehold property owners and helped garner support for  legislative change. Thr

Leaders Romans Group Announces New Vulnerable Customer Policy

Leaders Romans Group (LRG) has unveiled its new Vulnerable Customer Policy, a commitment to delivering exceptional support and care to customers facing personal challenges. The new policy ensures that every customer, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances, receives the attention, understanding, and assistance they need when using its services. The policy covers a range of factors that can make a customer more susceptible to harm or disadvantage, including health challenges, cognitive impairments,

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