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Moretons Property Services Limited has experienced a transformation and October 2014 has seen the completion of a rebranding process that sees the company focus on the traditional elements of the business. The rebranding project strives to consolidate Moretons as a leading residential property company in the heart of London. The rebrand has seen a complete overhaul with a brand new logo which is available in blue and a reversed version, a new typeface, changes to the interior and exterior at the Moreton

With colder weather setting in and the chance of freezing temperatures this winter, one thing every Managing Agent needs to get right is heating. The demand on boiler plant and district heating rises as outside temperatures drop. Small faults can become big problems and older plant can struggle to cope. Yet residents in apartment blocks need reliable heating and hot water. So how can expectations be achieved? The most important step is to put in place a regular maintenance schedule, tailored to the buil

Addleshaw Goddard has hired real estate specialist Helen Worth as a partner in its London office. Helen joins from Hong Kong firm Cordells, a real estate law company which she co-founded. She has had extensive experience in advising on complex property matters across Asia, including acting for the purchaser in closing Hong Kong’s largest single office acquisition to date. Helen also has substantial UK real estate experience with Linklaters in London. Helen said: “Addleshaw Goddard has a great real estate

Barrister Victoria Seifert has joined London Law firm JPC Law from Lamb Chambers. Victoria specialises in all aspects of general property, housing and landlord and tenant law, and has represented both local authorities and homeless applicants in homelessness/allocations appeals and judicial review claims. She has also represented clients in contractual and commercial disputes ranging from insolvency to professional negligence. Her appointment means JPC now has immediate expert advice from in-house couns

Brethertons has appointed Shaun Jardine as its Chief Executive Officer. He takes over from Mike Dibben, who had been CEO since 2010 and announced earlier in the year that he would step down from the role once a successor was named. “As we embark on this exciting new chapter for Brethertons, the other Partners and I are very confident that, with his candid passion, Shaun is the right person to lead the firm forward,” Mike said. “Shaun has a proven ability and flair to drive innovation and growth, and a

The Planning Inspectorate has granted permission for the recladding of Archway Tower in North London. The tower is to be converted from an unused, derelict 1960s office block into new apartments that will be managed for long term rent. As well as the re-clad, the tower will get a new two-storey entrance to the building. Work has already begun on converting the tower’s interior, but the recent planning decision means that Essential Living can now start work on the exterior. New residents will move into t

Law firms Boodle Hatfield and JB Leitch have opened new offices. The Duke of Westminster unveiled a plaque to officially open Boodle Hatfield’s new office in Bankside, London. The firm acts for major families, businesses and entrepreneurs, and has acted for members of the Grosvenor family and the Grosvenor Estate, which is headed by the Duke, since 1722. In addition to the Bankside office in Blackfriars Road, Boodle Hatfield also has offices in Mayfair and Oxford. Richard Maughan, Boodle Hatfield’s Sen

Some letting agents are charging landlords and tenants for the same service, according to new research from Direct Line for Business. While most letting agents play by the rules, the study found evidence of both landlords and tenants being charged for services such as checking references or alterations to contract extension agreements, even for very simple revisions. The research revealed how one south London letting agent charged a landlord £670 for a simple contract extension, which only necessitated

Regis Group has purchased two freehold ground rent portfolios consisting of more than 1,200 residential units. The acquisitions will expand the group’s existing freehold portfolio further into the Midlands and the North of England. Acquired from established ground rent investor Covent Garden Limited, the first portfolio comprises a total of 1,039 units across 51 sites in the North of England. A second portfolio of 210 units across seven sites in the Midlands and North West of England was purchased from

Latest government estimates put the number of leasehold flats in England at 4.1 million. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has developed a new methodology for estimating the number of residential properties that are privately owned on long leasehold, in the owner occupied and private rented sectors. The estimate does not include flats in the social rented sector (homes owned by a social landlord and rented out to social tenants). According to the DCLG’s estimates, there are 2.4

Property website Lamudi has revealed its list of the ten most important things house-hunters are looking for when choosing a home. Energy efficiency: As the price of gas and electricity increases, buyers now want reassurance about a home’s energy efficiency. Storage: An ample amount of storage space has become a high priority, especially built-in storage spaces. The latest technology: This can be something as simple as LED lighting or as complicated as automated thermostats. Security: Features like gl

QUESTION  I and 15 other leaseholders in a block of flats have been taken through the major works consultation this year. The tenders were sent through to us and the surveyor who oversaw the consultation paid. However, we are having a problem with the managing agents issuing invoices for the major works, they haven't done anything. And now there is a risk that the major works may not be completed this year and I assume that would mean they need respecifying by a surveyor then. We all want the major works