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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

A customer who cancelled his contract with a removal company but was not refunded his deposit, has won his Supreme Court appeal and can now recover the money. The appellant in the case, Dr Robertson had been quoted a price of £7,595.40 for the job by the respondent, Mr Swift, and the two entered into a written contract, with Dr Robertson paying a £1,000 deposit. However, Dr Robertson then received a much lower quote from another removal firm. He telephoned Mr Swift to tell him he wished to cancel the co

Housing Minister Kris Hopkins has launched a new guide to give private rented sector tenants the need-to-know rental rights at their fingertips. The How to Rent guide will help tenants when they’re looking for a new home as it can be viewed on the move on their smartphones and tablets. It includes details such as advice and information on tenancy deposit schemes, bill payments and tenancy length; a checklist of what the landlord must provide tenants; information on the requirements of the landlord to mai

Premier Estates has won the prestigious Times & Sunday Times Best Block Management Gold award at the Letting Agency of the Year Awards 2014. A panel of 21 independent experts, chaired by the Property Ombudsman, reviewed several hundred entries from across the UK before deciding to bestow the honour on Premier Estates. “An extremely good all-round company with an inherent desire to provide excellent service” is how the panel described Premier Estates. It also praised the firm’s “excellent service”, its f

The UK’s largest property management firm, Peverel Group is rebranding as KnightSquare. As part of the changes, its operating property management companies are being brought together under one brand, to be known as FirstPort. Janet Entwistle, CEO of Peverel, said: “Bringing all ten property services brands together as FirstPort is a new chapter for the business. By uniting our businesses under one new brand, our customers will find it far easier to deal with us. “As a result of the hard work and commitm

QUESTION  I am a tenant in a privately rented flat. The flat was built in 2002 and I have been renting for 10 months. I have been informed by the property estate managers that they need to carry out plumbing works which are to bring the water mains that enters the flat directly into the kitchen sink, rather than via the storage tank as it currently does. This is to ensure we get wholesome water to the flat. My query is, if this hasn't been noticed since it was built, and my ten months of tenancy has been

QUESTION We are a medium size Managing Agents and we have had a similar issue come up with two blocks that we manage for independent freeholders. The first is a block of four flats  which needs major roof works and decorations. A condition survey has been carried out revealing many breaches of lease in the top flat in particular such as poor quality windows fitted without consent and holes punched in the brickwork to prevent condensation. We have served the first stage consultation letters to the le

The Livingcity Group of Companies has achieved certification in both BS OHSAS 18001:2007 - the international standard for Health and Safety that offers guidelines and tools to provide the best working conditions; and in ISO 9001:2008 - which is the international standard for Quality Management. OHSAS 18001:2007 helps organisations to identify potential hazards and implement preventative procedures which aim to reduce accidents, illness and therefore costs. Attaining certification shows that Livingcity’s H

With 18% of families renting privately in the UK, investors and pension funds are waking up to the opportunities of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) as an asset class. A panel of experts speaking at RESI, Property Week’s annual housing conference in Newport, Wales, said that a professionally built and managed PRS has much to offer both consumers and investors. Richard Greening, Chair of Islington Council Pension Fund, one of the first UK pension funds to invest in residential property said: “This is an a

In this special feature, we identify the most influential people in the residential leasehold property sector. Included within the list is a mix of leasehold campaigners, Parliamentarians, trade and professional bodies, managing agents, building owners, investors, developers, valuers, and lawyers among others. Let us know if we missed anyone out by emailing us - editor@newsontheblock.com  To view a pdf of the Hot 100 in this issue please