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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

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