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The Supreme Court is soon due to hear an appeal in the landmark case of Daejan v Benson. The case focusses on a small block of flats called Queens Mansions in Muswell Hill, North London, owned by Daejan Investments Ltd. The point of law in dispute concerns the dispensation requirements under Section 20ZA(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. The flat owners successfully challenged the landlord’s attempt to seek dispensation from properly consulting with them regarding major works in the building. This m

Having surveyed the site, Parkway Electrical installed the retrofit ESP Micro-Sensor and has already demonstrated savings not only in the considerable energy used, but also massive future maintenance costs for lamp and fitting replacements. Jamie Willsdon said: “Although this was a highly prestigious exercise – we pride ourselves with being able to show savings at sites and installations of all sizes, including blocks of flats.”

The asset and estate management firm Chainbow Ltd has relocated from its Waterloo office to Southwark. Chairman and chief executive, Roger Southam, commented, “The office move is timely and coincides with our new business direction, which involves moving away from the traditional block management sector and into a more distinguished property consultancy.”

Research recently released by Deverell Smith Recruitment shows that nearly one in every two property management professionals browses the job market for new positions at least once a week and one in ten actively looks more than once a day. Overarching this tendency is a general feeling of dissatisfaction. Over 40 per cent of those surveyed either felt indifferently about their position, or worse were dissatisfied. 25 per cent said that they were fully committed to finding a new position and leaving thei

The Southern Region of Macclesfield’s Premier Estates’ Management Team recently undertook the gruelling X-runner 10KM extreme obstacle race on the outskirts of the Peak District National Park, in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.The 10k trail run included a number of challenges, including the aptly named Swamp of Doom.

New entrant to the property management market, Rylands Associates has just opened a London branch in Covent Garden, to meet the increased demand they are receiving for high quality property management with a personal touch. Managing Director, Grant Cooper explained: “We wanted to offer a full suite of supervisory and maintenance services that were sophisticated, innovative and delivered by a highly qualified team of in-house experts.” Rylands offers clients advice from their in-house team of experts o

The Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011 has become law, setting out minimum standards for managing agents to comply with including registration with the Scottish Parliament to continue trading. A “factor” is the term used for a managing agent in Scotland. One managing agent has been critical of the new legislation, believing real reform may still be some way off. Keith Murray, Peverel Scotland Property Director, explained: “This was a golden opportunity to bring our codes of practice in line with some of

Residential property manager Braemar Estates has been reappointed as managing and letting agent for West Tower Liverpool on behalf of the new owners, Delph Property Group, who have purchased the remaining residential and commercial units within the Beetham-developed scheme. Braemar Estates Managing Director, Neil Roberts, said “We are delighted to start this new relationship with Delph Property Group and to continue providing services to this Liverpool landmark.” Elsewhere in Liverpool, Brae

“By a large margin, the majority of respondents to the survey felt that the market was either busier than it was last year or about the same. Only about one in ten respondents reported a drop in business,” said Alex Greenslade, Honorary Secretary of ALEP. Flat owners and their building-owning landlords rely on the advice of valuers, solicitors and barristers to advise them on freehold purchase and lease extension claims. The survey, which for the first time gives an indication of the size of the UK ma

"Introducing Our Title Sponsor - Blockinsure"     As we prepare to celebrate excellence and achievement within our industry, Blockinsure is proud to be the main sponsor for the 3rd year running of this fantastic event. Excitement mounts in anticipation of the News on the Block awards 2012 and Blockinsure is excited and delighted to announce it’s partnership with Giles Insurance Brokers, creating a major leap forward in its ability to provide insurance innovation and service to the Residentia

“Something has gone very wrong with the LVT system and there is need for review of its workings.” A packed annual general meeting of the Federation of Private Residents’ Associations heard the comments during a keynote address from leasehold reformer, Baroness Gardner of Parkes. During a speech which was later highly commended by those fortunate enough to attend the event, Baroness Gardner explained her concerns that the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (“LVT”) system has gone awry from its original pu

London rents are expected to rise significantly over the next ten years as the supply of housing in the capital fails to meet the needs of people working in the city, according to new independent research paper Renting in London: the coming boom, written by Professor Michael Ball, University of Reading, on behalf of Cluttons. The Government forecasts a rise in household numbers in London of between 34,000 and 38,000 annually up to 2028, however, based on development levels over the last ten years, an opt