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“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

Managing Agents, CPBigwood firm have acquired Lloyd Property Management for an undisclosed sum. The purchase, aimed at establishing CPBigwood in the East Midlands, marks continued expansion, with six offices now in operation.  The firm has also recently opened a London office spearheaded by Partner, Bill Drake-Lee, the former Leicester, Moseley and Barbarians rugby player. He is working alongside residential management Partner, Brett Williams who has been placed in charge of the new East Midlands office.

A new piece of legislation for managing agents has missed a ‘golden opportunity’ according to one of Scotland’s largest factors. Launched today, the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011 has been welcomed by Peverel Scotland as a move in the right direction, but criticised for ‘not going far enough’. The Act sets out a minimum set of standards for managing agents to comply with and means they must register with the Scottish Parliament to continue trading. But Peverel Scotland believes real reform may sti

The Supreme Court has decided on the meaning of a house, in the joined appeals of Day v Hosebay and Howard de Walden v Lexgorge.  In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court decided that a building being used as a "self-catering hotel" and a building built as a house but used as offices were not "houses" within the meaning of The Leasehold Reform Act 1967. The effect of the decision means that buying the freehold of these premises is not possible. The full decision is available here and further

Worthing played host to a question and answer session for over 75 troubled flatowners. Titled Leaseholder 101 - Everything You Wanted To Know About Owning A Flat But Were Afraid To Ask. Keynote speeches were given by Sebastian O’Kelly of the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership and John Fenwick - a local leaseholder who had recently won a battle at the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal recovering along with other residents £137,000 from his landlord. Leaseholders were given tips and advice on how to protect themsel

Blue skies and sunshine presented themselves in Bournemouth, for the spectacular annual air festival. Property managers, surveyors, brokers and insurers amongst many others all enjoyed a spectacular British summers afternoon of networking and socialising thanks to our sponsors: 1st Sure, JPC Law, Adiuvo, Shared Dish Systems, and Tetra Consulting. Amongst the phenomenal display from the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and RAF Tornados to name just a few the afternoon culminated in the ann

RESI, the annual retreat of the residential property industry, was the backdrop for a high-level roundtable discussion session on the importance of branding in property management hosted by managing agents JJ Homes. Attended by some of the key influencers in the property management sector and facilitated by News on the Block, delegates concluded that there is significant opportunity for a business to create a strong, recognisable brand in the industry. Those managing agents who are widely known tend to ha

Grosvenor Systems will be hosting their latest Propman seminar in London on 17th October 2012, to showcase Propman X3, the latest version of their cutting edge property management software. Propman combines powerful accounting functionality with the day to day property management tools that all successful Block managers require. Since its first release in 1991, this simple, easy to use application has provided the ideal solution for Block Managers looking to manage their portfolios more effectively, and i

A recent ruling in the upper tribunal (lands chamber) has sent shockwaves throughout the insurance community, large freeholders and managing agents. The appeal between Denise Green and 180 Archway Road Management Co Ltd focused on whether insurance premiums are recoverable under a lease, which requires the policy to be issued in the joint names of the Lessor and the Lessee(s). When the original lease was granted, it was common practice for leases to require an insurance policy to be issued in joint names

Make sure the proposed work is permitted under the lease Undertaking work that is not deemed necessary under the terms of the lease, can leave the freeholder open to claims that lessees are being wrongly charged under service charge provisions. Before any work is commenced, consult the lease to ensure the proposed work is provided for, and complies with the lease terms - otherwise its cost may be unrecoverable. Have a detailed specification Often this stage is bypassed by going straight to con

NOTB What are the key goals for RICS Residential regarding residential leasehold property? Peter Bolton King One is making sure that we are in a position where we can communicate more effectively with our members. Then, are we offering what members want? Members make it very clear they want to know what they need to know, at the right time, in the right format, which enables them to help run their business more effectively. The third priority is whether the routes to membership are as straightforward