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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

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