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Insurance providers have offered legal expenses insurance policies in the property owner and property management sector for many years. Many of today’s insurance policies miss a critical component by not fully protecting the policyholder against legal costs incurred by defending applications made to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT). Today’s economic market, together with well informed leaseholders means that LVT applications and determinations are becoming more commonplace. This increase in number

Peverel Scotland is urging the Scottish Executive to raise the bar on property laws with the forthcoming Property Factors Act. The company wants to stamp out practices such as underinsurance, ‘hidden’ commissions, improper accounting of service charges, and the complete lack of separate banking for clients’ funds - and for there to be tough sanctions for those that do not comply with the required standards. Keith Murray, Director of Peverel Scotland, has written accordingly to Housing Secretary Alex Reid,

Frognal estate comprises five blocks totalling 54 flats. By 2009 it had been neglected for decades, there was a long history of multiple litigation between the landlord and the lessees, the lifts had been out of service for years, Enforcement Notices had been served by the Local Authority and insurance cover for water damage had been withdrawn. The Residents’ Association (FERA) applied to the LVT for a Manager to be appointed, the landlord agreed, the Tribunal approved a Management Plan, and a Specificat

The value of thousands of flat owners’ properties will reduce if they do nothing and hope for the best. Many leases are dated at the end of the quarter, particularly June and December. If your lease is below 85 years, every year the lease reduces, the cost of a lease extension or freehold purchase rises. Under 80 years, the cost rise accelerates. This can be thousands of pounds a year, eroding the underlying value of the flat over time. It is simple to preserve the value of your investment, if you act i

At the recent Leasehold Forum Conference, James Wyatt, Head of Valuation at John D Wood was forthright in giving a personal view that the basis on which deferment rates were set in the leading Sportelli decision is incorrect and that there is no reason to assume continual upward growth in the property market. He explained that when property prices are analysed over a longer period, rather than from 1952 which is the date traditionally used, it is clear to see that prices do fall. Whilst a departure from t

Award winning chartered surveyors Caxtons, one of the largest property practices in the South East, launched a fresh corporate image for the New Year and in addition, appointed a new Chairman. The company, founded in 1990, and with offices throughout the region, has spent the past six months refreshing its traditional image. This more modern, brighter image echoes the changing face of the company and its fresh, new outlook, according to Marketing Director David Gurton. Despite the difficult economic

A new fund is being launched to help leaseholders, (particularly those who may be vulnerable and/or elderly), afford legal assistance to advise them on matters such as the LVT process, escalating service charges and exit fees.  Called LKPaid, the fund is the brainchild of Melissa Briggs who rose to prominence for her campaigning work leading CarlEX and its demands for leasehold reform.  "Having exposed malpractice in the property management industry over the past few years, I set up the Leasehold Knowledg

Congratulations to the winners of the PMAs 2011-12 Prize Draw!   Zoe Harris won the 5-STAR AFTERNOON TEA Afternoon tea at one of London's top hotels is a luxurious and extravagant affair. It is not just tea and cake, but a lavish setting with exquisite service and the finest china, often accompanied by live music. Traditional afternoon tea – an absolute delight! Location: London                   Richard Vause won the RALLY DRIVING THRILL AT SILVERSTONE

BLOCK INSURE NEWS ON THE BLOCK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AWARDS 2011-12 WINNERS ANNOUNCED       The list of Finalists and winners are:   London Property Management Company of the Year sponsored by Deverell Smith Recruitment       Finalists Crabtree Property Management; Granville & Company; London Residential Management;  Trust Property Management; Rendall & Rittner; HML Shaw; Farrar Property Management   Highly Commended Granville & Company; Rendall & Rittner; Farrar Property Mana

BLOCK INSURE NEWS ON THE BLOCK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AWARDS 2011-12   The Finalists are:   London Property Management Company of the Year sponsored by Deverell Smith Recruitment     Crabtree PM Limited; Granville & Company; London Residential Management;  Trust Property Management; Rendall & Rittner; HML Shaw; Farrar Property Management   Regional Property Management Company of the Yearsponsored by Deacon         Essex Properties, Premier Estates; Warwick Estates Property Ma

Your essential guide to block insurance.  Britains best insurance brokers offer some advice in our comprehensive pull out and keep supplement about the blocks of flats insurance market.  Some of this features articles include:  Getting the best from your insurance broker  How to deal with claims effectively  8 ways to spot under insurance in your blocks of flats  Subscribers, log in to view your digitial copy.  Or click here to download the pdf

Under Section 20b of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 the leaseholder is protected from being asked to pay towards costs incurred more than 18 months ago. Normally the lease will provide for the service charge to be demanded in advance, but occasions will arise when the demands are issued after completion of the works or provision of the service. In these cases a statutory time limit applies: the landlord must issue the demand within 18 months of his incurring the cost. If the demand is provided later