Featured Articles

Get the answers to your questions and stay up to date about apartment building management with our featured articles and NOTB guides, on topics such as service charges, right to manage, buying your freehold, major works, building insurance and other issues about blocks of flats.

Grade II-listed live-work property in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter at auction

An exclusive live-work unit located in the heart of Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter is appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction. Unit 6 in the Grade II-listed Century Works development at 13 Frederick Street will have a guide price of £289,500+ in the livestreamed auction on Thursday 6 February. Ian Tudor, commercial auctions director at Bond Wolfe, said: “This is a vacant, self-contained office building which could be easily adapted to provide two bedroomed live-and-work accommodation. “This attrac

Property Ombudsman announces her retirement

Rebecca Marsh has announced she will be retiring as Ombudsman and CEO at the end of January after almost five years in the role. Rebecca said: “Having reached a milestone birthday, I advised the Board toward the end of last year that I wished to retire and take full advantage of being one of the lucky few whose pensions kick in at an early age. "With The Property Ombudsman being in a good place for a new Chair and Ombudsman to build on the solid foundations, I am confident that the organisation is well pr

Reaching for the sky – BCU students to get mentoring from company constructing Birmingham’s tallest building

Five quantity surveying students at Birmingham City University (BCU) will take their careers to new heights thanks to the award-winning company building Birmingham’s tallest skyscraper.  Court Collaboration, which is constructing the 155-metre tall One Eastside on James Watt Queensway, will advise and guide the quintet to help prepare them for the workplace.  “We’re extremely proud to be launching this student mentoring initiative as part of our ongoing partnership with BCU,” said Court Collaboration CEO

How to Claim Your EV Charger Grant Before the Deadline

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is a big step toward sustainability, and the UK government has made it easier by offering grants to support EV charging installations. But these grants won't be around forever – they’re set to end on 31st March 2025. If you’re considering installing an EV charge point, now’s the time to act. In this blog, we’ll break down the available grants, how much funding you can claim, who qualifies, and what you need to do before the deadline. Overview of EV Charging Grants The

Worcestershire property with planning for 10 apartments in Bond Wolfe auction

A Grade II-listed property located in a Worcestershire town that contains a ground floor shop and planning consent for ten apartments is appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction. The mid-terraced, three storey property dating from the 18th century is at 3 Worcester Road, with extra land to the rear, and it will have a guide price of £399,500+ in the livestreamed auction on Thursday 6 February. James Mattin, managing director and auctioneer at Bond Wolfe, explained that the property was currently laid out as

What homebuyers and renters can expect in 2025

For renters and buyers alike, 2025 is set to bring some of the most significant property reforms in recent years. Whether you’re navigating rising rents, worried about eviction, or preparing to buy your first home, HCB Solicitors breaks down what these changes mean for you. The rental market Renting has become challenging. According to the latest data from ONS [1], the average UK rent has increased by 9.1% in the past 12 months, turning what was once an affordable option into a financial strain. And while

Odevo Appoints Claire Shepherd as CEO for the UK Market

Odevo, the fast-growing international leader in residential property management, is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Shepherd as CEO for the UK market. Claire's promotion underscores Odevo's commitment to strengthening its leadership team and advancing its mission to become the leading force within property management and residential services. Claire Shepherd joined Odevo in mid-2024 as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the UK and has quickly made a significant impact with her strategic insig

Nearly half of all UK commercial properties are estimated to be underinsured

Research from insurance broker and risk management company Gallagher has revealed that over four in ten (46%) of commercial properties are underinsured, with the average shortfall being 40%. Inflation, in particular the cost of materials and increased labour prices are causing widespread commercial property underinsurance with many owners failing to keep pace Research amongst insurance claims managers reveals that nearly half (46%) of commercial properties are estimated to be underinsured The ave

Folk Co Living announce free rent offer to support London renters

Folk, the co-living brand on a mission to set a new standard for renting, has announced a three week free rent offer to renters that sign up to the scheme before end of January. The award-winning brand’s Earlsfield site, Sunday Mills, is offering the deal in order to support potential renters during the long January period and cost of living crisis. If signing a 12-month lease, renters will save roughly £1,340 (based on a Standard studio rate). Opened in 2022, Sunday Mills is one of three sites within the

The Ringley Group Takes Over Operational Management of 1,120 homes at Greenwich Millennium Village

The Ringley Group, a leading UK-wide asset and property management company is proud to announce that has taken over the operational management of the iconic Greenwich Millennium Village (GMV). This move marks a significant milestone in Ringley’s portfolio expansion, as it assumes responsibility for one of London’s most ambitious and sustainable residential communities. Ringley will be responsible for the professional management of 1,120 homes on site. The company’s comprehensive management services inc

Understanding service charge pressures

Service Charges: What’s Driving the Costs? In recent years, service charge increases have put a strain on household budgets, leaving many residents questioning what’s behind the rising costs. As property managers, it’s our responsibility to balance maintaining high-quality services while managing costs effectively. From soaring inflation to stricter regulations, we break down the key drivers behind service charge pressures, and how we’re working with Resident Management Companies (RMCs) and customers to m

Rendall & Rittner welcome new Business Development Manager

Award-winning property management agent Rendall & Rittner has recently appointed Fiona duCassé as its new Business Development Manager. Fiona’s appointment reflects the wider expansion of Rendall & Rittner’s new business team, as the company aims to continue bolstering its growing portfolio in 2025 and beyond. With 20 years of residential block management experience, Fiona has proficiency supporting a variety of developers, freehold investors, RMCs, RTMs, and later living developers across portfolios, fro

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