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While it is generally true that a less experienced property manager will command smaller fees, I disagree with the implication that the younger you are the less able you are to possess authority, deal with difficult situations and provide a high end comprehensive service. I think it sends out the wrong message to potential clients who may read the article and assume that younger property managers are less capable. I know from experience that this is not the case in practice. Jonathan O'Neill AIRPM Pro

Why has Right to Manage failed to take off? It seemed such a breakthrough when the legislation was passed in 2002. Leaseholders can take over the management of their block without having to go through the stress and expense of buying the freehold, and without even having to prove fault on the part of the landlord. All that's needed is the consent of 50% of your long leaseholders and you can control the destiny of your block. Yet so far only around 350 RTM companies have been registered at Companies Ho

Britain’s landlords are struggling to get their heads around some complex and unfamiliar aspects of the Housing Act 2004, according to the latest research from the National Landlords Association. 27% of them said they had no knowledge of the new definition of Houses in Multiple Occupation or of Licensing of HMOs. Only 13% reported that they have a sound understanding of the new definition and 10% have a sound understanding of licensing of HMOs, which starts in April. Under the changes, an HMO will be defi

[image1] Despite being a year of widespread negative sentiment on the housing market, 2005 was another strong year for the buy-to-let market. According to buy to let lenders, Paragon Mortgages, conditions in the first half of the year were challenging, with falling confidence in the housing market as a consequence of increased interest rates and general concerns over affordability. The second half of the year however, saw improving landlord confidence. Heightened public concern about the growing pension c

Planning a management and investment strategy when investing in buy to let properties is important; planning a strategy to minimise tax is equally as important, as this will have a major impact on financial profitability. Tax legislation is an extremely complex area. Utilising the various deductions and exemptions available with careful planning can reduce tax and increase profitability.

Following a review of the five regional Rent Assessment Panels in 2001, the Residential Property Tribunal Service (RPTS) was established to bring the panels together in order to better co-ordinate their work and maintain a consistency of approach in their procedures and decisions. News on the Block speaks to Siobhan McGrath, barrister and senior president of the service, about how the RPTS came about and her plans to develop it further this year. RPTS has statutory responsibility for settling a variety

“The private rented sector continues to be an attractive proposition for investor landlords; it is the most stable sector of the housing market. Industry forecasts of growth in renting from 11% to 15% of all housing are likely to prove accurate.” Adrian Turner, Chief Executive, ARLA “The housing market will wake up on New Year’s day 2006 without the hangover it suffered in January 2005. Househunter confidence is on the up and although we don’t expect prices to rise strongly, there is no doubt that people

According to the fourth quarter ARLA survey, achievable rent levels have increased in central London and throughout the country away from the southeast. The return on property investment has stayed static at 5.1% for apartments. However a mood swing is apparent with significantly more investment landlords buying rather than selling their property holdings than last quarter. Average weekly rents for flats in prime central London are now £406. This compares with £112 (Midlands) and £157 (Northwest). Average

The Disability Discrimination Act, as applied to residential blocks of flats, is a grey area because this law, the DDA, is not fully ‘tested’ and is at present being formed by case law. Advising, therefore, on complex law that was formed for the broad premise of non-discrimination and is still going through various legal stages, is not easy. However, there are pointers that will make dealing with the issues raised a little easier to incorporate into policies. Firstly, please do not assume that because

What are the implications of the Disability and Discrimination Act 2005 for landlords and property managers? Richard Gard, and Kit Wells explain. All landlords should be aware that there are new rules under the new Disabilities Discrimination Act 2005 which could affect them when they are letting their property to the disabled. The 1995 Disability Discrimination Act had placed a duty on landlords and managers of properties not to treat disabled people less favourably than prospective able-bodied tena

Lord Richard has retired as the Chair of The Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) after five years’ service. Lord Richard has overseen the considerable progress of that period, which now includes LEASE’s status as a Non Departmental Government Body (NDGB) granted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. This reflects LEASE’s increasing importance and is an endorsement of the quality of work undertaken by the organisation. To replace Lord Richard, the Board has appointed David Marcus as Chair. A board mem

The lead professional body for the rental market is calling on government for a long overdue Christmas present. ARLA, the Association of Residential Letting Agents, believes that the best present that landlords and tenants could wish for, after the exposure of yet another failing unregulated letting agent, is the licensing of every letting agent in the land. ARLA, which regulates some 40% of all mainstream agents to the Association's blueprint for standards, claims that by licensing the agents, much of th