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Barratt London’s new development in Bermondsey now offers even better value to eligible first-time buyers, who can purchase a home at Bermondsey Heights with a 30% discount, thanks to the developer’s participation in the Government’s First Homes Scheme.  The developer reports high demand for the scheme, with the sales team receiving five times their usual number of enquiries within the first week of its launch. A selection of stylish new apartments in the 26-storey tower are now available to first time bu

On Friday 18th October Principle Estate Management held their annual staff conference at Millenium Point in the centre of Birmingham, marking the end of their financial year. Kicking off with a quiz from property director Polly Dyer about their recent growth, she revealed that Principle is 14% bigger in terms of sites managed and 15% bigger in terms of people compared to the same time last year. The distance between their two furthest properties is 421 miles.  Directors Joe Jobson and Brett Williams pre

Solicitors, valuers and other leasehold enfranchisement professionals met at the Royal College of Physicians to discuss the future of leasehold reform and to share the latest information about the timescale for the enactment of the various parts of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. During the conference a live update was received in relation to the latest Human Rights Act challenges to the legislation and the publication of the Freedom of Information Act request that an ALEP member had obtained

About Grosvenor Waterside Grosvenor Waterside is a Resident Management Company nestled along the scenic banks of the River Thames. They offer a diverse range of stylish apartments and luxurious penthouses, blending modern urban living with the charm of a historic environment. Their leaseholders are encouraged to take an active role in shaping the future of the estate, ensuring that the community thrives under their collective vision and guidance.  Problem Grosvenor Waterside and their Service Charge Manag

The number of properties looked after by Principle Estate Management has expanded by 14% to nearly 20,000 units in the last year. The Birmingham-based company, which manages properties across the country, has also seen its staff numbers rise by 15% to 70 in the same 12 months. The latest growth statistics were revealed to Principle’s own employees first at the company’s 2024 Staff Conference last month. Polly Dyer, a property director at Principle, presented the facts in a fun quiz for staff about the rec

The latest research by eXp UK, the platform for personal estate agents and estate agency businesses, has revealed that as of next April first-time buyers will have considerably less choice when it comes to a stamp duty free property purchase, as the current Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) threshold at which no tax is owed reverts back to £300,000 from the current threshold of £425,000 - a move that will see SDLT free stock levels fall by 20% of over 90,000 properties. As of 1st April 2025, the SDLT threshold u

The Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 transformed the office worker landscape, for better or worse, depending on who you ask. At JFM, we stand firmly in favour of the hybrid model. Advocating for more remote work has become significantly easier recently, with productivity being a key factor:   77% of workers say they are more productive when working remotely (Source: Forbes, 2022) 85% of businesses confirm that hybrid working has improved productivity (Source: Owl Labs, 2023)   While retention statistics may

Birchgrove, the UK’s leading provider of rented retirement homes, has today opened the doors to its fourth development, its first to open in the Greater London area. The development, Ayrton House in Mill Hill, North London, contains a mixture of 60 self-contained, one-, two- and three-bed apartments, all purpose built on the site of a historic former medical research institute. Communal features of the development include a restaurant, club room, licensed bar and wellness suite, as well as landscaped gard

Disruptor company Cohab, a new entrant to the residential lettings and management market which charges an all-in lettings and management fee of just 5% (excluding VAT) has formed a business alliance with LOFT, provider of a full-service furnishing solution and fellow tech innovator. LOFT’s declared purpose is to “enhance the residential experience, minimise our environmental footprint and optimise our social impact. We specialise in furnishing homes with ethically sourced products, designed to enhance the

Recent research indicates that the physical damage caused by Japanese knotweed is no greater than that of other disruptive plants such as Bamboo and Buddleia and trees. However, as experts on the ground we know how serious knotweed can be when it comes to protecting the integrity of property or building structures - including underground infrastructure. Take a look at some of the examples shown here.  Forcing boundary structures The forceful nature of Japanese knotweed means its vigorous growth (if left u

Regional businesses came together for an night of charitable giving and merriment at the Beresfords annual property dinner last month, to raise funds for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT). Over 180 attendees enjoyed the prestigious event at Down Hall Hotel & Spa in Bishops Stortford, hosted by property group, Beresfords. A total of £16,000 was raised for the EHAAT, an incredible local charity of which Beresfords has supported for over ten years. Essex and Herts Air Ambulance provide a Helicopter Emerg

In the always-evolving landscape of property management, ensuring compliance with changing regulations is essential. MVN Block Management stands at the forefront of this endeavour, particularly with their innovative use of BlockPro, a sophisticated compliance tracking platform. BlockPro's traffic light system has become an integral tool for MVN, especially in managing high-rise buildings. This system not only simplifies the monitoring of compliance status but also provides peace of mind to the Principal A