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.

Empowering Ethical Payers: Block Debt's celebrates with News on the Block

As we raise a toast to News on the Block's milestone, we're also celebrating the launch of Block Debt in April 2024. It's not just another credit control agency; it's a game-changer in how businesses supplying the leasehold property sector manage the weight of debt. With a mission to shift mindsets and spotlight ethical payers, Block Debt is poised to lead an industry-wide transformation. In the intricate web of the leasehold property sector, there are a few persistent issues that loom large for suppliers

EV Charging - the practical implications for landlords and managing agents

In this article, Nia Blackwell, Associate Solicitor at JB Leitch Real Estate, provides an update on the subject of EV charging – and the practical implications for landlords and managing agents to consider.  Since our previous articles on the subject, the energy landscape remains a core concern for many. Despite general stabilisation with wholesale prices falling for electricity and gas supply over the last year, recent weeks has the price of fuel at pumps beginning to increase again as the market reacts

Unveiling Success: Block Recruit Group's 4-Day Work Week Trial

Block Recruit Group embarked on an innovative journey with its 4-day work week trial, stirring interest in a new era of work practices. But what's driving the excitement around this pioneering approach? The trial wasn't just about trimming workdays; it aimed to revolutionise the workplace experience. By condensing the workweek, Block Recruit Group sought to elevate productivity, boost well-being, and attract top talent.  Over six months, meticulous data collection and analysis across various performance i

Finalists announced for the ACE Awards 2024!

The Property Institute (TPI) have just released their shortlisted finalists for the ACE Awards 2024! Congratulations to all those who made the shortlist. Winners and highly commended will be announced at TPI’s Awards Dinner at Old Billingsgate, London EC3 on Friday 21st June 2024 (6pm - 12:30am). Click here to view the 2024 Finalists. Those who have been shortlisted are entitled to one complimentary ticket per category. To claim your complimentary ticket(s) please contact Yen Ly Nguyen. If you have alr

To buy or to rent: soaring mortgage costs mean it’s almost 50% more expensive to buy in London

New research lays bare the challenges faced by prospective buyers in getting on London’s lucrative property ladder, with mortgage costs across the capital revealed to be 42% higher than average rental prices – substantially higher than other cities like Manchester, Leeds and Bristol. Market analysts at London-based property management specialists, SBA Property Management, found that across the city homeowners spend around £797 more on mortgage payments than tenants pay on rent each month. The research com

1 in 3 people who had a house survey went on to save money

The latest research by HomeOwners Alliance shows that almost 60% of homeowners who bought within the last 5 years say they had a RICS house survey or a new build snagging inspection. Of those who had a survey undertaken before buying their property, nearly a third (30%) took action as a result of issues flagged in the survey. Among this group, 10% renegotiated the purchase price, while 9% got the sellers to fix the problems. Having a survey enabled other homebuyers to get quotes for remedial work before d

Running enthusiast Completes 80 Miles by Circumnavigating His Apartment Block

Running enthusiast Edd Owen recently embarked on an extraordinary feat, completing an impressive 80-mile run by circling his apartment block—a remarkable journey that drew inspiration from his own aspirations and the feats of others. Over the course of 12 hours, the 26-year-old tirelessly traversed 290-meter loops around his apartment complex, totaling an astounding 441 laps. His determination and stamina were fueled by the legendary exploits of Russ Cook, who earned the title of "Hardest Geezer" by becom

Only Fools and Horses tower block set to be demolished and replaced with £850m flats

The iconic tower block immortalized as Nelson Mandela House in the beloved British sitcom "Only Fools and Horses" is slated for demolition, making way for a new chapter in London's urban landscape. Harlech Tower, known for its role in the TV series as the residence of Del Boy and Rodney Trotter, is set to be razed and replaced with state-of-the-art £850 million luxury apartments by 2027. Despite its portrayal as a Peckham-based home, the tower block, situated north of the Thames in Ealing, served as the e

Has London’s housing market slumped under Sadiq? Capital sees lowest uplift of new homes built since Khan became mayor

The latest research by property development appraisal software, APRAO, has revealed that since Sadiq Khan became the Mayor of London, the capital has seen the second largest number of new homes delivered of all English regions. However, when compared to the same time period prior to his election, London has seen by far the smallest increase in new housing stock reaching the market, as well as the lowest rate of house price growth.  APRAO analysed the delivery of new homes in London since 2016/17 when Sadi

Don’t neglect your heating systems during warmer months, warns expert

Spring and summer in the UK present a wonderful opportunity to make your home more energy-efficient while preparing for colder months. These warmer seasons provide an ideal time to inspect, maintain, and upgrade your home’s energy systems. Finance expert, Gary Hemming from ABC Finance tells us how we can save hundreds of pounds over the summer: Spring and Summer Energy-Saving Tips: Boiler Efficiency  Turn Down the Thermostat: With warmer weather, you can reduce the temperature of your boiler or even switc

Complete Technology Group becomes the first telecoms specialist to achieve BSF Champion status

Complete Technology Group (CTG) has completed Stage 2 of the Building a Safer Future (BSF) Champion Assessment, becoming the first company in the telecoms sector to do so.  BSF is a non-profit organisation committed to raising standards in building safety and supporting culture change in the built environment. Its Champion status is granted to organisations that can successfully demonstrate their leadership, culture and processes have building safety and risk reduction embedded within them.  Completing th

Seven flats in iconic Nottingham apartment building to star in auction

A portfolio of seven flats in one of Nottingham’s most iconic apartment buildings is set to attract by-to-let investors when it goes under the hammer at Bond Wolfe’s next auction. The seven residences are in the Hicking Building on Queens Road and will have a guide price* of £700,000+ in Bond Wolfe’s livestreamed auction on Thursday 16 May. Hicking Building was constructed in 1873 as part of a large complex of lace warehouses, and the historic property was redeveloped as more than 320 apartments in 2005.

© 2025 News On The Block. All rights reserved.

News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.

We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site you consent cookies.