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In a move to further simplify the homebuying process, OneDome, the homebuying platform, is expanding its flagship product HomeBuyer Service to include surveying services. This enhancement ensures that OneDome now provides a full suite of services to homebuyers—including mortgages, conveyancing, and surveys - all bundled into one convenient package at a fixed price. Buyers benefit from a dedicated property moving assistant who manages the entire transaction from start to finish. This service is powered by

As a property manager or owner of a residential block, it's important to have a system in place for collecting and managing service charge funds. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using a ring-fenced designated bank account. What is a ring-fenced designated bank account? A ring-fenced designated bank account is a separate bank account that is specifically set up to hold service charge funds for a residential block. The funds in this account are kept separate from the property manager's or ow

Warm, wetter weather is providing a rich environment for Japanese knotweed to thrive across the UK. Reports have been coming in to the Property Care Association of early growth of the plants’ distinctive red stems in February, well ahead of its usual growing season. According to Daniel Docking, the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group technical manager, the current climate conditions could have a detrimental impact on native plant species. Daniel said: “We can still expect late season frosts and dry weather

On Thursday 29th February, Martyn Gerrard, who were recently awarded Best London Estate Agent at The Negotiator Awards, celebrated the opening of their new flagship office in Hampstead, expanding on the agency’s well-established network across North and Northwest London. Martyn Gerrard’s leap into Hampstead in this leap year follows the launch of the agency’s Winchmore Hill location in January 2023, with Hampstead growing the agency’s network to 14 and expanding on existing operations based in nearby Kent

Ahh, the age-old question. If your lease seems to be an advocate for audits, but you'd rather avoid them, here are a couple of strategies: Pre-1980 Lease Magic: If your lease has a 'vintage' touch and is dated before 1980, congratulations, you might have just dodged the audit bullet. This is because auditing standards have evolved, and the effort required for an audit today might not have been what your lease anticipated back then. The Disproportionate Dilemma: If the audit costs are hanging like a dar

The office will specialise as a talent consultancy, services include executive search, talent advisory, and outsourced project recruitment exclusively for property, real estate and construction sectors. The business will operate under Hintel which launched in 2021 as the sister company to the group’s specialist recruitment firm, deverellsmith, with a prime focus on a holistic approach to talent attraction by providing tailored strategic solutions to clients. The deverellsmith group’s London office has est

A smart development of more than 60 new homes in what was once the medieval heart of Bristol city centre is to be looked after by Principle Estate Management. Coopers Court is a collection of one and two-bedroomed apartments developed by Abri Housing Association in an emerging leisure quarter of the Redcliffe area. This mixed-tenure community is part of the wider Finzels Reach community on the harbourside, with modern homes, offices, cafes, street markets and shops. The estate management contract for the

The government is being urged to take action to help thousands of people who are stuck with high energy bills because their heat is supplied through communal heating systems. It is estimated that around 480,000 UK households, many in apartment blocks and social housing, are affected. They are not covered by the energy price cap because their heat is charged at commercial rates and they cannot switch suppliers. The government’s Energy Bill Discount Scheme, which has offered some protection, comes to an end

In advance of the Budget on Wednesday 6 March, divisions of Leaders Romans Group (LRG) have been considering the changes that are required from across the property industry. Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director, LRG The private rented sector must be better supported by Government as part of a drive to resolve the housing crisis. Central to this is relaxing some of the tax implications on landlords, to compensate for the losses incurred through additional regulation, interest rates rises a

Principle Estate Management has warned leaseholders that they must obtain what’s known as a Licence for Alter (LTA) before making any changes to their homes. Richard Coles, an associate director at Principle who oversees the managing agent’s building surveying, explained that without permission from the freeholder, leaseholders could be in breach of their lease. Mr Coles said: “All leaseholders should submit documents for the freeholder’s approval prior to any works and we will then process for approval a

As you begin the process of property transactions in the UK, it's important to understand potential pitfalls that may result in fines. Finance expert Gary Hemming from ABC finance tells us common mistakes individuals frequently make and the associated consequences. Neglecting Stamp Duty Obligations Fines for failing to pay the correct stamp duty amount can range from a percentage of the outstanding duty to substantial fixed penalties. It's not uncommon for fines to be in the thousands of pounds, depending

ELM Group is delighted to announce the addition of seven new properties to its management portfolio as 2024 gets off to a positive start. The properties are a welcome addition to ELM Group’s portfolio of over 4,500 units across 152 managed retirement properties across England. Hartington Mansions, which came under ELM Group’s management in January, is a historic four-floor mansion block based in Eastbourne, close to the seafront in the heart of the town centre. Another property welcomed last month wa