Featured Articles

Spike is continuing to see demand for its solutions soar both nationally and internationally, with its award-winning tenant engagement portal now being used across more than 500 buildings in 15 countries. Spike is excited to announce the launch of its first project in New Zealand, working with New Ground Living to enable tenants to get the most out of renting a home. Since 2014, New Ground Living has been pioneering the development of Build-to-Rent housing in New Zealand, bringing about meaningful improve

We are happy to be supporting the ARMA Ace Awards 2024 as a media partner.  The 2024 ACE Awards will recognise the leading lights among UK managing agents, their suppliers and the work of their people in improving the lives of millions of leaseholders. For 2024, attendees can also look forward to six new award categories and a return to the unique London venue of Old Billingsgate on the bank of the Thames. And, after a big turnout last year, expect strong competition for every trophy up for grabs! Entries

The investment value chain has long been cluttered with intermediaries, dampening returns for investors and fostering inefficiencies and opacity within the financial sector. However, the rapid evolution of technology, particularly in real estate finance and wealth management, presents an opportunity for transformation. ASK stands at the forefront, pioneering a drive towards enhanced returns, direct investment visibility, and increased liquidity for investors. The real estate investment journey involves di

Doyenne Does International Women’s Day (IWD) – a day of celebration and education for  women and men across the industry – is following up the success of the 2023 event with a packed itinerary and a focus on mental health for its 2024 incarnation at the KIA Oval on 8th March.  After the highly successful inaugural event last year drew over 100 attendees from across the gender spectrum, the team behind the networking group “Doyenne” have pulled together a list of speakers that they hope will take the event

HFIS has launched a new group brand, Total Property, bringing their property brands under one roof in a move that extends the company’s reach to over 40% of the private rented sector, cementing their position as a market leader. Total Property will provide a dedicated home for the HFIS group’s property products and services, which are well recognised in the private rented sector. These include government approved schemes - mydeposits, the Property Redress Scheme and Client Money Protect; as well as award

The UK has a widely reported and growing housing shortfall as a result of under building since the 1950s. A broken planning system and local objections have been blamed and aside from the human cost, this has become a major economic problem. It is very hard to increase growth without being able to provide homes, and the associated infrastructure, for workers in high growth sectors such as life sciences, pharma and tech. We have recently seen a number of planning decisions referred to the Secretary of Stat

Holiday let and empty homeowners in the region could soon face higher council tax bills and bin collection charges as government prepares to hand local authorities more powers to raid holiday homes, warn accountants and business advisors Whitley Stimpson. According to the Office for National Statistics data nearly one in ten properties in the Cotswolds region are currently vacant.  This alarming statistic has raised significant concerns among civic chiefs regarding the growing number of second homes and p

We are thrilled to announce that News on the Block is turning 21 this May! As we approach this significant milestone, we're reflecting on the incredible journey we've had over the past two decades. From humble beginnings to becoming a leading publishing and events business in the residential leasehold property sector, it's been an amazing ride, and we couldn't have done it without your support. To commemorate this special occasion, as well as our special drinks event on 23 May 2024, we are preparing a com

QUESTION  I am the leaseholder of a first floor flat of a converted house in London. The leaseholder living in the flat below also owns the freehold.    They are very difficult to communicate with and they are asking to see inside my flat. Do they have the right to access my apartment without my permission? They have said if I do not grant them access they will go to a solicitor.    On a separate note, if I want to convert the loft space above my flat, do I need the freeholders permission?      ANSWER  

The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners, ALEP, has intervened in the Supreme Court case of A1 Properties v Tudor Studios RTM. The Appeal, which will be heard today, Thursday 8 February, in the Supreme Court is A1 Properties (Sunderland) Ltd v Tudor Studios RTM Company Ltd. This is only the second case in which the Supreme Court has granted permission for a “leapfrog appeal” from the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber). Bishop & Sewell LLP are acting on behalf of ALEP. A detailed description

Clemency Wall has been appointed as a property manager with Principle, bringing with her more than four years’ experience in the sector, most recently with Blenheims Estate and Asset Management. Ms Wall, who previously worked with the SP Property Group in London and Villa Maria Catholic Homes in Australia, will now work closely with Rachael Hornby, who joined Principle as associate director last summer. Rebecca Johnston has also joined Principle’s London team as a property assistant after four years of ex

Cripps is delighted to announce the appointment of Joanna Themistokli as the newest addition to their esteemed residential estates team. Bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, Joanna joins as a Managing Associate, further enhancing Cripps' capabilities in the realm of residential property and leasehold enfranchisement. With a focus on providing exceptional service to clients, Joanna's specialization in residential property and leasehold enfranchisement work is set to fortify Cripps' st