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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

Birchgrove, the UK’s leading provider of rented retirement homes, has celebrated its latest construction milestone with the topping out of Pepperpot House, a new 52-unit development in Godalming, Surrey. The ceremony was attended by over 30 guests, including a number of residents who have reserved apartments, providing them with the opportunity to meet each other alongside their friends and families for the first time. Honor Barratt, CEO of Birchgrove, was also in attendance alongside John Whelan, CEO of

Xtra Maintenance Limited are delighted to be the newly appointment out of hours contractor for a leading block management company. This new contract sees Xtra Maintenance providing a 24 hour telephone service in house vetting our clients calls, instructing contracted site providers and handling all other emergencies. We took a moment to catch up with CEO Ricky Weston who commented “it is a real achievement being appointed on this contract, it shows our high-level customer service and professionalism is be

Leading Birmingham property agency Siddall Jones has expanded and fully refurbished its Jewellery Quarter offices in the wake of its new acquisition. Siddall Jones announced its purchase of Bromsgrove-based 4D Property Management last week, a move which will increase the staff numbers as well as allowing the company to recruit additional staff to help with the influx of new instructions. As a result, Siddall Jones has now doubled its office space at The Mint at 95 Icknield St, from 1,100 sq ft  2,200 sq f

Spike is proud to announce that it has become the first PropTech company to join the UK Single-Family Association (UK SFA), a not-for-profit organisation committed to advancing industry standards and best practices within the Single-Family Rental (SFR) sector. Through its membership with the UK SFA, Spike will actively participate in initiatives aimed at addressing key challenges facing the sector, and champion the role of technology in enhancing property management, tenant relations, and increasing opera