Block & Estate Management
Managing leasehold blocks is a complex business that requires a full understanding of leases and a knowledge of the statutory requirements of the various landlord and tenant legislation.
We are passionate about creating and maintaining urban & rural communities. We aim to provide a range of core services for residential & mixed-use developments. Since 1994 we have a focused approach because of the emphasis we place on understanding our clients; whether you are a resident, developer or Freeholder.
If you’re unhappy with your current arrangement, how can you guarantee that a new one will be any better? It takes a huge amount of work on your part to put the management out to tender. We know we can’t let you down. With our vast experience across The South West, we understand the challenges of managing often complex and challenging schemes which ensures the most appropriate solutions are delivered.
Our Management Services Include:
Building Insurance
Our staff will endeavour to seek the most competitive premium for your building. We will of course offer the premium for consultation with the directors. We would deal with all claims on behalf of communal faults but cannot be held responsible for overseeing leaseholder claims unless agreed in advance.
Site Inspections
A member of the team will inspect your Estate regularly as required to determine any onsite requirements and to liaise with Directors or Freeholders accordingly.
Accountancy Service
This involves the collection of service charges and, if appropriate, ground rental payments. All charges will be administrated through our block management software package and the finances are fully balanced and reconciled with separate bank records per block in accordance with Section 42 Landlord & Tenant Act 1987. At the financial year end, service charge accounts are produced to trial balance before being sent to independent auditors. We also offer Monthly or Quarterly income & expenditure reports at no extra charge.
Liaise With Tradesmen
Our service includes obtaining competitive tendering for annual contracts as well as working closely with local reliable tradesmen for the day to-day duties. We will inspect all works (where possible) and pay invoices on the committee's behalf. All contractors hold the necessary PI Insurance which we validate each year. We do not take any commission on any contractor or supplier invoices meaning we can focus on finding the right person for the job.
Company Secretarial Services
We shall prepare and issue share or membership certificates when properties change hands. We shall maintain the statutory books of our clients and we will prepare and file annual returns and statutory forms online registering changes in directors or company secretaries with Companies House.
Retirement Housing Sector
This area of the business has grown rapidly in the last 5 years and we offer specialist advice in this sector by key staff that understand the different requirements needed within this sector. Retirement housing apartments are inspected every month and we liaise (where necessary) with the in-house warden/manager on a daily basis. Please call Mr Darren Stocks MIRPM, AssocRICS for further advice.
Right to Manage/
Enfranchisement Process
We have helped many clients through the Right to Manage (RTM) process. Our staff are happy to explain the process in relation to costs and the length of time that is required. The process is complex although we find this is made easy with our experienced block managers. We advise specially on Right To manage issues where there is a tri-party lease. The Enfranchisement process is a common route, although there are alternatives and therefore specialist advice is recommended before embarking on this route. Should you have any queries then please telephone the block managers who will be happy to discuss the various routes available and pointing you in the right direction. These legal processes do not have to be stressful and the outcome does not necessarily have to be complete self-management of your block; it can be no more than a transfer of responsibility and decision making.
Annual General Meetings
and Other Meetings
We will issue formal Notices and attend Annual General Meetings, Extraordinary and Directors Meetings (up to 4 a year) but we are happy to attend more frequently if required. At the beginning of each financial year we will set a budget for the service charge and agree with the directors. At the end of the financial year we will issue the financial records to an independent firm of chartered accountants nominated by you, the company. On their return this will trigger us to discuss preferred AGM dates.
Ground Rent
Ensure that the Ground Rent demands are served to the Lessees in accordance with the requirements of Section 166 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 and ensure the swift collection of monies due.
Changing Managing Agents
We understand changing your managing agent can be a daunting task and how are you to know whether you are jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. There are many managing agents to choose from therefore it important to make the right choice for your development. We believe in a proactive approach, working for the good of the development and having an excellent relationship with you – the client.
We will guide you through the entire process taking care of all your maintenance and utility contracts. Furthermore, if you are considering making a change then we are more than happy to put you in touch with an existing client for their honest opinion
Staff Membership of the
Institute of Residential
Property Management (IRPM)
Our block management team are committed to promoting the professionalism of the Company.
We encourage our staff to gain their qualification through IRPM and RICS. These qualifications provide opportunities for our staff to network with fellow professionals from an independent accreditation as well as further opportunities for continuing their professional development.
Accessibility
We generally only take on properties in The South West region so that our Property Managers are able to get too easily for site visits and should any issues arise.
The Listed Property Owners Club
Whatever the grade of your building, its listed status marks it out as a property of national importance and interest, but living with history has its particular consequences and responsibilities and managing a listed property is undoubtedly a source of considerable pride, but it can also be a source of concern and uncertainty for Clients. That’s why we are proud members of The Listed Property Owners Club (LPOC) and we benefit from vital insider information, financial savings, specialist suppliers , insurance issues and advice, but best of all peace of mind. Furthermore being part of a unique club we can celebrate our part in preserving heritage throughout our managed portfolio of Grade I & II Estates. The club also allows us to connect with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced tradesmen in the UK which enables us to work from a list of nationwide specialists for the care, repair, restoration and conservation of listed buildings.
Additionally, LPOC are the only organisation that is campaigning for our clients by effectively giving them a voice in Parliament.
Market Leaders Since 1994
Do you have a block or estate that needs managing?