The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Carina Paine as its Head of Resident Management Company (RMC) Services. This newly created role is designed to strengthen FirstPort’s commitment to the growing consumer-led market. Carina will be responsible for overseeing the operational delivery and
Property management and financial platform Lendlord has unveiled a dedicated news hub to help landlords navigate the Renters’ Rights Bill 2025—one of the most significant rental sector reforms in over 30 years. The hub provides structured, up-to-date information on key legislative changes, addressing common concerns and offering expert insights into
A majority of property managers, developers, and landlords in the UK are committed to installing electric vehicle (EV) charging in residential buildings by 2028, with most aiming for completion by 2026, according to new data from ChargeGuru UK. However, despite these pledges, progress has been sluggish due to persistent challenges.
International property management group Odevo has launched SRVO Property, an independent surveying and advisory business set to serve the UK’s residential and commercial real estate market. Formed from Odevo’s existing surveying expertise, SRVO brings together top talent, skills, and experience under a dedicated brand. With a clear vision to become
Leading property management firm Rendall & Rittner has promoted Marc Gomes to Senior Operations Manager, recognising his instrumental role in developing a thriving community engagement programme that has transformed residential schemes across London. Marc, who has been with the company for a decade, took on the role of Community Engagement
The government’s ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million new homes this Parliament is a positive step, but significant challenges remain, warns Principle Estate Management. With offices in Birmingham, London, and the North West, Principle manages 20,000 residential units across 400 developments nationwide. The firm believes that while policy changes are
The sale of two plots of the Perry Barr Residential Scheme to Legal & General Affordable Homes will deliver 487 affordable homes, including a mix of rental and Shared Ownership properties. This, combined with another plot retained by Birmingham City Council for council housing, brings the total number of affordable
Crown Property Management has been entrusted with the management of a landmark Quayside development in Exmouth, marking another milestone in the firm’s growth and reputation. The estate comprises 266 leasehold and freehold properties, alongside a variety of commercial units. Speaking on the appointment, Darren Stocks, founder of Crown Property Management,
Collaboration to bring repairs in-house, leveraging technology for faster, more reliable customer services Totalmobile, a leading provider of field service management software solutions, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Liverpool-based Cobalt Housing to enhance the quality and efficiency of its repairs and maintenance services. Through Totalmobile’s market-leading workforce
Principle Estate Management has broadened its portfolio by taking on three new retirement developments across London, Oxford, and Worcestershire. These include two Right to Manage (RTM) developments and a corporate client, marking the company’s first ventures into retirement living. Meeting the Needs of Retirement Communities Joe Jobson, Joint Managing Director
The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Carina Paine as its Head of Resident Management Company (RMC) Services. This newly created role is designed to strengthen FirstPort’s commitment to the growing consumer-led market. Carina will be responsible for overseeing the operational delivery and strategic direction of FirstPort’s RMC services, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for both residents and RMCs. She joins FirstPort from Barratt Redrow, where she served as Estates Manager for the Southern Counties division. During her tenure, she played a key role in estate management and led RMC transitions, bringing valuable expertise to her new position. Speaking about her appointment, Carina said:“I am excited to join FirstPort at a time of significant change in the property industry. We are continuously improving how we listen to our RMC clients to better meet and exceed their expectations. My focus will be on shaping our service offerings to align with their needs. “It is essential that we take a collaborative and tailored approach, as no two RMCs are the same. By fostering strong, transparent relationships with residents and delivering a professional, simplified, and effective service, we can ensure the long-term success of these developments. “This partnership empowers homeowners, ensuring they have clear insights into how their developments are managed, while also streamlining the process for developers.” Martin King, Managing Director of The FirstPort Group, added:“We are delighted to welcome Carina to FirstPort. Her extensive experience in the RMC and developer landscape will be invaluable as we continue to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Her leadership will help us build a more collaborative approach for our Resident Directors, ensuring long-term success and satisfaction for both residents and clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property management and financial platform Lendlord has unveiled a dedicated news hub to help landlords navigate the Renters’ Rights Bill 2025—one of the most significant rental sector reforms in over 30 years. The hub provides structured, up-to-date information on key legislative changes, addressing common concerns and offering expert insights into the evolving regulatory landscape. Updated weekly, it ensures landlords stay informed about government announcements, compliance requirements, and the bill’s implementation timeline. Key topics covered include: Lendlord’s research suggests that the UK rental market is expected to stabilise with an 11% growth rate post-reform, with landlords adapting to changes between July and October 2025. While compliance costs may rise, properties meeting the new standards could benefit from higher rental yields and increased tenant demand. Aviram Shahar, Co-founder and CEO of Lendlord, commented:“The private rental sector is undergoing a major transformation, and the Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 brings both opportunities and challenges. Compliance will be crucial to long-term success, and landlords need reliable insights to stay ahead. That’s why we keep our news hub updated in real time—providing expert analysis and the latest data to help landlords make informed decisions.” The Lendlord Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 News Hub is freely accessible to landlords, brokers, and property professionals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A majority of property managers, developers, and landlords in the UK are committed to installing electric vehicle (EV) charging in residential buildings by 2028, with most aiming for completion by 2026, according to new data from ChargeGuru UK. However, despite these pledges, progress has been sluggish due to persistent challenges. The research found that 64% of property leaders plan to retrofit EV chargers into existing developments within the next four years. More than half (54%) expect installations to take place in 2025 and 2026. However, ChargeGuru, a leading provider of fully funded and managed EV charging solutions for flats and apartments, has identified a significant gap between ambition and implementation. When asked about the obstacles preventing installation, landlords and property managers cited several key concerns: While 97% of property professionals say they are aware of how many residents in their buildings own an EV, a significant 70% of those residents still rely on public charging. Public infrastructure is expanding rapidly, with Zapmap reporting that over 20,000 new public charge points were installed in 2024, increasing the UK’s total by nearly 30% in a single year. However, home charging remains disproportionately limited to those with driveways. According to ChargeUK, approximately 800,000 home chargers were installed in 2024—primarily benefiting homeowners rather than those living in apartment buildings. With Zapmap tracking around 1.4 million fully electric cars on UK roads at the start of 2025 (rising to 2.1 million when including plug-in hybrids), there remains a substantial disparity between those who can charge affordably at home and those reliant on the pricier public network. Despite the challenges, 81% of property professionals claim to understand the process of installing EV chargers in residential buildings, and 86% are aware of government funding options available to support these initiatives. Denis Watling, Managing Director of ChargeGuru UK, emphasised the urgency of action: “While the data highlights a growing commitment to private EV charging, the reality is that many property decision-makers are yet to turn these plans into reality. To accelerate private ‘at-home’ EV charging adoption, industry leaders, the government, and the property sector must collaborate to remove key barriers. “Installing EV infrastructure is a long-term investment, and it’s crucial to implement solutions that address each building’s unique challenges—whether related to upfront costs, fair access, or ongoing maintenance. Our data shows that 75% of residents have already considered EV charging availability when moving or will do so in their next relocation. Property managers and freeholders cannot afford to delay unless they want to fall behind the competition.” With demand for EV charging only set to rise, the property sector faces increasing pressure to ensure residential developments are future-proofed for the shift towards electric mobility. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International property management group Odevo has launched SRVO Property, an independent surveying and advisory business set to serve the UK’s residential and commercial real estate market. Formed from Odevo’s existing surveying expertise, SRVO brings together top talent, skills, and experience under a dedicated brand. With a clear vision to become a market leader, it aims to provide comprehensive surveying services and exceptional client support, both within the Odevo Group and across the wider property sector. David Lloyd, CEO of SRVO, said: “We’ve combined the best capabilities, resources, and experience to create a compelling proposition. SRVO will deliver significant value to our clients, setting a new standard for excellence in surveying. By leveraging innovation, technology, and insights, we’re committed to providing forward-thinking solutions and trusted advice to commercial and residential clients across the UK. “We are hugely ambitious and, by investing in our people, expanding our services, and increasing nationwide coverage, we’re targeting 100% growth within the next 12 to 18 months.” Claire Shepherd, CEO for Odevo UK, added: “We’re investing in technology, people, and services that offer exceptional value. The launch of SRVO is the next step in evolving our surveying capabilities—bringing together the best talent, skills, and regional reach under one brand. “This allows us to scale up our services and offer even greater support to clients. As an independent provider backed by Odevo’s collective resources, SRVO is in a strong position to deliver outstanding service, improved resilience, and exceptional value across the sector.” Operating nationwide, SRVO offers a wide range of property advisory services, including building surveys, risk assessments, and lease advisory. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management firm Rendall & Rittner has promoted Marc Gomes to Senior Operations Manager, recognising his instrumental role in developing a thriving community engagement programme that has transformed residential schemes across London. Marc, who has been with the company for a decade, took on the role of Community Engagement Manager in 2018 and has since spearheaded initiatives that have turned residential developments into vibrant, connected communities. His early success as Estate Manager at Stanmore Place, where he pioneered a calendar of community events, laid the foundation for a blueprint now used across more than 50 developments. A Self-Sustaining Model for Resident-Led Initiatives Today, thanks to Marc’s resident-focused framework, many of these initiatives are led independently by residents and on-site teams. From seasonal celebrations like Halloween activities and Christmas parties to Recycling Week, bike repair pop-ups, and charity fundraising, the programme has become a vital part of community life. In 2024 alone, over £210,000 was raised for charities such as Great Ormond Street Hospital and White Rose through clothing banks. Marc’s promotion to Senior Operations Manager reflects the success of this sustainable model. In his new role, he will focus on operational leadership, overseeing on-site teams, training, and best practices to support Rendall & Rittner’s continued growth. Marc Gomes comments:“Managed developments are far more community-focused than they were five years ago, and engagement is now an integral part of what we offer. This has led to greater resident satisfaction, with many taking ownership of their own activities. Seeing our blueprint evolve into a self-sustaining success is incredibly rewarding, and my new role allows me to take a more strategic approach.” A Lasting Impact on Residents and Local Economies Resident-led initiatives, including gardening clubs, family meet-ups, and cinema nights, have fostered a stronger sense of belonging while also contributing to enhanced security, crime reduction, social value, and environmental awareness. Rendall & Rittner’s flagship developments, such as Royal Arsenal Riverside and Kidbrooke Village, now host community events attracting hundreds of attendees. Meanwhile, partnerships with local businesses and venues, including Battersea Park, Battersea Power Station, and Riverlight, continue to boost local economies and strengthen neighbourhood ties. Marc adds:“We’re not just managing bricks and mortar—we’re setting up communities to thrive. By creating engaged, connected neighbourhoods, we add value not just for residents, but also for leaseholders, landlords, developers, and the wider community.” With community engagement now firmly embedded in Rendall & Rittner’s approach, the company is setting a new standard for resident-focused property management—one where people don’t just live, but truly belong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The government’s ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million new homes this Parliament is a positive step, but significant challenges remain, warns Principle Estate Management. With offices in Birmingham, London, and the North West, Principle manages 20,000 residential units across 400 developments nationwide. The firm believes that while policy changes are helping to remove some barriers, structural issues within planning, infrastructure, and construction must be addressed to ensure successful delivery. Bob Simonds, Business Development Director at Principle, highlighted concerns around planning backlogs, stating:“Developers are encouraged by commitments to speed up planning approvals, but local authorities lack the capacity to process the rising number of applications efficiently, leading to delays.” Beyond planning, infrastructure limitations pose another major hurdle. Upgrades to electricity, gas, water, and sewerage systems will be essential to support new developments. Simonds noted that the growing demand for electric vehicle charging, for example, will place additional strain on the National Grid, which is already struggling to meet demand. The construction sector itself must also scale up to meet the challenge. Simonds emphasised the need for workforce development, adding:“Developers need skilled professionals at every level, from bricklayers to electricians, to ensure projects progress at the required pace.” Ultimately, Principle argues that only through better coordination between local authorities, developers, and infrastructure providers can the housing sector rise to the challenge of delivering the homes the country needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The sale of two plots of the Perry Barr Residential Scheme to Legal & General Affordable Homes will deliver 487 affordable homes, including a mix of rental and Shared Ownership properties. This, combined with another plot retained by Birmingham City Council for council housing, brings the total number of affordable homes in the first phase of the scheme to 700. This significantly exceeds the initial affordable housing target of 312 homes set out in the planning application. Legal & General Affordable Homes is committed to providing high-quality, affordable housing options and has a strong track record of delivering community-focused developments. Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “Delivering much needed affordable housing for the city through the Perry Barr Residential Scheme has been a key priority for me. “The number of people on the housing register in Birmingham has never been higher, selling these plots will provide a welcome boost to the supply of affordable homes in the city. “We are pleased to sell these plots to such a reputable operator of residential properties, one with a commitment to addressing the chronic undersupply of affordable housing in the UK. “Legal & General Affordable Homes have an excellent pedigree for investing, growing, and maintaining communities in the long term. We could not have asked for a better partner in Legal and General Affordable Homes and are pleased that we will be working with them towards the long term regeneration of Perry Barr. “Selling these plots delivers on our aims to provide a sustainable future and legacy for Perry Barr. This multi-award winning scheme provides a catalyst for the continued regeneration of the area and ongoing housing growth for the city.” Ben Denton, Chief Executive at Legal & General Affordable Homes, said: “Our vision is to provide everyone with an affordable, high-quality and environmentally sustainable place to live and grow. Our acquisition of the Perry Barr homes shows our commitment to delivering on this and investing in high quality stock, improving our asset portfolio and achieving improved returns. “Perry Barr is an exciting opportunity to help create a thriving new neighbourhood that contributes positively towards the local area and supports the council with tackling its housing challenges.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Crown Property Management has been entrusted with the management of a landmark Quayside development in Exmouth, marking another milestone in the firm’s growth and reputation. The estate comprises 266 leasehold and freehold properties, alongside a variety of commercial units. Speaking on the appointment, Darren Stocks, founder of Crown Property Management, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are delighted to have been chosen for this significant project. We are confident that the services we provide will meet the expectations of both clients and residents, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards at Exmouth Quay.” Mr Stocks further highlighted the company’s ongoing success, attributing it to the dedication of its team: “Our staff have been instrumental in the firm’s development over the past 30 years, and we look forward to continuing this journey for many more years to come.” In addition to this new appointment, Crown Property Management has announced plans to open a new branch in Exeter in January 2025. The expansion reflects the growing demand for their specialised estate management services across the region. Mr Stocks noted, “What sets us apart from our competitors is our exclusive focus on estate management. While many other agencies spread their efforts across sales, lettings, and surveying, we concentrate solely on delivering outstanding estate management services. This singular focus allows us to provide a truly unique offering.” Crown Property Management’s ethos, “People, not Property,” remains at the heart of its operations, underlining its commitment to exceptional client and resident care. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Collaboration to bring repairs in-house, leveraging technology for faster, more reliable customer services Totalmobile, a leading provider of field service management software solutions, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Liverpool-based Cobalt Housing to enhance the quality and efficiency of its repairs and maintenance services. Through Totalmobile’s market-leading workforce management solutions, Cobalt Housing will bring repair services in-house, ensuring improved communication and an enhanced experience for customers across its 6,000 homes. Until recently, Cobalt Housing managed the majority of repairs through external contractors. Now, with Totalmobile’s support, they’re moving to an in-house management system, which will allow Cobalt to take greater control over their repair service, providing high standards for customers. The new software will also provide Cobalt’s trade teams with real-time access to essential information, helping them arrive prepared, improve first-time fix rates and keep customers informed on progress at every step. “Totalmobile will be crucial in helping us meet the high standards our customers deserve,” said Ian Hancock, Executive Director of Property at Cobalt Housing. “During procurement of a new management software, Totalmobile offered dedication to supporting us through each stage of the implementation, providing a system that will manage the repairs service and improve communication with customers.” David Webb, Managing Director of Property and FM at Totalmobile, added, “We are proud to be working with Cobalt Housing in their mission to deliver an integrated, tenant-focused repairs service. By implementing our Connect and Mobilise solutions, Cobalt will have the tools to transform how repairs are managed. Our software ensures that operators have all the information they need on one device, which will improve first-time fix rates, reduce missed appointments, and enhance overall communication with their tenants.” Totalmobile’s solutions are currently being rolled out to Cobalt Housing’s operators, with full implementation planned in mid-2025. This partnership reflects Totalmobile’s commitment to helping organisations like Cobalt Housing deliver improved, efficient, and customer-focused services. For more information on Totalmobile and its housing sector solutions, please visit www.totalmobile.co.uk/sectors/housing-property Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Principle Estate Management has broadened its portfolio by taking on three new retirement developments across London, Oxford, and Worcestershire. These include two Right to Manage (RTM) developments and a corporate client, marking the company’s first ventures into retirement living. Meeting the Needs of Retirement Communities Joe Jobson, Joint Managing Director of Principle Estate Management, highlighted the growing demand for their services:“We’re receiving more enquiries for retirement living schemes, and our expertise combined with a personalised approach makes us well-suited to manage these developments. Ending 2024 with these first instructions is exciting, and we anticipate more in the pipeline for next year.” The three sites include Westminster Court in Worcester, a 15-apartment development set within landscaped grounds, and London Court in Oxford, a 43-unit scheme with communal gardens and an on-site resident manager. Praise for Principle’s Approach Brian Hall, Director at London Court, praised Principle’s professionalism:“Principle Estate Management came highly recommended by our accountants. Initially, we opted for a short-term contract aligned with our financial year, and the experience was seamless. We now have an annual management agreement and have found their communication and clarity excellent. Their dedication gives us confidence in their ability to prioritise the safety, well-being, and financial security of our residents.” Comprehensive Property Management Services Across the three sites, Principle will oversee a range of communal facilities, including gardens, car parking, residents’ lounges, and lifts. Their commitment to service excellence is already evident, with new property manager Alex Jordan receiving a warm welcome from Westminster Court residents during a special event. Strong Foundations and Ambitious Growth Since its launch in 2018, Principle Estate Management has grown rapidly, now managing over 20,000 units from offices in Birmingham, London, and the North West. With a team of more than 70 professionals, the company is well-positioned to support the unique needs of retirement communities. Joe Jobson reflected on the positive feedback:“It’s been fantastic to see such enthusiasm from our new retirement developments. We’re looking forward to strengthening relationships with directors and residents as we continue to grow in this important sector.” Principle’s foray into retirement living underscores its versatility and commitment to providing tailored property management solutions across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
