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

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

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

New research has revealed the London boroughs with the biggest share of new-build homes amid a renewed effort to increase housing supply across the capital. Drawing on the latest housebuilding statistics, property experts SBA Property Management have found that East London is leading the way for new-build developments. The research shows that Tower Hamlets has the highest share of new builds in the city, with 7.2% of the borough’s housing constructed in the last five years. The inner London borough is followed by its neighbour, Newham, where 5.5% of homes are new builds. Barking and Dagenham also makes the top five boroughs for new-build property, with 4.1% of homes recently constructed. Collectively, the three East London boroughs account for over a fifth of new-build completions over the last five years. Other new-build hotspots include the outer London boroughs of Ealing and Croydon, where new builds make up 4.3% and 3.8% of housing stock respectively. Tim Darwall-Smith, Director at SBA Property Management, said: “London has been the driving force behind the UK’s housebuilding programme in recent years, with regeneration of the city’s historic East End delivering thousands of affordable new homes to local residents. “The Labour government has pledged up to 400,000 new homes in London over the course of its five-year term, so we can expect construction activity to be scaled even further, with Tower Hamlets and Newham likely to remain critical to this growth.” For prospective buyers looking to get onto the property ladder, London’s new-build hotspots offer some of the lowest house prices in the city. The latest house price index data shows that Barking & Dagenham, Croydon, Newham and Tower Hamlets are among the ten cheapest boroughs for property values. Barking & Dagenham and Croydon offer average property values below £400,000, meaning buyers can secure a new-build home for an initial investment as low as £50,000 with typical deposit costs. Habib Mogul, Director at SBA Property Management, commented: “There are many benefits to investing in new-build property, especially in London where capital growth has historically been more pronounced than the rest of the UK, though some buyers may be unsure whether now is the right time to take the plunge.” “A change in government and the new legislation that often follows will always bring a degree of uncertainty for property investors – Labour’s recent Renters’ Rights Bill is a prime example – so it’s more important than ever to lean on the data and consult with professionals to make the most informed purchasing decision.” To find out more about SBA Property Management’s services, visit: https://sbaproperty.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The property management landscape is rapidly transforming, with increasing regulatory requirements and heightened expectations from clients, freeholders, developers, and residential management companies (RMCs). To stay ahead, FirstPort Group is committed to not just meeting these changes but to becoming a proactive partner that brings valuable insights and tailored solutions to the table. Navigating a Changing Industry New standards, such as the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) consumer code introduced in 2022, reflect the sector’s shift towards greater transparency and higher standards. The code establishes new guidelines for how developers work with property managers and communicate with buyers, demanding more clarity and a commitment to quality service. FirstPort views these regulatory changes as opportunities to better serve both clients and future residents. By understanding the challenges faced by developers, whether related to building safety, leasehold reform, or the NHQB code, FirstPort is able to support clients in navigating complex issues effectively. Strengthening Client Connections with Dedicated Support A core part of FirstPort’s approach is through its Client Services team, which acts as the link between clients and the operational aspects of property management. The team’s role is to identify challenges and create solutions that address both immediate concerns and the long-term needs of developments. In a sector where digital transformation is key, FirstPort is also exploring new digital tools to improve client engagement and streamline service delivery. Fostering Collaboration with Developer Clients One of FirstPort’s recent initiatives has been training programmes for developer sales teams working on new-build projects. Often, buyers are not fully aware of the role of a property manager and the associated costs, which can lead to misunderstandings. By directly training sales teams, FirstPort helps them communicate the benefits of property management to prospective buyers. This approach has been well-received, with clients noting the value of having well-informed teams. Increasingly, developers are recognising the benefits of collaborating with property managers early in the planning stages. Involving FirstPort early allows for forward-thinking solutions around the long-term management and sustainability of a development. From establishing appropriate budgets to considering biodiversity goals, this proactive collaboration ensures that FirstPort’s services are seamlessly integrated into the vision for the development from the outset. Enhancing the Service Model As client expectations evolve, FirstPort is adapting its service model to provide more localised and accessible support. By regionalising client services and establishing dedicated account managers, FirstPort is able to offer clients a closer and more personalised level of support. This structure not only enhances relationship-building but also enables faster, more responsive service tailored to local needs. Looking Ahead FirstPort’s focus as the industry evolves is on building deeper relationships with clients through exceptional service, collaborative planning, and insightful guidance. By remaining flexible and proactive, FirstPort is ready to meet the industry’s challenges head-on and continue delivering a valuable and supportive service for its clients. Jess Farrell, Director of Client Services, The FirstPort Group Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Westminster City Council have appointed award-winning property management agent Rendall & Rittner to manage the first phase of homes being delivered under the ambitious regeneration of the Ebury Bridge estate in Knightsbridge and Belgravia. Comprising 226 homes in the first phase, alongside a business hub, concierge service, and reimagined public realm, Rendall & Rittner was recently appointed to deliver full management and mobilisation services. Developed in collaboration with the existing Ebury Bridge community, the renewal is set to deliver more high-quality affordable housing with a focus on sustainability. In addition to replacement homes for existing tenants, the first phase incorporates market sale, intermediate ownership, and social rent apartments. The first handovers at the development are expected to begin from October 2024. Daniel Steer, Director at Rendall & Rittner comments: “The Ebury Bridge redevelopment has placed resident needs at its heart. We are therefore proud to be able to extend this community focus with our customer-centric approach to property management. We are also delighted to be strengthening our relationship with Westminster City Council and we look forward to welcoming the first residents to Ebury Bridge.” With a portfolio of over 80,000 homes, Rendall & Rittner has cemented itself as one of the nation’s leading property management agents. With over 30 years of experience operating within the industry, Rendall & Rittner has a reputation for driving change and innovation within the sector to enhance the experience of clients, customers, and residents. Find out more about Rendall & Rittner’s London service offering at: https://www.rendallandrittner.co.uk/about-us/our-regions/london/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals