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
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
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
The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Rocco Archidiacono as its new Head of Business Development to lead the Group’s new business services and bolster client partnerships. Rocco has joined FirstPort from real estate firm Hamptons where he was pivotal in expanding its business
The Renters’ Rights Bill is progressing through Parliament with pace, with the Second Reading of the legislation happening on 9 October, and Propertymark’s recent webinar on the widely anticipated new law helped alert property agents as to why it will prove to be one of the ‘biggest changes to the
Bellway Kent has made significant progress on a new housing scheme within Kings Hill in Kent. The company is building a total of 542 new homes across five developments at Aviation Park, part of the Kings Hill regeneration scheme that has been transforming the former RAF West Malling site over
Leading property management agent Rendall & Rittner has been appointed as the new managing agents and Maintenance Trustee of Nell Gwynn House in Chelsea. The development comprises 430 luxury apartments set behind an impressive 1930s façade, with many of the apartments available for short term let. Further expanding Rendall & Rittner’s remarkable
A landmark agreement has been signed for the first ever affordable housing development of its kind on Portland. Dorchester-based Koori Limited, part of the Redtale Group of companies, has joined forces with Portland Community Land Trust (CLT) and East Boro Housing Trust (EBHT), part of the Aster Group, for this
Boutique managing agent, Wildheart Residential Management has appointed Chris March as its new Property Director. Chris will be instrumental in supporting the management of a portfolio of around 5,000 residential units. A Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years of experience working in the sector, Chris has held a number of
A prestigious development featuring 15-storey and 45-storey towers, comprising 581 luxurious one and two-bedroom apartments in central Birmingham, will be managed by Principle Estate Management. Principle Estate Management secured the contract for the development, named Brindley Drive (Edition), following a competitive tender process conducted by specialist developer Court Collaboration. The
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
The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Rocco Archidiacono as its new Head of Business Development to lead the Group’s new business services and bolster client partnerships. Rocco has joined FirstPort from real estate firm Hamptons where he was pivotal in expanding its business development team across its network, playing a key role in aligning the company’s residential and commercial arms. In his new role, Rocco joins the Business Development team to improve its new business services, ensuring FirstPort is a partner that is approachable and responsive. Commenting on his appointment, Rocco said: “This is an exciting time to be in property management, and I’m looking forward to being part of this journey with FirstPort. “I believe my experience across the different aspects of the property sector will bring a fresh perspective and enable us to develop a more integrated approach for our clients” “I think there’s a huge opportunity to push into new sectors and to really tap into areas that haven’t been fully explored yet. I am looking to regionalise the company’s business development efforts, expanding into areas where we have a strong client base and can offer tailored services.” With over 20 years of experience in residential real estate, Rocco’s extensive understanding of the full build lifecycle – from planning to delivery – will prove valuable as The FirstPort Group looks to forge partnerships with its new and current clients across the UK. Martin King, Managing Director at The FirstPort Group, said: “Rocco’s ability to build strong relationships with our clients and drive growth will be invaluable as we continue to expand our business and explore new opportunities across the UK. Rocco has a deep understanding of this industry but he’s coming at property management as a sector with a fresh perspective, which I welcome. “I look forward to Rocco working closely with FirstPort’s existing teams to align the company’s offerings with the evolving needs of its developer, freeholder and resident director clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Renters’ Rights Bill is progressing through Parliament with pace, with the Second Reading of the legislation happening on 9 October, and Propertymark’s recent webinar on the widely anticipated new law helped alert property agents as to why it will prove to be one of the ‘biggest changes to the rental market’ in over three decades. The message from the webinar was clear: change is coming. The professional body advised property agents that they need to understand the changes in good time to help maintain excellent working relationships with landlords. Led by Timothy Douglas, Propertymark’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Jan Hÿtch, Lettings Help Line Manager, and Valerie Bannister, former ARLA Propertymark President and current ARLA Propertymark Regional Executive, the webinar explored four key themes around the Renters’ Rights Bill: periodic tenancies, student tenancies, new grounds for possession, and advertising and increasing rents. The three key speakers advised property agents to review their fee structure, mitigate any business risks, and ensure that existing tenancy agreements do not collide with the new legislation that will enable tenants to keep pets at their properties, something many of them cannot do currently. However, this will change once new tenancy agreements are produced after the Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law next summer. They also discussed the future of fixed-term tenancies, longer rent arrears, and periodic tenancies becoming simpler once the new law is enacted. The panel advised anyone unsure of what is being proposed by the legislation to potentially attend one of Propertymark’s upcoming training courses or conferences to assist in furthering their understanding as to how the Renters’ Rights Bill might affect them. Tessa Shepperson, Managing Director of Landlord Law Services Ltd, will be leading a virtual training course titled Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Bill on 31 October to discuss how the Renters’ Rights Bill will affect landlords and agents. Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, said: “The Renters Rights’ Bill represents one of the biggest evolutions of law for the rental sector in many decades and we hope that our webinar powered letting agents with robust information to help them navigate upcoming changes. “It is vital we see strong stakeholder engagement from across the industry to help shape the new legislation and ensure it is balanced, workable and and fit for the future. We will continue to ensure there is healthy engagement with the UK Government to strike a functional and fair balance between tenants, agents and landlords.” To attend one of Propertymark’s upcoming regional conferences in your area, use this link: Conferences | Propertymark. In order to attend one of the professional body’s training courses, click this link: Estate and letting agent training courses | Propertymark. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway Kent has made significant progress on a new housing scheme within Kings Hill in Kent. The company is building a total of 542 new homes across five developments at Aviation Park, part of the Kings Hill regeneration scheme that has been transforming the former RAF West Malling site over the last three decades. The drone image shows how work is moving apace on the huge site where the housebuilder is set to deliver a total of 402 properties for the private market and 140 affordable homes available for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership. To the right of the photo, the completed new homes within Liberty Quarter, off Park Drive, can be seen. Just seven of the 52 properties built here remain for sale. Meanwhile, the progress of construction within Blenheim Green can be seen around the linear park in the centre of the image. To date, 14 of the 140 homes planned within this development have been completed, with a further 18 reserved. Work also started this year at DeHavilland Place, off Jubilee Way, with the southern tip of this development visible in the top right-hand corner of the aerial image. Bellway is delivering 210 new homes here – comprising 126 homes for private sale and 84 affordable homes – with five reservations already made and the first residents due to move into their new homes in December. In addition, Bellway is building 70 apartments at Westland Place, off Abbey Wood Road, and 70 apartments at Gloster Chase, off Kings Hill Avenue, with 84 of these pre-sold for private rent and 56 being delivered as affordable housing. Mark Harrop, Sales Director at Bellway Kent, said: “This drone photograph illustrates perfectly the sheer scale of the project we are undertaking at Kings Hill and the good progress we have made so far. “Our building programme at Aviation Park involves the creation of vibrant new communities by constructing more than 500 new homes on a brownfield site. The mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two to five-bedroom houses has been specifically designed to meet the needs of local people. “We are very proud to be playing a major role in this ambitious scheme and are thrilled to have won an award for our part in the Kings Hill regeneration project, winning the Best Regeneration Project category at the Evening Standard New Homes Awards in September 2023.” Aviation Park is part of the wider Kings Hill project, where more than 3,000 homes have been built or planned since work began in 1990, along with new commercial floor space, schools and shops. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management agent Rendall & Rittner has been appointed as the new managing agents and Maintenance Trustee of Nell Gwynn House in Chelsea. The development comprises 430 luxury apartments set behind an impressive 1930s façade, with many of the apartments available for short term let. Further expanding Rendall & Rittner’s remarkable London portfolio, management of Nell Gwynn House began on the 1st of April 2024. Built in 1937, Nell Gwynn House has since been home to a variety of famous residents, from Diana Dors to Sir Bruce Forsyth. The building has also appeared in film and TV series such as Lucky Man and The Courier. Rendall & Rittner’s role includes supporting the onsite operation, as well as managing the building’s assets and finances. Following recent sympathetic enhancements, Rendall & Rittner will also work with the Board to implement further refurbishment and improvement projects over the coming years to ensure the preservation of the Art Deco architecture. Richard Daver, Group CEO at Rendall & Rittner comments: “We are proud to have been appointed as the managing agent for Nell Gwynn House, a building renowned for its timeless luxury and magnificent architecture. Our experienced team is committed to delivering an exceptional service at Nell Gwynn House through our unique, client-centred approach to property management.” Rendall & Rittner has proven itself as a market-leading managing agent with a strong reputation for service excellence. Formed in 1990, the award-winning company has continued to grow and today has a portfolio of over 80,000 homes nationwide ranging from smaller luxury developments to complex multi-phase estates. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A landmark agreement has been signed for the first ever affordable housing development of its kind on Portland. Dorchester-based Koori Limited, part of the Redtale Group of companies, has joined forces with Portland Community Land Trust (CLT) and East Boro Housing Trust (EBHT), part of the Aster Group, for this trailblazing scheme. Nine affordable homes will be built for local people as part of the regeneration of Portland’s former Southwell Primary School site off Sweet Hill Lane. The CLT properties will be available to rent at below market rates to local people with a connection to Portland, giving tenants a chance to live in their community with peace of mind over security of tenure and affordability. The properties will not be available as second homes or as holiday lets. Koori has provided land and is building the development for the CLT scheme – the first on Portland – as part of its circa £15m May Bower Gardens scheme. The first phase of May Bower Gardens is on course for completion in the autumn of this year. CLTs, which are a form of community-led housing, are set up and run by people within their local communities to develop and manage homes as well as other assets. The CLTs act as long-term stewards of the properties, ensuring the homes remain genuinely affordable, not just for now but for every future occupier. Representatives from Koori, EBHT and Portland CLT have now signed a contract for the site. The first residents are expected to move in before Christmas of this year. The homes, a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom properties, will be built by Koori and managed by housing association EBHT on behalf of the CLT, which will own the freehold. Portland CLT board is greatly encouraged to see this project moving forward. They said: “We are aware that demand continues to increase for good-quality, affordable housing on Portland. “The aim is for May Bower Gardens to be the first of a number of CLT projects on the island. We’re very grateful for the support of all partners in the project.” There are currently 500 applicants being processed on the housing register who have a Portland connection or who have expressed Portland as their preferred option. Malcolm Curtis, Chief Executive the Redtale Group, said: “As a local business with its heart in the community, we’re pleased to support this pioneering project to create the first CLT on Portland. “The homes will match the high-quality and environmental sustainability of Koori’s traditionally built properties and where possible we use the best local materials, including Portland Stone quarried on the island, and tried and tested energy-efficient solutions as well as a local workforce. “Putting pen to paper with the Portland CLT is a significant milestone on our journey to deliver these desirable affordable homes for local people and marks another major step forward in the regeneration of this important site in a stunning location on the Jurassic Coast.” Kevin Hodder, Director of Partnership and Engagement at Aster Group who also oversees EBHT’s development programme, said: “EBHT specialises in developing small groups of affordable homes in villages within Dorset for the benefit of local communities. “CLTs are a brilliant way to deliver affordable housing which local communities both want and need. “We’re looking forward to working with Portland CLT and Koori to deliver these properties which will provide long-term security to those who eventually get to call them home. “With energy-efficient design and technologies, customers living in these homes will also benefit from lower energy bills. Coupled alongside the affordable rent, it should help keep overall costs down.” Councillor Gill Taylor, who is Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, said: “The site has been transformed from redundant school buildings on the old primary school site to provide nine affordable rented homes for local residents. “Dorset Council supported this work by providing a Community Housing grant and we worked collaboratively from start to finish with our partners including Middlemarch Community Led Housing, who have supported Portland CLT and EBHT. “This development demonstrates our commitment to community land trusts in Dorset and we hope it will encourage more community led housing to provide the affordable homes we need for local people.” May Bower Gardens will comprise 48 homes in total. The first phase of 14 properties – a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses – on the 1.3 hectare site is due for completion autumn 2024. There are about 25 people working directly on the site, all local trades people including apprentices. The workforce also includes three specialist stone layers, all from Portland, who walk to work carrying on a generational tradition of stone laying on island. Stone used in the development is cut from Albion Stone’s Bowers Quarry, just up the road from May Bower Gardens. The development is due for final completion in 2027. The CLT homes form part of Koori’s affordable housing contribution for the site. The properties are being built using air-tight and thermally efficient construction methods along with low zero carbon (LZC) technologies. They include electric vehicle charging throughout and air source heat pumps. Portland CLT is a community benefit organisation run by an elected board of members from the community to meet the housing needs of local people. It is among several CLTs in Dorset, which work closely with the Dorset Council housing department to progress sites across the county. Koori Limited, as part of the Redtale group of companies, has a long track record of delivering high quality, well-designed and customer-focused developments. Koori’s recent property developments include The Grove, the multi award-winning Lorton Park and Monterey Place, all situated in Weymouth, Dorset. The nine-strong company aims to make a difference in everything it does. Its objective is to ‘do better: better planning, better by design, better build and better customer service’. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Boutique managing agent, Wildheart Residential Management has appointed Chris March as its new Property Director. Chris will be instrumental in supporting the management of a portfolio of around 5,000 residential units. A Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years of experience working in the sector, Chris has held a number of senior positions at a variety of well-known managing agents. With experience across both the leasehold and PRS sectors, he has been responsible for the management of substantial national residential portfolios, including some of the tallest residential towers in the UK. Most recently Chris worked at a residential investment business where he was a client of Wildheart, which will allow him to bring a unique perspective to this new role. Chris is also a Fellow of The Property Institute and acts as an appointed manager for the First-Tier Property Tribunal. Chris comments: “With the unique experience I have from having worked with Wildheart for many years as a client, I am aware of the strengths of the business and the dedication of the team. My new role as Property Director presents me with an exciting opportunity to play a role in the development of the business. In a sector where success can be mistakenly equated with the number of units under management, it is refreshing to be working with a family-owned business that prides itself on blending its national coverage with its ability to provide a personalised service that appreciates individual client needs.” Simon Halls, Managing Director at Wildheart said: “Having known Chris for several years, I was keen to work with him when I learnt that he was looking for a new challenge. Underlining our commitment to continuously enhancing our services, Chris’ knowledge and experience of the leasehold sector will enable us to further develop the services we can offer to both Resident Management Companies and Freeholders.” For further information about Wildheart please visit: https://www.wildheart.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A prestigious development featuring 15-storey and 45-storey towers, comprising 581 luxurious one and two-bedroom apartments in central Birmingham, will be managed by Principle Estate Management. Principle Estate Management secured the contract for the development, named Brindley Drive (Edition), following a competitive tender process conducted by specialist developer Court Collaboration. The two towers, Park Residence and Centenary Tower, will offer 24/7 concierge and security services, ensuring the highest standards of residential care. Residents of these towers will have access to an array of premium amenities, including a 20-metre swimming pool bathed in natural light, a spa equipped with a hydra pool, sauna, and steam room, and a skyline gym with a terrace on the 44th floor. Additional facilities include yoga and spin studios, a climbing wall, a podium terrace with a cinema screen and barbecue area, both indoor and outdoor co-working spaces, private dining on the 44th floor, and a sky lounge on the 45th floor. Joe Jobson, Joint Managing Director at Principle Estate Management, expressed his excitement about the contract win, stating: “We are delighted to have been chosen to manage the Brindley Drive (Edition) development, which represents one of our largest single property management contracts to date. Our success in securing this contract is a testament to our proven ability to manage large-scale developments nationwide and our established relationships with key clients in the region, including our work across The Calthorpe Estate. Our advanced MRI Qube-powered IT systems will ensure seamless operations across finance, maintenance, asset management, compliance, and resident engagement.” Jobson also noted that Principle will collaborate closely with Court Collaboration during the design and construction phases to ensure that high standards of professional service are maintained, benefiting all future residents. Thomas Taylor, Managing Director of Court Collaboration, commented: “The Brindley Drive (Edition) will set a new standard for city living in Birmingham, combining the luxury of a five-star hotel with the comfort of home. With over 14,000 sq ft of amenity space and 581 apartments, it was essential to appoint a property management company with the expertise to handle such a significant development. Principle impressed us during the tender process, demonstrating their ability to meticulously plan and execute the estate management, ensuring everything is in place for when residents move in. We are confident that Principle’s careful planning will help us deliver a development that will transform city living in Birmingham.” The Brindley Drive (Edition) project is being financed by PGIM Real Estate, the real estate arm of PGIM Inc., one of the world’s largest investment firms. Since its launch in 2018, Principle Estate Management has grown to employ 70 staff members who manage a portfolio of nearly 20,000 units across approximately 400 developments throughout the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
