The property website www.localsurveyorsdirect.co.uk reports that it has seen a sharp increase in activity in the UK housing market in the past fortnight following the slump due to the Coronavirus lockdown. JJ Heath-Caldwell, managing director of the business, says: “After a very buoyant start to the year, in mid-March to mid-April the number
Mike Brown heads Bellharbour as Director of Property Management. Mike has worked in the Property Management sector for 33 years and in residential management for the last 22, specialising in managing luxury residential buildings and large mixed-use estates. He brings extensive experience both as a managing agent and on the client
Lindsay has been working in the property sector for the last twenty years, with the last ten years focussed on business development with a variety of clients ranging from top ten housebuilders to freehold investor landlords and resident’s management companies. Developers especially value her input when it comes to supporting
New property management platform apropos, developed by UK letting Agent DJ Alexander, has launched. The platform hopes to take the experience of DJ Alexander’s letting agents and property managers into the digital realm. The application allows property owners to track and monitor their full rental portfolio online by using an
Residential property management specialist urbanbubble and mobile app developer Padoq have developed an interactive app to keep residents connected and engaged while living under COVID-19 lockdown. Designed to motivate and engage residents of apartments across Manchester managed by urbanbubble, the app provides a ‘cyber community’ tailored to the needs of
ARLA Propertymark has responded to the UK Parliament’s Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s (HCLG) Inquiry into the impact of Coronavirus on homelessness and the private rented sector. The aim of the Committee’s Inquiry, which closed its deadline for written submissions on Tuesday 5 May, is to examine how effective
Surveying and property management company Scanlans has been appointed to manage a development of office buildings at Thorpe Park in Leeds. The Pentagon comprises six, two-storey buildings totalling about 25,000 sq ft. The buildings are owned by companies involved in construction, property development, financial services and financial planning. Thorpe Park
Matthew Mackintosh, Managing Director of family business AM Surveying & Block Management is raising money to support the NHS by ‘Braving the Shave’. AM Surveying & Block Management was started in the 1970’s and provides block management, building surveying and property maintenance services to 1,500 properties throughout London &
Tandem Property & Asset Management have been appointed by GMS Estates Limited on their commercial portfolio in central London. The portfolio consists of 18 properties with 113 occupiers, with a further 4 properties to follow post completion of refurbishment projects. The Estate is located in the City of London, Mayfair
Landwood Group has strengthened its offering with the launch of a new commercial asset management division. The Manchester-headquartered firm of chartered surveyors has appointed director Anna Main to lead and develop commercial asset management services for new and existing Landwood Group clients. With more than 12 years experience, Anna joins
The property website www.localsurveyorsdirect.co.uk reports that it has seen a sharp increase in activity in the UK housing market in the past fortnight following the slump due to the Coronavirus lockdown. JJ Heath-Caldwell, managing director of the business, says: “After a very buoyant start to the year, in mid-March to mid-April the number of enquiries quickly dropped by 80% with the lowest activity recorded on the 14 April. Since then, the activity has been steadily rising and is now around 57% down (instead of 80% down). This is still low but we are seeing steady progress in response to some of the Government’s initiatives to get the property market moving again. “Across our sites, we have seen a strong increase in activity, which is promising after everything was closed during the lockdown period. My expectation is that the number of enquiries will continue to rise as we go through this year. We won’t see the levels that we saw back in January and February, but things are definitely looking up.” Since lockdown restrictions were implemented in the UK in March 2020, more than 450,000 people have been unable to progress their plans to move house. Now, following a Government initiative, all buyers and renters will now be able to complete purchases and view properties in person, while estate agents, conveyancers and removals firms can return to work while following social distancing guidelines. Additionally, in another move to unlock the housing market, the Housing Secretary has announced a series of measures to get the country building homes for the future, including more flexible construction site working hours for builders, the use of social media to publicise planning applications and support for smaller developers with deferred payments to local councils. A new Charter has also been launched by the government and the Home Builders Federation, helping construction sites reopen in line with latest health and safety guidance. Local Surveyors Direct, which offers a property services price comparison engine, helps people source local property professionals, connecting home owners and home buyers with surveyors, architects, estate agents, conveyancers, domestic energy assessors, drainage contractors and other property-related professionals. These services are provided over the whole of the United Kingdom by a comprehensive network of suppliers which has been steadily built up since the website first started operating in 2005.
Mike Brown heads Bellharbour as Director of Property Management. Mike has worked in the Property Management sector for 33 years and in residential management for the last 22, specialising in managing luxury residential buildings and large mixed-use estates. He brings extensive experience both as a managing agent and on the client side, dealing with everything from small RMCs to large developers. Bellharbour was created out of an identified need to meet specific requirements to high-end developments within the property sector. By bringing together some of the UK’s elite property sector specialists, the company provides over 55 years of combined experience in management of the prime sector. The aim is to provide a truly high-end bespoke service to clients: Lower ratio of development staff to properties than our competitors Maintaining higher standards of presentation of your property More in-depth knowledge of prime developments Strong management training of any staff hired to work onsite An extensive suite of supporting services from the companies within the group Bellharbour expects to grow quickly, with a number of clients already on board even before launch, and some preparing to switch. The central location is ideal for attracting high-end developers in and around Canary Wharf, as well as for recruiting the best talent in the industry. About the Fexco Property Services group Bellharbour is a trading company of Crabtree PM Limited, and part of the Fexco Property Services group, founded in 2015 by the Irish multi-national company Fexco to provide nationally focused management and professional services to the built environment. The group currently consists of Bellharbour, Crabtree PM Limited, Remus Management and Ellis Sloane & Co. Backed by Fexco which has been investing in the UK since 1983 and involved in block management since 1999, successfully growing the largest residential management group in Australia; Prudential Investment Company of Australia Pty Limited (PICA) who currently have 280,000 homes under their management. Together the combined experience of the group amounts to the largest service provider in the UK.
Lindsay has been working in the property sector for the last twenty years, with the last ten years focussed on business development with a variety of clients ranging from top ten housebuilders to freehold investor landlords and resident’s management companies. Developers especially value her input when it comes to supporting site office teams launching new developments. Lindsay brings a real understanding of clients and potential purchasers’ needs, from initial site set up through launch, to handover and operational management. Vastly experienced in the property industry, Lindsay has worked on developments ranging from large scale consortium developments of upwards of 3,000 units, to high-end mixed-use city centre developments and listed building conversions. With a down to earth approach to building and retaining client relationships, Lindsay is a great asset to not just the Remus Management team, but the Fexco Property Services group as a whole.
New property management platform apropos, developed by UK letting Agent DJ Alexander, has launched. The platform hopes to take the experience of DJ Alexander’s letting agents and property managers into the digital realm. The application allows property owners to track and monitor their full rental portfolio online by using an online dashboard which shows full visibility of all transactions. This is accessible 24/7 on mobile, desktop or laptop with live notifications. The team made the decision to launch this new system in spite of the global pandemic, hoping that the platform will help set the standard for what can be expected in a post-COVID world. Apropos believes that this will help them prioritise the wellbeing of landlords, staff and tenants during this difficult time. David Alexander, apropos joint managing director said: “Our day to day priorities remain the safety, security, and welfare of all our staff, landlords and tenants. We must operate in the most responsible and flexible way we can during these extraordinary times. “But equally it is important to recognise that the coronavirus outbreak, despite the current lockdown and difficulties it is currently imposing on all of us, will not last forever.” The platform helps integrate agents across the UK’s major property hotspots, including Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and London. The team is hoping to expand this reach over the coming months. Alexander added: “We believe that our platform, which draws on our 40 years of experience in the letting sector, is the future for property management backed up by outstanding service from our apropos agents. We now have 44% of the UK covered by our apropos agents and will be extending our network to cover the largest 100 towns and cities in the country.” Many other businesses are taking this time to launch new schemes. Insuraguest launched a vacation rental program guaranteeing coverage to a $5 million limit, and many hosts have responded to the uncertainty with platforms to create their own direct booking sites.
Residential property management specialist urbanbubble and mobile app developer Padoq have developed an interactive app to keep residents connected and engaged while living under COVID-19 lockdown. Designed to motivate and engage residents of apartments across Manchester managed by urbanbubble, the app provides a ‘cyber community’ tailored to the needs of people in specific residential developments. Described as a ‘place to connect with your community’, the app gives residents access to a wide range of lifestyle and work-related events and features including a weekly programme of events, with a positive message of: “Together, we have got this. We’re doing our utmost to make those long days and nights easier by creating virtual communities and hosting events.” The events include a virtual pub quiz, cooking classes, book club, family fun quiz and origami and other events for children. The app is available to residents living in 5,500 homes across Manchester where urbanbubble acts as block manager, including up to 80% Buy-to-Let properties where the firm doesn’t manage lettings but still engages with occupiers about important building related matters. It is also available to residents living in Private Rented Sector schemes managed by urbanbubble, including Local Blackfriars, Salford, developed by Salboy, and other developments delivered by Capital & Centric and Mulbury. This move to digitalise residential property management was created for urbanbubble by fellow Manchester-based business, mobile app development platform Padoq. Michael Howard, founder and managing director of urbanbubble, said: “In these unprecedented and testing times of people adapting to life under lockdown, the need to maintain a sense of being together and communication with your community is of paramount importance. “We’ve always been big on community building for our residents and now more than ever, so we built an app with Padoq allowing them to chat with neighbours, join virtual events, view key documents and much more.” Mike Anderson, CEO of Padoq, said: “It’s great seeing communities of residents come to life in the urbanbubble app. We built Padoq to give companies the tools to maximise their communities online and have found the property sector a perfect fit for our technology. “We’re excited to continue to evolve the platform with market leaders like urbanbubble, delivering world class online experiences to their residents.” Conscious of the need to also maintain and enhance its relationship with its landlord investors, UrbInfo Manchester, the data division of urbanbubble, is providing a weekly Covid-19 property market tracker newsletter including real time data on market activity and trends during the pandemic.
ARLA Propertymark has responded to the UK Parliament’s Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s (HCLG) Inquiry into the impact of Coronavirus on homelessness and the private rented sector. The aim of the Committee’s Inquiry, which closed its deadline for written submissions on Tuesday 5 May, is to examine how effective the UK Government has been in supporting individuals in the private rented sector. It is also examining what long term strategies would need to be put in place to support both groups, once current measures expire. Propertymark highlighted the positive steps the Government has taken to support the private rented sector during the pandemic such as extending business rates relief and including commission in furloughed pay. However, concerns remain about access to support for agents who are self-employed and the disparity in how the Small Business Support Grants are being administered by different local authorities across the country. Furthermore, for renters, Propertymark remains concerned that while general awareness of the Government’s policies aimed at helping renters is modest, actual knowledge of the policies among renters is low. Action is needed Support for self-employed agents – Some Limited company directors and small businesses have fallen between the Government’s economic support packages. To support this segment of the employment market the Government could ask company directors to self-report their average dividend income in order to obtain a similar measure of support to the 80 per cent of income that self-employed and PAYE workers can access. Furthermore, agents who are self-employed had to have filed their 2018-19 tax return by 23 April 2020 to receive support under the Self-employment Income Support Scheme. However, if they had more recently become self-employed, such as from April 2019 it is not clear what support is available. In addition, payments will not be made until June 2020 which means three months of no income when many agents continue to have bills and overheads to pay. Improve renters’ knowledge of support – There is lots of Government support available that should allow tenants to continue to pay their rent and landlords to have an income if rent payments do stop. However, not enough is being done to explain and highlight these policies. In order that rent payments continue to be paid and the Government keep the rent flowing, renters and their landlords need to take full advantage of the Government schemes available during this difficult period. Current issues Suspend the introduction of mandatory electrical checks – With the added complications of Coronavirus, the supply chain capacity issues have got significantly worse, and therefore, the Government should suspend the introduction until such time as it is possible for the industry to practically implement the legislation. Review and update guidance on maintenance and safety checks – 70 per cent of agents who Propertymark surveyed said that the Government’s guidance on what to do for compliance checks during the outbreak is clear and helpful. However, agents are facing problems getting routine maintenance and safety checks at the properties they manage completed. Agents and landlords want to do the best by their tenants and are understandably nervous about falling foul of regulations and therefore, we ask the Government to review and update the guidance already issued. Post lockdown Provide more support on rent payments – Survey results from Propertymark members show that nearly all have said that up to a quarter of their tenants have missed a rental payment since the Coronavirus outbreak. Consequently, three things need to happen to further assist renters. Firstly, more needs to be done to explain the support available from the Government. Secondly, the Government must suspend the five weeks Universal Credit payment period with all payments made in full and paid directly to the letting agent or landlord. Thirdly, for those tenants who fall through the gaps in the Government’s current provisions should be able to apply for their rent to be paid via Universal Credit. Postpone the introduction of all licensing schemes – Members are alarmed that a number of Councils are ignoring guidance issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government which says that where local authorities are in the process of introducing non-mandatory licensing schemes, but these are not yet in force, they should consider pausing these at an appropriate point, in line with the advice on proactive and reactive work. The Government must ensure local authorities postpone the introduction of all licensing schemes until the market can recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Separate rent arrears before and during the pandemic – Propertymark’s survey figures from members show that for the majority (78 per cent) the passing of legislation to delay eviction proceedings has impacted on up to ten tenancies they manage and between ten and 20 tenancies for 13 per cent of agents. Members are concerned about the speed in which cases will be able to be heard in the courts and the backlog of cases from before the Coronavirus Act was passed and those cases lodged during the outbreak and after the restrictions are lifted. click here for The full response The Committee will take oral evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on homelessness and the private rented sector on 11 May 2020. Propertymark will keep the sector updated on any further progress. WHAT PROPERTYMARK IS DOING Propertymark has been in constant dialogue with Governments across the UK and will continue to push concerns and get the answers the sector needs. Keep updated with the latest information and guidance by following and liking the ARLA Propertymark Facebook and Twitter pages and visiting our website for frequently updated news articles. If you’re a member, ensure you’re reading Propertymark’s communications as we’re working hard to ensure you are at the forefront of change in the sector. You can also login to the members’ area of the ARLA Propertymark website below to access dozens of resources that have been created to help you strive during this difficult time.
Surveying and property management company Scanlans has been appointed to manage a development of office buildings at Thorpe Park in Leeds. The Pentagon comprises six, two-storey buildings totalling about 25,000 sq ft. The buildings are owned by companies involved in construction, property development, financial services and financial planning. Thorpe Park has been developed by Scarborough International Properties and its joint venture partner Legal & General and includes a 900,000 sq ft business park alongside homes, shops and green space. Michael Willans, senior property manager at Scanlans’ Leeds office, said: “We are delighted to win the instruction for the commercial estate management of The Pentagon area of the Thorpe Park business park. “The Pentagon plays an important part in the thriving regional business hub. We are excited to implement our property management services and look forward to getting involved in the management of the buildings for our client, Pentagon Management Services.” Scanlans has also recently secured an agreement to manage 68 energy-efficient homes at the Ironworks development in Holbeck Urban Village.
Matthew Mackintosh, Managing Director of family business AM Surveying & Block Management is raising money to support the NHS by ‘Braving the Shave’. AM Surveying & Block Management was started in the 1970’s and provides block management, building surveying and property maintenance services to 1,500 properties throughout London & the South East. During the current difficult times caused by COVID19 Matt would like to use the unusual circumstances many folks currently find themselves in – not being able to attend a barbers/hairdresser! – and have his wife shave his head in the name of raising funds for the NHS. Matt has been inspired by fundraisers such as Capt. Thomas More, NHS staff and key workers and would like to do his bit! As part of Matt’s household, Matt’s wife Paris is the only person in the world currently permitted under lockdown restrictions to come within 2m of his head, and without any haircutting experience whatsoever Matt has opted just to go for the full chop! Matt’s fundraising campaign started on 27th April, he would like to raise £1,000.00 for the NHS before the end of May 2020. Matt’s wife will be taking the clippers to his head on 11th May 2020 and will be posting results online. Matt says “While my head shaving is by no means big news, helping out the NHS in a time of crisis certainly is! If able, please please donate, every little helps make a massive difference and after all, we’re all in it together!” To see more on Matt’s campaign and to donate please click here.
Tandem Property & Asset Management have been appointed by GMS Estates Limited on their commercial portfolio in central London. The portfolio consists of 18 properties with 113 occupiers, with a further 4 properties to follow post completion of refurbishment projects. The Estate is located in the City of London, Mayfair and Mid – Town, comprising of c360,000 sq ft. Tandem’s supply partner ‘Envirotech’ will support in delivering Facilities Management services. Tandem will work closely with GMS Estates to deliver exceptional customer service, as well as managing future building refurbishment projects. Although this could be challenging to mobilise a new portfolio during these unprecedented times, Tandem has proudly achieved this in a period of 6 weeks.
Landwood Group has strengthened its offering with the launch of a new commercial asset management division. The Manchester-headquartered firm of chartered surveyors has appointed director Anna Main to lead and develop commercial asset management services for new and existing Landwood Group clients. With more than 12 years experience, Anna joins Landwood from Avison Young, formerly WHR Property Consultants, where she was head of asset management and property management after gaining in-house expertise in a number of client-side roles. Anna is joined by a senior team including experienced client accountant Ceryn Coughlin, property management surveyor Glenn Taylor and head of facilities management Barry Cargill. The new team is already managing assets for existing Landwood Group clients, including, FRP and Grant Thornton, as well as winning instructions from a number of Manchester-based property trusts and funds. Anna, who lives in Wilmslow, said: “Having worked client side for a number of years, I have experienced first hand the poor quality service often provided to clients in commercial asset management. “Often the big corporate players charge large fees but offer a poor service that is tied up in rigid processes. This is not what the Landwood Group team believes in. “Landwood Group has provided me with the opportunity to join like-minded professionals to bring a fresh approach to asset management. “I am extremely fortunate to have been joined by a talented and experienced team who I know share this ethos and want to do the best for our clients. “We all believe in a hands-on approach and have the experience to not only manage assets for our clients but the expertise to significantly improve portfolio performance and generate strong returns.” Instructions already received include the management of the 130,000 sq. ft. multi-let office building Telford Plaza, the management of three retail and industrial assets for Derwent Lodge Estates and the management of a multi-let office building in Altrincham on behalf of Nikal Ltd. Anna, 41, added that Landwood is winning business from clients who value quality service and appreciate a director-led approach to managing and improving their property. She added: “We believe in paying close attention to the initiatives that add real value to a property or portfolio for our clients under management. “Being an agile team means that clients truly get a bespoke service that is tailored to their exact requirements. “The Landwood Group difference is already evident to our clients and we are really looking forward to building a client base of high-net worths, property trusts and property owners who appreciate a higher level of service.” Landwood Group managing director Mark Bailey said: “The new decade is an exciting one for Landwood Group. A re-brand is complete and our new website is ready to be revealed to the market. “At the same time the new commercial asset management division officially launches – not only strengthening the group offering but providing a new service area for growth. “We are delighted to have someone with Anna’s expertise and reputation on board and our clients have already seen the benefit of our enhanced offering. “Together with her team, Anna will grow our commercial services to ensure that Landwood Group is the go-to choice for anyone with an asset that needs valuing, managing or selling.”
