SDL Property Management explains what block management is… Managing a block of flats requires a professional approach, time and dedication. Block management is known by various names in the industry; leasehold management, property management and estate management to name a few. If you’re thinking of getting into block management, but you
The industry’s first property management franchise scheme, SDL Property Partners celebrated its ‘first birthday’ in style at an exclusive Central London location on Friday 12th October. The event which took place at the RAF Club in London’s Mayfair, celebrated all of the year’s achievements with the SDL Property Partners team and
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
SDL Property Management explains what block management is… Managing a block of flats requires a professional approach, time and dedication. Block management is known by various names in the industry; leasehold management, property management and estate management to name a few. If you’re thinking of getting into block management, but you aren’t sure what’s involved, here’s our guide to what it is and how it works: A quick introduction to leasehold Leasehold flats can be in purpose-built blocks, in converted houses or above commercial or retail premises. A leasehold usually includes everything within the four walls of a flat, down to the floorboards and plaster on the walls and ceilings. The freeholder usually owns the building, including the common parts (eg corridors, entrance way), the structure (eg roof, windows) and the land it stands on. The freeholder is, normally, responsible for the maintenance and repair of the building. If so, the costs for doing so are recoverable through the service charges and billed to the leaseholders. The freeholder or resident management company usually appoint a managing agent to manage their block. What are service charges? Service charges are payments by the leaseholder to the landlord for all the services the landlord provides. Details of what can (and cannot) be charged by the landlord and the proportion of the charge to be paid by the individual leaseholder will all be set out in the lease. What is block management? Block management is the process of managing the communal areas of residential properties through the service charge. Managing a block of flats requires a professional approach, time and dedication. Block management involves constant communication with various contractors in respect of maintenance and repairs, insurance of the building and, in some cases, provision of central heating, lifts, porterage, estate staff, lighting and cleaning of common areas. It also requires a good understanding of legislation and leasehold matters, preparation of budgets and annual accounts, as well as routine inspections to check that the property is in good order. A major part of a role in block management is ensuring that the landlord and leaseholders get value for money for their service charge payments, and the building is maintained in accordance with the terms of the lease. SDL Property Partners is a franchise network which enables you to become a managing agent and offer block management as part of your services. In a nutshell, we’ll get you up and running, providing training, support and back office systems. If you’re looking for a new opportunity and block management sounds like it could be for you, get in touch with our team. If you wish to find out more about getting your property managed by the experts, please visit – https://sdlpropertymanagement.co.uk/contact-us/
The industry’s first property management franchise scheme, SDL Property Partners celebrated its ‘first birthday’ in style at an exclusive Central London location on Friday 12th October. The event which took place at the RAF Club in London’s Mayfair, celebrated all of the year’s achievements with the SDL Property Partners team and the scheme’s franchisees. As this event was held during the same week as World Mental Health Day (Wednesday 10th October), the day’s agenda reflected this. There was a seminar session with SDL Property Partner’s own Business Development Manager, Fred Hopkins, on how to overcome obstacles and mental barriers, as well as News on the Block’s Louise Newton, treating delegates to an introduction to yoga therapy, meditation and mindfulness. In addition to shining a spotlight on mental health, one seminar focused on how property managers could be key in stopping domestic abuse. The passionate talk given by Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance’s (DAHA) co-founder, Gudrun Burnet, urged the property managers in the room to stop and consider if antisocial behaviour shown by a tenant could be a sign of domestic abuse. The day’s agenda also looked at the franchise’s first year, as Nick Faulkner, managing director of SDL Property Partners took the opportunity to thank his franchisees for all their work and belief in the scheme during its first year. Above all, he thanked their efforts in helping to change the industry’s image with their professional approach. Nick commented: “I have been in the property industry for 26 years and I wanted to give people some of the opportunities I have had along the way. This is a great industry to generate repeat income and provide a quality service to leaseholders. SDL Property Partners has provided an amazing chance to give back, and we have changed the industry in the space of a year. “Our next challenge is to grow this franchise and have a network of over 100 franchisees; that will be when open the champagne again and have our next celebration!”
