Ask from our Property Experts

What our customers are asking:

How has the government responded to concerns about the progress of the Renters Reform Bill?

The government, represented by Penny Mordaunt, the Leader of the House of Commons, responded to concerns about the Renters Reform Bill during a Commons Question Time. Mordaunt acknowledged the widespread interest in the Bill among Members of Parliament. She hinted th...

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What is Build to Rent (BTR)?

·         Build to Rent (BTR) is a lifestyle phrase for purpose-built long-term rental property given by professional landlords in the United Kingdom, BTR is the UK equivalent of their multi-family sector“With nearly 1.74 milli...

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What are the ESG point scoring matrix to use when considering investing in real estate assets?

There are several ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) scoring frameworks and matrices available that can be used to evaluate the sustainability and social impact of real estate investments. Here are a few examples:1. GRESB Real Estate Assessment: This is one ...

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What are the factors or scoring criteria in MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International) ESG ratings?

MSCI ESG Ratings is a system that evaluates the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies and real estate assets. MSCI stands for Morgan Stanley Capital International. MSCI is a global provider of investment decision support tools, includin...

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How does CDP climate change scores rating or accreditation system work?

CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) operates a climate change rating and accreditation system that assesses companies' efforts and performance in managing climate-related risks and opportunities. CDP's scoring methodology considers various factors a...

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What are the standard amenities in an apartment building?

Water and electricity supply, drainage system, open spaces, terraces, parking lots, and recreational grounds are standard amenities in an apartment building.

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Reasonableness of service charges and the obligations of the landlord or the management company under any specified lease agreement.

Morshead Mansions Ltd v Leon di Marco [2014] EWCA Civ 96SummaryThe case of Morshead Mansions Ltd v Leon di Marco [2014] EWCA Civ 96 is a landmark judgment by the Court of Appeal of England that has deliberated upon issues regarding residential service charges and the...

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What are the housing options available in Salford?

Salford offers many housing options, including apartments, terraced houses, semi-detached houses, and larger family homes. Rental and purchase options are available across various neighborhoods in the city.

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What key aspects of the Renters Reform Bill might have been enacted earlier?

Early enactments may include regulations for annual rent increases, the right for renters to challenge excessive rent hikes, simplified eviction processes for nuisance tenants, and new grounds for repossession for landlords.

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Is there any caselaw of building owners being prosecuted for not removing flammable materials following EWS1 assessments?

It marks a historic moment, Newham becoming the first UK local authority to legally pursue a building owner for failing to remove flammable cladding, emphasising the council's commitment to resident safety.  The case is Newham Borough vs Chaplair Ltd, the develo...

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Who can be a director of a newly formed RTM company?

It is legally possible for the RTM to have one single director, but it's more common and effective for there to be between three and five directors, depending on the size of the block.

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What is the New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS)?

The New Homes Ombudsman Service is an independent body responsible for reviewing cases and resolving disputes related to breaches of the New Homes Quality Code (NHQC) in the UK's newly built private homes sector.  It comes into being as part of The Bui...

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What are the current and proposed EPC requirements in the UK?

A minimum EPC rating of E is mandatory for all rented homes in England and Wales. All tenancies in Scotland should have a minimum EPC rating of D. By 2025, the proposed minimum EPC rating of C will be mandatory while letting properties.

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What is the Developer Remediation Contract (DRC) in relation to Building Safety?

The Developer Remediation Contract (DRC) is an agreement introduced by the government to address remedial works and life-critical fire safety defects in residential buildings measuring 11 meters or higher.

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What is the state of the UK property market at present?

The UKs housing market is now transitioning into a buyers market, making it challenging for sellers to find favorable pricing.

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How are HRBs defined during the occupation phase?

During the occupation phase, HRBs are defined as buildings of at least 18m or 7 storeys, containing 2+ residential units. It excludes specific building types.

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What is the average cost of installing GSHP?

The average cost of installing a GSHP system can range from 10,000 to 20,000 or more for a typical domestic installation in the UK. Still, it depends on various factors, such as the systems size, location of installation, and complexity.

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What is the real living wage in London?

The real living wage in London is (£)11.95.  This compares against the proposed National Living Wage rise which will come into force from April 1, 2023 to 10.40 (up from the present (£)9.50).

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Why is the government going soft on agent regulation?

The government wants to be seen as supportive of all stakeholders in the property industry at a time when the industry is going through one of its worst phases.

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How many types of property taxes are levied in the UK?

In the case of the UK, several different property taxes are levied, including council tax, stamp duty land tax (SDLT), and capital gains tax (CGT) on property sales.

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Why are experts predicting a house price crash in the UK in 2023?

Rising mortgage rates are affecting the capability of people to buy a home even as property prices are falling steadily.

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The house prices are expected to fall to what level?

The predictions are a mixed bag. Different banks and agencies are putting out varying figures ranging from 5 percent to 12 percent.

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What Will the Infrastructure Levy Replace?

The Infrastructure Levy will replace CIL, Section 106, and affordable housing contributions with a single flat-rate levy.

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Why are many flat owners stuck with their properties?

Many lenders in the UK are not willing to lend on homes that have unsafe cladding. Owners of such property are unable to sell them in such circumstances.

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How do you take over freehold?

For residents to collectively buy the Freehold of their building they will need a majority of over 50% (the remaining residents will then have a choice to join and buy or remain a leaseholder of the newly formed Freehold Company). This process is commonly known as En...

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What is leasehold tenure, and how does it affect achieving Net Zero?

Leasehold tenure involves owning the right to occupy a property for a specific period without owning the underlying land. This setup adds challenges to achieving Net Zero, as it limits property modifications and improvements and can lead to misalignment of sustainabi...

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How much have solar panel prices dropped since 2010?

The prices of solar panels have dropped by over 88 percent since 2010.  For a typical terraced house the installation cost is circa 10,000 and most likely would produce at least 50 percent of the energy required.

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What are the main objectives of Second Floor Studios and Arts in Wembley?

Second Floor Studios and Arts strive to foster collaboration, relationships, and a sense of community with a viable workplace for designers, makers, and artists.

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How can a self-service portal help property managers?

A self-service portal provides the convenience of 24/7 accessibility to resident services and improves customer satisfaction. Happy customers are sure to recommend the property to others through positive reviews.

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What comprise the leasehold service charges?

The leasehold service charges include ground rent, building insurance, and administrative expenses.

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Ask our Experts

What our customers are asking:

How has the government responded to concerns about the progress of the Renters Reform Bill?

What is Build to Rent (BTR)?

What are the ESG point scoring matrix to use when considering investing in real estate assets?

What are the factors or scoring criteria in MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International) ESG ratings?

How does CDP climate change scores rating or accreditation system work?

What are the standard amenities in an apartment building?

Water and electricity supply, drainage system, open spaces, terraces, parking lots, and recreational grounds are standard amenities in an apartment building.

Reasonableness of service charges and the obligations of the landlord or the management company under any specified lease agreement.

What are the housing options available in Salford?

What key aspects of the Renters Reform Bill might have been enacted earlier?

Is there any caselaw of building owners being prosecuted for not removing flammable materials following EWS1 assessments?

Who can be a director of a newly formed RTM company?

It is legally possible for the RTM to have one single director, but it's more common and effective for there to be between three and five directors, depending on the size of the block.

What is the New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS)?

What are the current and proposed EPC requirements in the UK?

What is the Developer Remediation Contract (DRC) in relation to Building Safety?

What is the state of the UK property market at present?

The UKs housing market is now transitioning into a buyers market, making it challenging for sellers to find favorable pricing.

How are HRBs defined during the occupation phase?

During the occupation phase, HRBs are defined as buildings of at least 18m or 7 storeys, containing 2+ residential units. It excludes specific building types.

What is the average cost of installing GSHP?

What is the real living wage in London?

The real living wage in London is (£)11.95.  This compares against the proposed National Living Wage rise which will come into force from April 1, 2023 to 10.40 (up from the present (£)9.50).

Why is the government going soft on agent regulation?

The government wants to be seen as supportive of all stakeholders in the property industry at a time when the industry is going through one of its worst phases.

How many types of property taxes are levied in the UK?

In the case of the UK, several different property taxes are levied, including council tax, stamp duty land tax (SDLT), and capital gains tax (CGT) on property sales.

Why are experts predicting a house price crash in the UK in 2023?

Rising mortgage rates are affecting the capability of people to buy a home even as property prices are falling steadily.

The house prices are expected to fall to what level?

The predictions are a mixed bag. Different banks and agencies are putting out varying figures ranging from 5 percent to 12 percent.

What Will the Infrastructure Levy Replace?

The Infrastructure Levy will replace CIL, Section 106, and affordable housing contributions with a single flat-rate levy.

Why are many flat owners stuck with their properties?

Many lenders in the UK are not willing to lend on homes that have unsafe cladding. Owners of such property are unable to sell them in such circumstances.

How do you take over freehold?

What is leasehold tenure, and how does it affect achieving Net Zero?

How much have solar panel prices dropped since 2010?

What are the main objectives of Second Floor Studios and Arts in Wembley?

Second Floor Studios and Arts strive to foster collaboration, relationships, and a sense of community with a viable workplace for designers, makers, and artists.

How can a self-service portal help property managers?

What comprise the leasehold service charges?

The leasehold service charges include ground rent, building insurance, and administrative expenses.