Ask from our Property Experts

What our customers are asking:

How have service charges for flats risen over time?

Since 2018, service charges for flats in England and Wales have increased by 51.7 percent to 2023.

What is the meaning of a term in a construction contract?

Stagecoach South Western Trains Ltd v (1) Kathleen Hind (2) Andrew Steel [2014] EWHC 1891 (TCC)SummaryThe case of Stagecoach South Western Trains Ltd v (1) Kathleen Hind (2) Andrew Steel [2014] EWHC 1891 (TCC) is a case that includes an element of dispute regarding a...

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I have heard that there could be alternatives to having hatches fitted. Is this true?

Visual examination checks by engineers via inspection hatches is currently the preferred method recommended by the industry guidance that explains how to judge that a flue is working safely and effectively. However, where inspection hatches are not practicable indust...

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Is there a legal basis of a "right to light" that may be blocked by adjacent trees? We are a small development of 22 flats set in what was the copse of the Old Manor House in Bedhampton, Havant. Our grounds are surrounded on two side by trees both in our grounds and outside our boundary which act as a barrier from the road for us and is part of the street scene outside. The majority of the trees in our grounds are subject to Tree Preservation Orders and every couple of years or so we apply to our local authority for planning permission to maintain the trees. A few years ago the area in which we live was designated a Conservation area so now we not only have to apply for planning consent to have tree works on the trees covered by TPO's we also have to apply for any tree work under the Conservation Order. We have four blocks, three of two floors, ground and first, and one block which is in the wooded area of our grounds, has three floors, ground first and second. The leaseholders who live on the top floor of this block have asked for the trees surrounding them to be reduced in height to allow more light into there apartments. Our local authority trees officer is of the view that the trees are healthy and form part of the conservation area/character and street scene and are not in need of reduction. The tree officer maintains the "right to light" is a factor that does not come into the decision making when considering application for reducing trees.

I know of no law that gives a legal right to light (where obstructed by trees) and can't possibly conceive there would be such a law If there were no doubt the councils would all be bankrupt from paying out !! there are rights enabling an owner to cut back parts of a...

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What is the Red Book RICS?

RICS – The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) represents the property profession in 146 countries, and regulates its ‘Chartered’ members. All valuations are subject to the RICS International Valuation Standards otherwise known as the ‘Red Book’.

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How do you conduct an asset valuation?

The company needs to look at its balance sheet and identify tangible and intangible assets.From the total assets, deduct the total value of the intangible assets.From what is left, deduct the total value of the liabilities.

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How have service charges for flats changed over time?

Since 2018, service charges for flats in England and Wales have increased by 51.7 percent. It is the first time the average annual service charge has exceeded 1,000 per year. However, in the past 12 months, the increase has been more modest at 8.0 percent, aligning w...

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Whether the residential leaseholder, Leon di Marco, would be in breach of the terms of his lease by letting on short-term tenancies, and whether the freehold company, Morshead Mansions Ltd, is entitled to forfeit the lease.

Morshead Mansions Ltd v Leon di Marco [2014] EWCA Civ 96SummaryAnother very important case related to the fights for enforcement of lease covenants and application of equitable principles under property law is Morshead Mansions Ltd v Leon di Marco [2014] EWCA Civ 96....

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Can you stop time on a building developer defect claim?

In short yes. Where the Buildng Safety Act extended 15 or 30 year limitation periods (effectively inserted into the Defective Premises Act 1972 and the Section 38 Building Act 1984) are near their end, residents, building owners and their advisors should seek to ent...

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What is the new 2024 energy efficiency target for landlords in England and Wales?

By 2030, all privately rented properties in England and Wales must meet an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of Band C. This applies to private and social housing as part of the government's effort to improve energy efficiency.

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What is the factual position?

There are many gray areas in the Bill, and as more readings happen, the clauses and rules will gain clarity—that is why a wait-and-watch approach is recommended.

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I wasn’t invited to last year’s Annual General meeting but am to this year’s. Why is this?

Only owners who are Members of the Company or Shareholders are invited. You may not have filled in an application to become a member of the RTM or RMC or not have bought a share in the Freehold.

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What is the ground rents ban, and why is it causing concern in the retirement housing sector?

The ground rents ban prohibits collecting ground rents for most new residential leases in England and Wales, introduced through the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022. It came into effect on June 30, 2022, except for retirement housing leases, which were applied...

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An important decision needs to be voted on. Do we have to wait for the next AGM?

No. The Board or 5% of the Shareholders can call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

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how does the case of Pemberstone Reversions Limited v Various leaseholders [2018] revolves around leasehold enfranchisement and the rights of leaseholders to extend their leases?

The case of Pemberstone Reversions Limited v Various leaseholders [2018] is a significant decision in UK caselaw that revolves around leasehold enfranchisement and the rights of leaseholders to extend their leases.The case involved Pemberstone Reversions Limited, a l...

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What is Building Biology and its primary objective?

Building Biology signifies a comprehensive strategy for designing and shaping environments in construction with a holistic viewpoint, highlighting the health of inhabitants and promoting sustainable structures.

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Explain the factors or scoring criteria in FTSE4 Good Index series ESG risk ratings?

The FTSE4Good Index Series is a group of indices that measure the performance of companies that meet certain environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The FTSE4Good ESG Ratings are a set of scores that assess the level of ESG risk of companies included in...

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When does homeownership become a suitable option?

Lower interest rates and availability of higher deposit makes homeownership a better option as the monthly loan instalments will be lower than monthly rent.

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What are social values in the context of ESG?

In the context of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, social values refer to the values and principles that guide a company's relationships with its stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which it operates. ...

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What are the responsibilities for maintenance and repair works of tenants?

18 St Clairs, Croydon, Decided 17th MarchSummaryThe decision of 18 St Clairs, Croydon, determined on 17th March 2008 is a case that entails a landlord's fight with the Tenant for the performance of lease terms but most necessary with regards to responsibilities for m...

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Whether the freeholder has raised justifiable charges and, on the contrary, whether it was justifiable for the leaseholder o refuse to pay.

Rettke-Grover v Needleman & Anor | [2010] UKUT 283 (LC)SummaryThe case of Rettke-Grover v Needleman & Anor [2010] UKUT 283 (LC) involves a dispute between the freeholder and the leaseholder on the issue of fair service charges. In essence, a question before t...

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The allegations of lax construction practices and the extent of liability for the resultant defects.

DIXONS GROUP plc v JAN ANDREW MURRAY-OBOYNSKI and Others (1998) 86 BLR 16SummaryThe case of Dixons Group plc v Jan Andrew Murray-Oboynski and Others (1998) 86 BLR 16 involves a legal dispute dealing with defects in construction works: the same had been carried out by...

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What is the UK government proposed investment in Net zero for buildings?

The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will deliver an additional 6bn in investment, planned during the next parliament. The task force will also oversee the delivery of energy efficiency improvements from homes, businesses, and the publi...

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How can the housing crisis be addressed?

Addressing the crisis necessitates substantial reform, including replacing the discretionary planning system with a rules-based, flexible zoning system. Intensifying private-sector housebuilding is crucial, focusing on areas with high demand for housing and swiftly i...

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When did the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 come into force?

The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 came into force on August 1, 2022, after receiving Royal Assent.

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Will the PRS market recover soon?

Experts believe the PRS sector will bounce back, despite the many challenges, in a couple of years.

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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 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 government’s doing to make lease extensions easier?

The government will introduce legislation to make valuation easier for lease extensions and also make the process of lease extension less hassling. Freeholders can gain control of their buildings and carry out the required measures.

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What is LVC or Land Value Capture?

Land value capture (LVC) involves capturing the increase in land value caused by public investment, planning decisions, or other factors and using this enhanced value to fund public infrastructure, affordable housing, or other community benefits.

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Ask our Experts

What our customers are asking:

How have service charges for flats risen over time?

Since 2018, service charges for flats in England and Wales have increased by 51.7 percent to 2023.

What is the meaning of a term in a construction contract?

I have heard that there could be alternatives to having hatches fitted. Is this true?

Is there a legal basis of a "right to light" that may be blocked by adjacent trees? We are a small development of 22 flats set in what was the copse of the Old Manor House in Bedhampton, Havant. Our grounds are surrounded on two side by trees both in our grounds and outside our boundary which act as a barrier from the road for us and is part of the street scene outside. The majority of the trees in our grounds are subject to Tree Preservation Orders and every couple of years or so we apply to our local authority for planning permission to maintain the trees. A few years ago the area in which we live was designated a Conservation area so now we not only have to apply for planning consent to have tree works on the trees covered by TPO's we also have to apply for any tree work under the Conservation Order. We have four blocks, three of two floors, ground and first, and one block which is in the wooded area of our grounds, has three floors, ground first and second. The leaseholders who live on the top floor of this block have asked for the trees surrounding them to be reduced in height to allow more light into there apartments. Our local authority trees officer is of the view that the trees are healthy and form part of the conservation area/character and street scene and are not in need of reduction. The tree officer maintains the "right to light" is a factor that does not come into the decision making when considering application for reducing trees.

What is the Red Book RICS?

How do you conduct an asset valuation?

How have service charges for flats changed over time?

Whether the residential leaseholder, Leon di Marco, would be in breach of the terms of his lease by letting on short-term tenancies, and whether the freehold company, Morshead Mansions Ltd, is entitled to forfeit the lease.

Can you stop time on a building developer defect claim?

What is the new 2024 energy efficiency target for landlords in England and Wales?

What is the factual position?

There are many gray areas in the Bill, and as more readings happen, the clauses and rules will gain clarity—that is why a wait-and-watch approach is recommended.

I wasn’t invited to last year’s Annual General meeting but am to this year’s. Why is this?

Only owners who are Members of the Company or Shareholders are invited. You may not have filled in an application to become a member of the RTM or RMC or not have bought a share in the Freehold.

What is the ground rents ban, and why is it causing concern in the retirement housing sector?

An important decision needs to be voted on. Do we have to wait for the next AGM?

No. The Board or 5% of the Shareholders can call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

how does the case of Pemberstone Reversions Limited v Various leaseholders [2018] revolves around leasehold enfranchisement and the rights of leaseholders to extend their leases?

What is Building Biology and its primary objective?

Explain the factors or scoring criteria in FTSE4 Good Index series ESG risk ratings?

When does homeownership become a suitable option?

Lower interest rates and availability of higher deposit makes homeownership a better option as the monthly loan instalments will be lower than monthly rent.

What are social values in the context of ESG?

What are the responsibilities for maintenance and repair works of tenants?

Whether the freeholder has raised justifiable charges and, on the contrary, whether it was justifiable for the leaseholder o refuse to pay.

The allegations of lax construction practices and the extent of liability for the resultant defects.

What is the UK government proposed investment in Net zero for buildings?

How can the housing crisis be addressed?

When did the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 come into force?

The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 came into force on August 1, 2022, after receiving Royal Assent.

Will the PRS market recover soon?

Experts believe the PRS sector will bounce back, despite the many challenges, in a couple of years.

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.