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What our customers are asking:

Is it reasonable and valid of service charges charged by Marina Heights Limited?

Rita Akorita v Marina Heights Limited [2017] UKUT 255 (LC)SummaryThe case of Rita Akorita v Marina Heights Limited [2017] UKUT 255 entails a dispute between a lessee, Rita Akorita, and a freeholder, Marina Heights Limited, on service charges. The Upper Tribunal took ...

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Read by(21)

Why is Wembley Park a suitable area for student living?

Wembley Park is a peaceful place, promising safety and quick access to the city center, making it the preferred destination for student accommodation.

Read more
Read by(21)

What are the responsibilities of an absent freeholder?

The responsibilities of an absent freeholder can vary depending on the specific circumstances, lease agreements, and local laws. However, some general responsibilities that an absent freeholder may have include:- Collecting Ground Rent: The freeholder is typically...

Read more
Read by(21)

What are the key transformations that building biology will bring to future homes?

Building biology will revolutionise home design by creating healthier living spaces, embracing sustainable construction practices, incorporating green spaces and biophilic design, fostering community connections, and integrating advanced technologies for energy effic...

Read more
Read by(21)

How many empty homes are there in the UK; government figures?

The latest figures (2022) show a huge increase in the number of long-term empty homes across every region in the UK. Government figures released in November 2022, show the number of long-term empty homes has risen by around 20,000 compared to last year. The number o...

Read more
Read by(21)

How many completed UK Build to Rent (BTR) homes will be there in the UK by the end of the next decade?

According to estimates, there will be over 380,000 BTR homes in the next decade.

Read more
Read by(21)

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.

Read more
Read by(21)

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.

Read more
Read by(21)

What are BTR properties?

BTR or Build-to-Rent properties are residential properties purpose-built for rental purposes. They are designed with the needs of renters in mind and offer high-quality amenities and services. Build to Rent (BTR), a growing segment of the UK residential sector and i...

Read more
Read by(21)

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.

Read more
Read by(21)

Where in Wembley Park can one get authentic Gujarati food?

Ashers Africana serves authentic and vegetarian Gujarati food in the Wembley Park area.

Read more
Read by(20)

What is an appropriate platform for the resident self-service feature?

A collaborative, integrated, user-friendly, and cloud-based technology portal is suitable for improving property management through a self-service platform.

Read more
Read by(20)

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. ...

Read more
Read by(20)

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.

Read more
Read by(20)

What are environmental strategies within the context of ESG?

Environmental strategies within the context of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) refer to the actions that companies take to address environmental risks and opportunities, and to promote sustainability and responsible resource use. These strategies can incl...

Read more
Read by(20)

What is service charge?

Service Charge is the term used for the funds collected from lessees for day to day service charge items. It is collected on the due dates specified in the lease.

Read more
Read by(20)

What is a register of directors/members and shareholders?

This is a simply a register of who is control of the company i.e. the directors and should reflect the records held at Companies House as any appointments or resignations have to be referred to them by completing them a 288A form.

Read more
Read by(20)

Why would we want to appoint a manager for our building?

There are several reasons why you might want to consider appointing a manager for your building:- Professional Expertise: A qualified and experienced property manager can bring valuable expertise in managing the day-to-day operations of the building. They can hand...

Read more
Read by(20)

How is the case of Oliver v Sheffield City Council [2017] an important decision in UK caselaw that pertains to the duty of care owed by local authorities to protect children in foster care?

The case of Oliver v Sheffield City Council [2017] is an important decision in UK caselaw that pertains to the duty of care owed by local authorities to protect children in foster care.In this instance, a young girl named Poppy was placed in foster care under Sheffie...

Read more
Read by(20)

What is the approximate cost to upgrade a property with an existing rating of D to EPC band B or C?

The cost of upgrading a property with an EPC rating of D to C could be as much as 6,000

Read more
Read by(20)

Which are the best places to live in Manchester?

Some current hot spots for living in Manchester are Levenshulme, Chorlton, Deansgate, Salford Quays, and Castlefield, among others.

Read more
Read by(20)

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...

Read more
Read by(20)

What is a freehold title in UK law?

Freehold is absolute ownership of the property, including the land it stands on. Whereas leasehold is the right to a demised property for a term of years. In a freehold leasehold scenario, unless there is a management company or right-to-manage the company in existe...

Read more
Read by(20)

What are interpretations involving lease provisions and rights of the landlord and the tenant of their capacity to have their say on the lease renewals?

Pole Properties Limited v Feinberg [1982] 43 P&CR 121 (Court of Appeal)SummaryIn the matter Pole Properties Limited v Feinberg [1982] 43 P&CR 121, the courts had summed interpretations involving lease provisions and rights of the landlord and the tenant of th...

Read more
Read by(20)

We have a number of electric heaters in the common areas. The directors mindful of the costs of running such heaters wish to keep the heat level down. However some owners, and more often or not tenants wish the temperature to be higher. Has anyone had any experience of this and can recommend a minimum temperature.

the answer is it would be unlikely that the lease requires there to be heaters int he common parts 99% of blocks do not have heaters in the common parts if one were to choose what temperature they should be at I would suggest adopt the usual temperature level recomme...

Read more
Read by(19)

What is the purpose of the 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’.

Read more
Read by(19)

How does this policy work with companies based overseas?

The court may choose to apply a Building Liability Order to a company based overseas if it is an associated company, which would be enforced in the normal manner.

Read more
Read by(19)

Why are only Members of the Company or Shareholders allowed to attend the (AGM) ?

Company Members and Shareholders pay to fund the running of the Company unless the Company is named in your lease, whereby all owners fund the company. Voting decisions can only be made by Company Members or Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.

Read more
Read by(19)

Can leaseholders change property management company?

This depends on how the lease is originally structured from inception i.e. when the flats were initially built by the developer or Freeholder (or both). Normally the developer will have a preferred managing agent they work with during the build process to set service...

Read more
Read by(19)

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.

Read more
Read by(19)

Ask our Experts

What our customers are asking:


Is it reasonable and valid of service charges charged by Marina Heights Limited?

Rita Akorita v Marina Heights Limited [2017] UKUT 255 (LC)SummaryThe case of Rita Akorita v Marina Heights Limited [2017] UKUT 255 entails a dispute between a lessee, Rita Akorita, and a freeholder, Marina Heights Limited, on service charges. The Upper Tribunal took ...


Read More

Why is Wembley Park a suitable area for student living?

Wembley Park is a peaceful place, promising safety and quick access to the city center, making it the preferred destination for student accommodation.


Read More

What are the responsibilities of an absent freeholder?

The responsibilities of an absent freeholder can vary depending on the specific circumstances, lease agreements, and local laws. However, some general responsibilities that an absent freeholder may have include:- Collecting Ground Rent: The freeholder is typically...


Read More

What are the key transformations that building biology will bring to future homes?

Building biology will revolutionise home design by creating healthier living spaces, embracing sustainable construction practices, incorporating green spaces and biophilic design, fostering community connections, and integrating advanced technologies for energy effic...


Read More

How many empty homes are there in the UK; government figures?

The latest figures (2022) show a huge increase in the number of long-term empty homes across every region in the UK. Government figures released in November 2022, show the number of long-term empty homes has risen by around 20,000 compared to last year. The number o...


Read More

How many completed UK Build to Rent (BTR) homes will be there in the UK by the end of the next decade?

According to estimates, there will be over 380,000 BTR homes in the next decade.


Read More

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.


Read More

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.


Read More

What are BTR properties?

BTR or Build-to-Rent properties are residential properties purpose-built for rental purposes. They are designed with the needs of renters in mind and offer high-quality amenities and services. Build to Rent (BTR), a growing segment of the UK residential sector and i...


Read More

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.


Read More

Where in Wembley Park can one get authentic Gujarati food?

Ashers Africana serves authentic and vegetarian Gujarati food in the Wembley Park area.


Read More

What is an appropriate platform for the resident self-service feature?

A collaborative, integrated, user-friendly, and cloud-based technology portal is suitable for improving property management through a self-service platform.


Read More

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. ...


Read More

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.


Read More

What are environmental strategies within the context of ESG?

Environmental strategies within the context of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) refer to the actions that companies take to address environmental risks and opportunities, and to promote sustainability and responsible resource use. These strategies can incl...


Read More

What is service charge?

Service Charge is the term used for the funds collected from lessees for day to day service charge items. It is collected on the due dates specified in the lease.


Read More

What is a register of directors/members and shareholders?

This is a simply a register of who is control of the company i.e. the directors and should reflect the records held at Companies House as any appointments or resignations have to be referred to them by completing them a 288A form.


Read More

Why would we want to appoint a manager for our building?

There are several reasons why you might want to consider appointing a manager for your building:- Professional Expertise: A qualified and experienced property manager can bring valuable expertise in managing the day-to-day operations of the building. They can hand...


Read More

How is the case of Oliver v Sheffield City Council [2017] an important decision in UK caselaw that pertains to the duty of care owed by local authorities to protect children in foster care?

The case of Oliver v Sheffield City Council [2017] is an important decision in UK caselaw that pertains to the duty of care owed by local authorities to protect children in foster care.In this instance, a young girl named Poppy was placed in foster care under Sheffie...


Read More

What is the approximate cost to upgrade a property with an existing rating of D to EPC band B or C?

The cost of upgrading a property with an EPC rating of D to C could be as much as 6,000


Read More

Which are the best places to live in Manchester?

Some current hot spots for living in Manchester are Levenshulme, Chorlton, Deansgate, Salford Quays, and Castlefield, among others.


Read More

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...


Read More

What is a freehold title in UK law?

Freehold is absolute ownership of the property, including the land it stands on. Whereas leasehold is the right to a demised property for a term of years. In a freehold leasehold scenario, unless there is a management company or right-to-manage the company in existe...


Read More

What are interpretations involving lease provisions and rights of the landlord and the tenant of their capacity to have their say on the lease renewals?

Pole Properties Limited v Feinberg [1982] 43 P&CR 121 (Court of Appeal)SummaryIn the matter Pole Properties Limited v Feinberg [1982] 43 P&CR 121, the courts had summed interpretations involving lease provisions and rights of the landlord and the tenant of th...


Read More

We have a number of electric heaters in the common areas. The directors mindful of the costs of running such heaters wish to keep the heat level down. However some owners, and more often or not tenants wish the temperature to be higher. Has anyone had any experience of this and can recommend a minimum temperature.

the answer is it would be unlikely that the lease requires there to be heaters int he common parts 99% of blocks do not have heaters in the common parts if one were to choose what temperature they should be at I would suggest adopt the usual temperature level recomme...


Read More

What is the purpose of the 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’.


Read More

How does this policy work with companies based overseas?

The court may choose to apply a Building Liability Order to a company based overseas if it is an associated company, which would be enforced in the normal manner.


Read More

Why are only Members of the Company or Shareholders allowed to attend the (AGM) ?

Company Members and Shareholders pay to fund the running of the Company unless the Company is named in your lease, whereby all owners fund the company. Voting decisions can only be made by Company Members or Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.


Read More

Can leaseholders change property management company?

This depends on how the lease is originally structured from inception i.e. when the flats were initially built by the developer or Freeholder (or both). Normally the developer will have a preferred managing agent they work with during the build process to set service...


Read More

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.


Read More