Featured Articles

Residents, landlords and managing agents are facing increased legal requirements this year, with the introduction of new laws bringing electrical installations in dwellings under the remit of Building Regulations for England and Wales.  Arkady Granik explains. Changes in legislation relating to electrical installations move are intended to crack down on cowboy operators and raise the standards of electrical installations in flats and residential blocks. The move follows a rise in domestic electrical acc

While some powerful landlords have been resisting efforts by people living in flats to buy their buildings, one of the biggest land owners in the country has been lending quiet support to this growing consumer movement by selling off residential properties to leaseholders. The land and buildings owned by Queen Elizabeth in her capacity as the Monarch – known as the Crown Estate – represent one of the largest, most diverse and valuable property portfolios in the United Kingdom. The Sovereign’s present la

EDITOR’S COMMENT Your block needs you If you're still pondering New Year's resolutions, here's a thought. Why not volunteer to become a director for your block? Enfranchisement, Right to Manage and Commonhold all involve setting up companies, and by law a company must have at least two directors. But once your block has got itself organised and the first rush of enthusiasm has worn off, so often does everybody's readiness to pitch in. Managing agents report blocks of 100 or even 150 flats where only on

Don't be surprised if your managing agent puts up his fees next year. It won't be because he's trying to make a fast buck, but because he's swamped with paperwork from new government legislation. One measure in particular will bring him more costs and large amounts of extra work. It's designed to safeguard you, the flat owner, from insurance malpractice. The trouble is, there's no evidence that the abuse they want to protect you from actually exists. From January 2005 your managing agent will have to be

As the House of Commons overturns an attempt by the House of Lords to make Home Information Packs voluntary, Peter Nicholas looks at what all the cheering was about. It has been about six years since the inception of the Government’s plans to introduce Home Information Packs (formerly “Sellers Packs”), and they do not appear willing to give up on the idea now. When in early November 2004 the House of Lords, persuaded by criticisms of the scheme, tried to make the use of HIP’s voluntary, Housing Minister

CHESTER SQUARE APARTMENTS Aldine Honey & Company, have a most spectacular three-four bedroom leasehold apartment for sale in Chester Square Belgravia for £4, 950, 000. 33-36 Chester Square is the only apartment building on Chester Square, famous for residents such as Lady Margaret Thatcher and Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is perhaps the most exclusive address in London apart from Eaton Square. This apartment is an absolute rarity because most of the properties on Chester Square are townhouses. Compl

By Alba Foreman Two years ago, I was approached by my next-door neighbour, a committee member of our residents’ association (OCRA), to develop a newsletter. OCRA, which stands for Oakwood Court Residents Association, has been in existence for over 25 years, and they had decided that it was time to have a formal communication tool. It would foster community spirit, generate more interest and support on current projects, and increase membership numbers. Residents associations focus critical attention on is

By Ellen Tumposky “That's basically lazy journalism, if they say (I'm the) new Colin Farrell," says the 27-year-old actor, who starred in "28 Days Later" and in the ensemble comedy, "Intermission" and also had a lead role in the BBC drama series, "The Way We Live Now." He has recently won rave reviews on the Irish stage for playing the lead role in the Druid Theatre company's production of J.M. Synge's classic, "Playboy of the Western World," and soon will begin filming the new Batman movie, "Batman Beg

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN THE HEART OF ROYAL BERKSHIRE Bonhomie Court, by Delph Property Group, is a one-off scheme of luxury apartments surrounded by a moat and with a gated entrance - all within easy reach of London. These apartments (2 or 3 bedrooms) have all the cutting edge style of City schemes, but with stunning scenic views from every aspect. The scheme has imposing electric gates with a sweeping block paved driveway, surrounded by over 3.5 acres of ‘maintenance free’ beautifully landscaped gardens,

By Bob Lawless As an independent Mortgage Broker I work on behalf of my clients, not the lender. In this article I look at the costs of fixed rate loans compared to lower rate discounts. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, feels that borrowers should not be so conscious of short-term low, mortgage rates; but opt for long term fixed rates. What is Long Term? In financial services terms investments should be in place for at least the medium term which is, in my opinion, five years. This normally

‘SLIDING WALLS’ AT PARKSIDE, GREENWICH MILLENNIUM VILLAGE Greenwich Millennium Village (GMV), are once again offering buyers a unique opportunity for flexible living, with the latest phase Parkside. The one, two and three bedroom apartments at Parkside offer truly flexible living. With some apartments including sliding and folding walls, usually to the second bedroom, residents are able to have the option of increasing their living space or using the space as a separate guest room or study. ‘The Park

When clients want to arrange a mortgage loan they are often excited about the proposition and almost always in a hurry to get the loan in place. This article looks at how you can help yourself to smooth the process and ensure you do not suffer any more anxiety than necessary. Lets just put things in perspective first. You want to purchase a property – be that your dream home (eg an apartment, flat, house, boat (yes boat)) or for investment purposes and since you cannot afford to buy outright you need a l