Block Management

The SP Property Group team has over 25 years’ experience providing professional Block Management services in London.

We manage all types of residential property including period conversions, mansion blocks and purpose built new developments, typically between 10 – 60 units per development.

Our services ensure that the buildings under our management are run efficiently, proactively and cost effectively. The residents we act for benefit from knowing that their buildings are compliant with regulations and legislation, and that their service charge funds are being allocated appropriately and with transparency.

SP Property Group believe good block management requires responsive communication and action, and this is at the core of every service we provide.

We work with residents who have been self-managing their building and are looking to appoint a block manager to formalise the process.

In addition, we work with residents who are considering setting up a Right To Manage company or are collectively enfranchising (purchasing the freehold) so that they can take more control over the way their building is run.

We can review your lease and existing management structure to advise you on your most suitable options and provide you with the relevant specialist professional contacts to assist you with the process if required.

Once the appropriate structure is in place, SP Property Group can work with you to manage your building according to your requirements.

Many of the residents we act for were not happy with the level of communication and service they were receiving from their previous block manager. We assisted them with the changeover process to ensure a smooth and efficient handover and now ensure that their building is run as they would expect from a professional managing agent.

We work with our clients to manage the building according to their requirements, making changes where needed, yet keeping any existing arrangements or service providers (e.g. accountants) in place where relevant.

The SP Property Group block management division was specifically set up in response to resident demand for a transparent, experienced and professional block management service, with customer service at the forefront.

We are entirely independent and have grown organically through providing a superior block management service and word of mouth recommendations.

We are not constrained by out of date systems or the inefficiencies and frustrations that can come with very large managing agents where residents can be passed between numerous departments.

We understand the importance of having a professionally run and maintained building, both for your own enjoyment when living in the property and equally to maximise the value when you come to rent out or sell. Our approach is to work with our clients, bringing valuable experience and expertise to the running of their block and forging long term relationships with our residents.

As part of our full block management service we:

• Prepare a budget at the beginning of the service charge year
• Request and collect the service charge contributions from each of the lessees in accordance with the lease terms
• Hold all monies collected within ARMA specified client “trust” accounts
• At the end of each financial year provide service charge accounts for audit by an independent firm of auditors
• Request and collect / return any excess service charges at the end of each year
• Consider and, if appropriate, re-tender all long term contracts to ensure best value is being achieved
• Inspect the building as required and at least every month
• Report on the condition of the building and follow up any relevant points noted at inspection
• Instruct day to day repairs as required
• Ensure all Health & Safety and Fire Risk assessments are undertaken and kept up to date
• Maintain an up to date asbestos register (if required) and ensure that contractors working on site are aware of any asbestos materials.
• Appoint and manage on a day to day basis specialist contractors e.g. gardeners, landscapers, cleaners etc
• Advise on any cyclical or major works required and oversee those works
• Instruct and monitor any contractors required on site and ensure that they are adequately insured and have suitable Health & Safety policies in place and that they are financially stable
• Deal with all queries promptly [we acknowledge all queries within one working day]
• Oversee and manage any on site staff e.g. porters / concierge (if applicable)
• We can provide Company Secretarial services if required

For further information or to discuss your requirements, please contact our Head of Block Management, Stephen Britton: +44 (0)20 7244 4480 or stephen.britton@sppropertygroup.com