We provide expertise and reliability in estate and block management

Common Ground is a specialised property management company serving leasehold estates and blocks of flats across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, West London, and Surrey. Our offices in Oxford and Henley on Thames and London enable us to provide a personal and quality service to estates in close proximity.

We pride ourselves on our transparent and individual approach to property management, allowing our clients to have a greater say in the management of their estate without the burden of day-to-day management.

About us
CG
We currently manage in excess of 4,110 properties across 135 estates.

Meet the Common Ground team

Alan Draper FTPI AssocRICSManaging Director
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William Beauchamp MTPIGeneral Manager
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Ed Hughes MTPISenior Property Manager
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Melissa Meighan Property Manager
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Cheryl George ATPIProperty Manager
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Tatianna Kuvshinova Property Manager
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Jemma Dixon Property Manager
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Harriet Ayton-Robinson Property Manager
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Louise Jones Legal Manager
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Lynelle Fernandes Senior Service Charge Accountant
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Janine Underwood Service Charge Accountant
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Marianna Ceckova AAT Level 3Service Charge Accountant
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Kate Gibbs MAATService Charge Accountant
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Magdalene Andrzejewska Service Charge Accountant
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Helen Helliwell Service Charge Accountant
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Amy O’Hagan Senior Legal Administrator
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Samantha Waters Legal Administrator
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Melissa Stevens Compliance Administrator
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Kimberley Shimmen Financial Administrator
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Ava Sharp Financial Administration Assistant
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Charlie Hancock Property Administrator
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Jed Stevens Maintenance Manager
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Tom Aherne Maintenance Technician
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How we became a leading Property Management Company. Alan explains our journey in detail…

1.
As a leaseholder, I had sought to replace the managing agent of the block where I was living.
2.
Unable to find one offering the services I felt should be available, I saw the service charge double in a two-year period for no apparent reason.
3.
I wanted greater transparency, and I realised no one was offering this.
4.
In August 2008, following a heated conversation with a representative of an estate management company, I had a eureka moment - I could do the job far, far better.
5.
Further investigation into the estate/block management market highlighted widespread poor levels of service, lack of communication, and financial transparency.
6.
I set up Common Ground Estate & Property Management in October 2008 to address these shortcomings in the market.
7.
Our business model is simple - we visit the properties we manage regularly to ensure that standards of maintenance and repair are high.
8.
This approach also ensures that we understand the culture of each site we manage and can tailor our approach accordingly.
9.
We focus on relationships with directors and residents and never lose sight of the fact that we are managing YOUR home.
10.
We use cloud-based IT systems to enable clients to access financial data and information about their estate in real-time.
11.
These same systems ensure that our property managers are field-based rather than tied to the office.
12.
Common Ground has grown year on year since its formation and now manages estates of all shapes and sizes across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, West London, and Surrey.

Ready to discuss your block management?

Our services

Estate and Block Management

We’ll take the stress out of property ownership by ensuring that the day to day running of each estate or block is managed professionally, cost effectively and to your specific requirements.

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Block Management Legal Services

Legal Services

Our legal team can offer the right to manage, co-ordination of freehold purchases and mediation cases as well as producing the legal packs often required when a property transfers.

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Property Developer Services

Property Developer Services

We can work with ethical property developers at the start of a new build to ensure the design, construction and legal framework create the lowest possible service charge.

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Consultancy

Consultancy

We offer consultancy services to self-managed leasehold estates and block and property developers.

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“Having experienced a block managing agent that seemed to have no control over spending, it’s refreshing to work with a managing agent that is 100% transparent. Their portal system enables tracking of maintenance tasks, and their use of the Xero accounts system means that directors can keep track of all expenditure. Highly recommended.

Daniel

I very highly recommend Common Ground. Their conscientious team is highly professional, experienced and efficient, which is extremely reassuring to Directors and responsible owners of properties. They are pro-active, helping to plan ahead and to anticipate problems, which they can deal with firmly but sensitively. They are a pleasure to work with.

Clive

We moved to Common Ground from one of the large national agents. The list of maintenance items that required attention was growing longer and longer as we were moved from one property manager to the next. Common Ground stood out from the day the MD came to assess the site and fixed two of the outstanding maintenance items during that visit.

Common Ground worked through the maintenance items which we were able to track through their portal system. It’s also been a pleasure to have the same property manager and accountant throughout. The continuity is important, so it is good to work with an agent that retains its staff.

Hila

Our relatively small development was rescued by Common Ground after a disastrous initial situation caused by the inefficiency of the managing agents appointed by the developer. After examining the situation Common Ground came up with a first rate transparent management system which gave directors full and instant access to accounts and other matters, such as legal advice and rights of leaseholders. They make managing easy for directors and attend to everyday problems promptly.

Eddie
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Find out how better property management looks. Speak to our team today.

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Alan Draper FTPI AssocRICSManaging Director

Alan began his career in IT, working with major companies like Sophos and Sony, before bringing that expertise into the property world. In 2008, he founded Common Ground with a mission to inject service excellence and strong IT infrastructure into an industry that had long resisted both.

Since then, Alan has grown the business into a respected, forward-thinking managing agent. In January 2023, he was made a Fellow of the Institute of Residential Property Management—recognition of both his experience and his contributions to the industry. He actively champions leasehold reform and regularly attends meetings of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Leasehold and Commonhold Reform.

Alan lives in Oxfordshire with his wife and three children. When he’s not immersed in leasehold legislation or tech upgrades, he’s either coaching, playing, or supporting his beloved Stoke City. He also enjoys swimming, skiing, and working out (likely while still thinking about leasehold reform).

William Beauchamp MTPIGeneral Manager

William joined Common Ground in 2021, bringing experience from the property management sector in both London and Berkshire. His calm leadership and commitment to great service make him an invaluable part of the team.

Outside of work, William enjoys travelling and is a passionate football fan—often found dissecting matches with the same level of focus he brings to property portfolios.

Ed Hughes MTPISenior Property Manager

Ed began his career in property management in 2008 and has since managed a wide range of residential developments across London and the South of England. He passed his IRPM Member exam in 2012 and has brought a wealth of experience to Common Ground since joining in 2022.

Away from spreadsheets and site inspections, Ed enjoys time with his family and catching up with friends.

Melissa Meighan Property Manager

Melissa is a dynamic and energetic Property Manager with six years in the industry. Before joining Common Ground in 2023 and the property world, she spent 14 years running her own pre-school in West London—a role that honed her organisation and people skills to perfection.

Now, as a mum of three (including twins!) she thrives in the fast pace of property management. Outside work, Melissa loves long walks with Marley the Cocker Spaniel, exercising, and cheering on her kids in their hobbies.

Cheryl George ATPIProperty Manager

Cheryl joined Common Ground in 2022 and brings experience across a wide spectrum—from retirement living to student accommodation. She thrives on the variety that property management brings and is known for handling challenges with humour and grace.

When she’s not managing sites, you’ll find Cheryl exploring the countryside with her dog Mabel, grabbing coffee with friends, or belting out show tunes in her car (auditions pending).

Tatianna Kuvshinova Property Manager

Tatiana is a knowledgeable Property Manager with over five years of industry experience.  She began in Property Transfers at Common Ground in July 2024, where she developed a deep understanding of leasehold pre-sales and built a reputation for diligence and care.

In her downtime, Tatiana enjoys detective novels and staying active—always up for a good mystery or a good workout.

Jemma Dixon Property Manager

Jemma joined Common Ground in 2024 following a 15-year career in construction, where she worked as a Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager. From listed buildings to new-builds, she’s tackled a wide range of property challenges with a hands-on approach.

She also brings valuable lettings management experience, having overseen portfolios for both private landlords and large agencies—including a 300+ property corporate portfolio in Oxford.

Outside of work (when she lets herself stop working), Jemma enjoys hitting the gym, sharing wine-fuelled catch-ups with friends, and supporting charitable causes.

Harriet Ayton-Robinson Property Manager

Harriet has been working in property management since 2003 and joined Common Ground in Spring 2025. With a strong focus on residential estates, she’s known for her detail-oriented approach and dedication to great service.

She lives in West Berkshire with her husband, daughter, and two very energetic Jack Russells. When she’s not managing properties, you’ll find her at the gym, walking the dogs, or relaxing with a well-deserved glass of wine.

Louise Jones Legal Manager

Originally from Scotland, Louise has lived in Henley since 1996 and has been part of the Common Ground team since 2019. Prior to that, she spent 13 years in fund management—a background that sharpened her analytical thinking and love for structured processes.

Now as Legal Manager, Louise combines her eye for detail with her passion for getting things right the first time. She’s process-driven, sharp, and keeps the legal side running like clockwork.

Lynelle Fernandes Senior Service Charge Accountant

Lynelle joined Common Ground in October 2022, bringing more than two decades of accounting experience across the rolling stock, manufacturing, and HVAC industries. Her transition into property service charge accounting has been seamless, thanks to her precision and calm, steady approach.

When she’s not at work, Lynelle enjoys long countryside walks and curling up with a good book — preferably both in the same afternoon.

Janine Underwood Service Charge Accountant

Janine became part of the Common Ground team in August 2022. With 23 years in client accounts, she’s worked across residential lettings, commercial lettings, service charge, and corporate finance. Her experience includes managing 18 lettings acquisitions and implementing three new lettings software systems—making her the go-to for complex transitions and system smarts.

Marianna Ceckova AAT Level 3Service Charge Accountant

Marianna joined Common Ground nearly five years ago in November 2018 as an Accounts Assistant and now manages the finances for 28 residential developments. She’s currently studying for her AAT Level 4 diploma while continuing to deliver accurate, on-time reporting for clients.

In her spare time, Marianna enjoys travelling and spending time with her family, recharging for another round of ledgers and service charges.

Kate Gibbs MAATService Charge Accountant

Kate joined Common Ground in 2023 and brings 14 years of experience in service charge accounting from the retail sector. She’s now enjoying the challenge of applying that knowledge to residential property and learning the nuances of the industry.

Known for her steady approach and quick adaptability, Kate has already become a valued part of the finance team.

Magdalene Andrzejewska Service Charge Accountant

Magdalene has been working in property management since 2016, following a background in customer service. She started at Common Ground in October 2023 and is passionate about the variety in her role and enjoys supporting clients with her growing expertise and calm, professional approach.

In her downtime, you’ll find Magdalene walking her dog Maja, catching a West End show, meeting friends, or dancing her heart out.

Helen Helliwell Service Charge Accountant

Helen joined Common Ground in February 2024, bringing seven years of property management experience based in Wokingham. Prior to that, she worked in the banking sector, specialising in corporate risk, and also spent time as a teaching assistant while raising her two children.

Outside work, Helen enjoys running, yoga, and spending time with friends and family—always finding the right balance between focus and fun.

Amy O’Hagan Senior Legal Administrator

Originally from the U.S., Amy has lived in Henley for over a decade and recently returned to the workplace after a career break spent raising her family of five. Her background includes roles in fund management and higher education, giving her a broad perspective and sharp administrative skills.

Now part of the Legal team at Common Ground since October 2024, Amy is excited to contribute to the business and work alongside a supportive and inspiring team.

Samantha Waters Legal Administrator

Samantha joined the Common Ground team in September 2025 as a Legal Administrator. With more than a decade of experience spanning education, personal assistant roles, and fund management, she brings a diverse professional background and a sharp eye for detail.  She’s excited to apply her skills within the Legal team and support the continued growth of the business.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys horse riding, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.

Melissa Stevens Compliance Administrator

Melissa joined Common Ground in April 2024 and brings a warm, enthusiastic energy to the team. She’s passionate about her role in compliance and looks forward to new challenges and opportunities ahead.

A proud mum of two grown daughters, Melissa cherishes evening catch-ups with them and enjoys weekend adventures with her husband—often exploring historic sites, walking along the Thames, or feeding the ducks and swans along the way.

Kimberley Shimmen Financial Administrator

Kim brings over a decade of lettings experience to her role in block management, where she focuses on the financial side of the business. Since joining Common Ground in 2025, she’s enjoyed applying her expertise to support clients and streamline processes.

Outside the office, Kim is a passionate animal lover and the team’s go-to rescuer for any wildlife emergencies. She also has a love of step fitness and can often be found encouraging others to join her classes. Recently married, Kim enjoys family life with her husband and their young daughter, born in 2023.

Ava Sharp Financial Administration Assistant

Ava joined Common Ground straight after completing her college studies in September 2024 and is excited to kickstart her career in finance. She’s eager to learn, keen to contribute, and already proving herself to be a valuable member of the team.

Outside of work, Ava enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and is always planning her next travel adventure.

Charlie Hancock Property Administrator

Charlie has been with us since June 2025 moving from London and wanting a new challenge in a new industry.  Within this short time, he has already gained great knowledge within the property sector.

In his spare time, he thoroughly enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, walking (as long as a pub is at the finish line)!!

Jed Stevens Maintenance Manager

Jed has been part of the Common Ground team since August 2022 and brings a steady, solutions-focused mindset to every maintenance challenge. With a passion for carpentry and a background in hands-on work, he thrives on the variety the role brings.

In his spare time, Jed enjoys exploring the UK’s historic sites with his wife—combining a love for travel with a deep appreciation for the country’s heritage.

Tom Aherne Maintenance Technician

Tom is a seasoned construction professional with over 40 years of industry experience. Since joining Common Ground in 2022, he’s brought a calm, can-do approach to the maintenance team and enjoys the variety and teamwork that each day brings.

Outside of work, Tom is a keen golfer and loves spending time with his grandchildren—especially when they aren’t handing him toy tools to “fix” things.