Management of large/complex blocks

With so much legislation underpinning modern day block management, even the smallest developments are being increasingly managed by professional leasehold management specialists.
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“As buildings and sites get bigger, more often than not so does the complexity, and advances in technology and the move towards greener buildings merely adds to this.”
Gone are the days when the most complicated technology on a site would be the entry system and lifts. In the 2020’s, large sites can include items such as communal heat networks, CCTV, electric gates, EV chargers, solar panels, extensive fire systems, gym’s, swimming pools, communal water tanks, living roofs and this just scratches the surface.

Gone are the days when blocks could be managed off spreadsheets; 21st century block management is far more transparent and any good block manager should have systems to be able to allow residents to engage with the managing agent and fundamentally see what they are getting for their management fee!
With large developments also comes a more complicated accounting structure. The managing agent must have systems that can ensure that service charges are calculated accurately and adhere to the often multiple schedules defined in the various leases relating to a site. It’s important that any agent managing large sites employs service charge accountants, not financial administrators as many agents do.

A good service charge accountant will understand management accounting to a high level but will also be able to understand the subtle differences between service charge accounting and management accounting as defined by company law.
“Finally, post-Grenfell, the management of blocks above 18 meters has become much more involved with respect to fire safety. That said, arguably it is harder to manage developments with buildings under 18 metres as the fire safety order is somewhat more fluid at this level with much of the legislation being subject to interpretation. In large and complex blocks, this can be a minefield.”
If you’d like to discuss our Small Site Package in more detail and upgrade your property management, contact us today on 01491 525 940 or submit a message with further details about your site.

I look forward to assisting you soon.
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Ed Hughes
Ed Hughes
Senior Property Manager

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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 systems means that directors can keep track of all expenditure. Highly recommneded.
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