Industry News

Title: Sector Experts Team Up to Survey the Leasehold Industry as Reform Looms Large

Description:

Industry-leading repairs and maintenance management software provider, Fixflo, in conjunction with ARMA, has launched an annual leasehold and block management survey, amidst the controversial discussions about commonhold and the overall leasehold reform.

The Fixflo Leasehold and Block Management Market Report 2019 aims to understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for property professionals in the sector. With a myriad of external challenges such as leasehold reform, the regulation of managing agents and Brexit looming large on the horizon, the industry is facing one of its toughest years since ARMA’s founding in 1991. In spring 2019, Fixflo, ARMA and MRI Software recognised the value an industry-wide survey could bring to more data-driven debate on the policy issues and a project led by Fixflo to remedy the lack of research was soon underway. Leading industry publications News On The Block and Flat Living will be driving the campaign as key media partners.

Rajeev Nayyar, Managing Director of Fixflo, said, “On top of the uncertainty of Brexit, leasehold reform is imminent. With the findings from this report, we can better respond to the needs of the industry and see on a granular level, what support or technological solutions can help property professionals through the testing period ahead and turn any challenges into opportunities. We will run the survey annually to keep abreast with what block management companies are concerned with.”

ARMA, the leading trade association for residential managing agents, wanted to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by leasehold block managing agents, and the way they apply technology. Dr Nigel Glen, Chief Executive Officer of ARMA is eager to learn where block management companies need help most, “Many of our members voice their concerns over external and internal challenges such as the leasehold reform, regulation of managing agents and Brexit, and the increasing difficulty in hiring talent. The survey will give us actionable data and guide the development of our training offerings and more.”

James Lavery, Marketing Director of MRI Software commented on the survey, “As a leading provider of software solutions for the leasehold sector, we're delighted to support this research, and look forward to gaining further insight into how residential property management organisations are responding to market pressures while maximising opportunities through tech.”

The Fixflo Leasehold and Block Management Market Report 2019 is now calling for leasehold and block management companies to have their say. Personnel of any seniority in the sector are welcome to respond to the survey, which is open for submissions until 31 August 2019.

Access the survey here: http://bit.ly/fixflosurvey

Five lucky respondents will be chosen at random and receive a £100 Amazon voucher.

Title: Block Management White Paper reveals £500m impact on UK economy

Description:

ARMA has produced a White Paper Report: ‘An Overview of the Residential Block Property Management Sector in England and Wales’ which reveals that the sector contributes £500m to the UK economy.

To read the Report click here.

The Report provides a comprehensive overview of the sector, including key statistics such as: market size and tenure, service charges, managing agent industry breakdown, profitably, contribution to UK economy, etc. At a time of unprecedented change in the sector and increased focus on the leaseholders’ voice, it also outlines ARMA’s position on the regulation of managing agents and leasehold reform.

ARMA CEO, Dr Nigel Glen, said: “Really, we’ve compiled the Report as a valuable reference tool to help interested parties - either those working directly in the sector or those involved in research - find out more and demystify the sector. The Report contains a rich vein of data, some of which was already available - just not all in the same place - and some from ARMA research and sources further afield”.

Title: Government to fund cladding replacement in privately owned high-rise buildings

Description:

The Government has today (9^th May 2019) announced that it is to fund vital cladding replacement in privately owned high-rise buildings.

Around £200 million will be made available to remove and replace unsafe aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding from around 170 privately owned high-rise buildings.

ARMA CEO, Dr Nigel Glen, said: “ARMA is delighted that Government has agreed to fund cladding replacement in privately owned high-rise buildings. Leaseholders can finally get their lives back on track in the knowledge that their homes will be made safer.

“This was a call first made by ARMA directly to the Secretary of State immediately after Grenfell and we have to congratulate the pressure groups that helped bring about this significant move, allowing affected leaseholders to finally live safely in their homes.”

ARMA is in close discussions with MHCLG about how the scheme will work and will liaise with its members through its High Rise Fire Risk group.