Residential
From small residential apartment blocks to large housing estates, we offer tailored management services for freeholders, RMCs and RTMs.
A residential property is more than just a building: It’s a home. Which is why we’re committed to managing residential blocks with care and consideration, and dealing with any matters that arise promptly and professionally.
We offer a range of services and are committed to ensuring you pay reasonable costs for works and administrative fees; that you get value for money at all times; and you always receive a high-quality service from the Edgefield team.
Financial Planning
Deciding what works need carrying out, the costs involved and, consequently, what the service charge should be, can be a challenge for any inexperienced block manager.
At Edgefield, we work with RTMs, RMCs and freeholders to prepare an annual and five-year service charge plan budget based on our experience and our assessment of the works required – immediately and in the future. We make sure all supplier contracts are put out to tender to ensure you receive a competitive price for the services you receive.
Collection of Service Charges & Ground Rent
It’s vital that service charge fees are collected regularly, so funds are available to carry out planned works throughout the year.
At Edgefield, we manage every aspect of service charge collection, from sending out invoices and statements to chasing arrears. In addition to the collection of service charges, we can also collect ground rent, on behalf of the Freeholder, from leaseholders in accordance with the terms of your lease.
Company Secretary
It’s your responsibility to ensure year-end accounts are prepared and certified but it’s a time consuming and stressful task if you choose to do it yourself.
Our company secretary service ensures your company complies with all legal and financial requirements, including filing your annual return on time, updating records regarding any change of company directors or officers, and acting as a service address for the company.
Insurance
Having the correct buildings insurance in place ensures you meet the requirements of your lease, and, of course, gives you and the residents of the property peace of mind if the worst was to happen.
At Edgefield, we appoint the services of a surveyor to assess the rebuild value of a property and to ensure your block is not under insured. Then we work with a number of insurance providers to offer you cost effective and comprehensive insurance cover that includes block cover, public liability and terrorism, as well as directors and officers insurance and engineering insurance if you have a lift. If an insurance claim needs to be made, we’re on hand to provide advice and support throughout the process.
Health and Safety Compliance
It’s important that your building is safe and secure for the people that live in it, and that it meets all the requirements of current health and safety legislation.
As part of the property management process, our experienced team reviews all health and safety, fire safety and compliance matters for your building. Then we advise on what actions need to be taken, if any, to make your building complaint.
One of the first things we do when taking on a new client is to send our Health & Safety Consultant to the property to conduct a full audit.
Site Inspections and Reports
It’s important to have regularly scheduled site visits to ensure work is being carried out to the high standard we expect. This applies to everything from cleaning, gardening, ongoing maintenance and major works.
At Edgefield, we have an in-house maintenance surveyor who carries out regular inspections of developments and assesses any health, safety and security risks too. These visits are followed by a detailed electronic report.
On-site Staff Management
Very often, a large residential development can have on-site staff such as a porter, concierge, gardener, cleaning team or security staff.
We ensure the work of all on-site staff is monitored and managed, any issues are dealt with quickly, and regular performance reviews are held. Our aim is to ensure all on-site staff members work to a high level and deliver an exceptional service for residents.
AGMs and Director Meetings
Regular meetings are an important part of block and estate management. Of course, there is at least one meeting a year – the Annual General Meeting (AGM) where all owners are invited. On top of this, if the development is run by an RMC or RTM, you will also need to have regular meetings between the Directors to make important decisions on repairs and maintenance and ensure that the finances are in good order.
It’s always useful to have a third party manage any meetings where all residents are invited, such as the AGM. We can draw up an agenda, organise, attend, take meeting minutes, and ensure accurate records are kept and matters actioned. We will also ensure service charge and company accounts are prepared for review before the AGM.
All our clients are assigned a dedicated Property Manager who will be available to also attend any meetings of the Directors. Tailored client reports on expenditure versus budget, arrears, maintenance and major works can be compiled prior to these meetings, depending on each client’s specific requirements.
Contractor Selection and Management
When it comes to ongoing maintenance or major works, it’s crucial to choose the right contractors for the job.
At Edgefield, we have a comprehensive list of contractors we work with, who are all highly skilled, work to a high standard, and are up to date with their health & safety and insurance documentation. What’s more, because of the large amount of work we carry out, we can offer competitive prices across a range of services, from exterior decorating to lift maintenance.
Administration and Communication
Our commitment to prompt and transparent communication regarding issues, our personal and friendly approach to client service, optional 24/7 emergency helpline, and also our detailed client reports – including financial, maintenance and day-to-day management information – are what set Edgefield apart from other property management firms.
In addition to the emergency helpline and online form, we respond to all telephone calls and emails within 24 hours and provide leaseholders and freeholders with copies of requested documentation within 48 hours.
What others are saying
Thank you for all your help and in particular the very professional and discreet way you dealt with this rather bizarre situation – very much appreciated.
Leaseholder
Residential Block in Woking
This is really helpful, thank you so much. I am going to talk to the other directors and get back to you, it sounds like just what we are after!
RMC Director and Chairman of the Board
Residential Estate in Guildford
Many Thanks. It’s pleasing that the letters from the accountant dealt with the issue – one of the many benefits of dealing with a professional managing agent.
RMC Director
Apartment Block in Farncombe
I had to visit my tenant last night so have now seen for myself the new door plate. It’s really neat and well done so my thanks to you and your contractor.
RMC Director
Apartment Block in Farnham