FAQs
Get answers to the most common questions about an estate management company and service charges. If you have a more specific query, then please contact us.
What services are included in our annual charges?
Your service charge will be different for every development but it typically covers:
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Our management fee to procure and monitor the below.
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Common area maintenance and cleaning
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Landscaping and grounds maintenance
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SuDS system management
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Utility costs of communal areas such as street lights or pump stations
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Financial management and reporting
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Common area insurances
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Bank charges for separate account
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Biodiversity and environmental programmes as defined by planning approval
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Reserve and sinking fund for future long term replacement of estate assets
We are always happy to explain any aspect of your charges and provide evidences of costs.
What makes you different from other residential property management companies?
We're a family-run business that specialises in low-rise residential estates. Our founder's background as a civil engineer and former property developer means we understand estate infrastructure in ways that many management companies simply don't. We offer CPI-linked pricing, asset adoption services, and direct access to our management team – no layers of staff to work through.
Why do you focus on managing low-rise developments?
Low-rise estates have completely different risk profiles and maintenance requirements compared to high-rise buildings. By focusing on what we know best, we can offer more competitive pricing and avoid the complex insurance and safety issues associated with tower blocks or high rise development.
How do you help reduce our estate's running costs?
Our civil engineering expertise also helps us identify cost-effective maintenance solutions that many management companies would miss. We actively work to transfer estate assets like roads, sewers, and open spaces to local authority or developer-funded maintenance schemes. This could significantly reduce your annual service charges.
What's this about CPI-linked pricing?
Instead of imposing arbitrary annual increases of 5-10% like many estate management companies, we link our fee increases to the UK Consumer Price Index. This means predictable, fair pricing that reflects true economic conditions.
What if residents want to manage the estate themselves?
That's absolutely fine – we support residents' right to choose. If your residents' association decides to self-manage or switch to another company, we'll provide all documentation and guidance needed for a smooth transition. No hidden fees or deliberate obstacles.
What are sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)?
SuDS include features like retention ponds, swales, permeable paving, and underground storage systems that manage surface water naturally. Our civil engineering background means we understand how these systems work and can maintain them properly.
How quickly do you respond to maintenance requests?
We acknowledge all requests within 48 hours and provide realistic completion timescales. For urgent issues, we respond immediately. Non-urgent requests are typically completed within 5-10 working days, depending on the complexity.
Are you properly qualified and insured?
Yes – our director is an individual certified member of the Association for Project Safety and individual affiliate member of The Property Institute. We carry full professional indemnity and public liability insurance appropriate for residential estate management.