This month, our contributors shine a light on some often overlooked aspects of block management, from communal areas and outdoor spaces to EV charging.

In the News!

  • ALEP Urges Greater Clarity on Leasehold Reform as Select Committee Scrutiny Continues. Transparency over ground rents, valuation reform and the unresolved technical flaws affecting implementation of the Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act 2024 remain priorities.
  • Clear governance, defined safety responsibilities and better-informed homeowners will all be essential to ensuring that commonhold can operate effectively in practice and provide a durable and transparent ownership model for future residential communities. This was the consensus from a recent roundtable hosted in London by property management company, FirstPort.
  • LRG has acquired Principia Estate and Asset Management, a specialist block management business operating across some of the most prestigious residential buildings in Prime Central London.

Featured Articles

The Government introduced its draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill (CLRB) to Parliament in late January, signalling a significant moment for leasehold reform. Is the draft Bill historic? Yes. Is there scope for change within it? Most definitely yes, as discussed by Mark Chick, Senior Partner at Bishop & Sewell.

In many residential developments, play areas are seen as a simple amenity, and something that adds value for families and improves the feel of a scheme. But in practice, they bring a level of responsibility that is often underestimated. Learn more from the article by Richard Twaites, Director of Building Safety & Compliance at Innovus.

Harry Macgregor, Head of Business Development of ChargeGuru UK looks into the subject of OZEV grant changes for landlords and property managers.

The team at Residentsline Flats Insurance explores practical ways to manage parking, improve security and discourage anti-social behaviour in shared external areas.

Step into any communal area, and you’ll notice the details that shape first impressions. Clean floors, fresh paint, good lighting, and of course, the lift. It’s easy to judge a lift by what you can see as discussed in the article by ILECS Lift Consultants.

When it comes to communal areas, outdoor space and even newer additions like EV chargers, one of the biggest challenges isn’t always the physical management, it’s understanding who is actually responsible. Learn more in the article by Jodie Fraser, Managing Director at JMJ Asset Management.

As expectations for residential blocks evolve, the quality of shared spaces has become central to the overall living experience. Residents increasingly look for welcoming communal interiors, attractive outdoor areas and practical amenities such as EV charging, as highlighted in the article by the team at EarlKendrickGroup.

The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 come into place from April 6th this year, so it’s important that property managers understand what their responsibilities will be. The article by 4Site Consulting explains what Residential PEEPs are, who they’re for and how property professionals can approach them practically and proportionately.

Across FirstPort’s UK-wide property management portfolio, the focus is increasingly on how communal areas can be cared for in ways that reflect residents’ priorities. This means greener spaces, stronger communities, and environments that support wellbeing. Jonny Holmes, South West Director at FirstPort, explains: “Residents want to feel proud of their surroundings. Our role is to manage these areas by keeping them safe, sustainable and enjoyable.”

The team at specialist property solicitors JB Leitch have followed the development of EV charging and the impacts for landlords and managing agents. Their article provides a recent summary of activity.

Whether this is within a residential building, or an office space, lifts often serve as crucial access points to the shared areas, allowing residents/workers to move easily between different levels where these shared spaces are located. Learn more from the team at Ardent Lift Consultancy.

Blocks of flats are shared environments that should welcome everyone. When communal spaces are designed and maintained well, they support safe and comfortable living. If accessibility is overlooked, some residents may find everyday tasks difficult or even unsafe, as discussed by Residentsline Flats Insurance in their article.

Forward-thinking design can make a significant difference to how a building functions over time. When communal areas, green spaces and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure are planned carefully, they can greatly improve long-term asset value. Learn more in the article brought to you by Block in a Box.

The article by Flat Living Insurance provides an overview of key health and safety considerations, as well as the insurance issues that should be addressed when installing and managing EV charging facilities in residential blocks.

In their article, the team at London Flats Insurance explores how blocks of flats can make better use of communal outdoor space and turn overlooked areas into assets.

Read all of these articles and more, in the latest edition of Flat Living Magazine.