This month, our contributors delve into the world of listed and historic buildings, covering everything from Fixflo’s new Section 20 workspace, lift maintenance and what’s involved in managing these properties.

In the News!

  • Earl Kendrick are delighted to announce that Chris Shattock has been promoted to Director and Head of Commercial Surveying, a year after he joined the business.
  • There has been a huge amount in the press about the “feudal” system of leasehold and how the government’s revitalised commonhold will fix all of the problems associated with long leasehold ownership. But will those buying into or converting to commonhold find that the old adage “be careful what you wish for” applies to them?
  • Property investors have good reason to watch leasehold reform closely. Much of the public debate is framed around homeowners, but leasehold is also an investment market. It affects buy-to-let landlords, freehold investors, mixed-use owners, developers, managing agents and lenders. The challenge is to distinguish between what reform changes and what it does not.

Featured Articles

Living in a listed building can be a privilege. Period architecture, original features and a strong sense of history can make these blocks highly desirable places to live. However, looking after a listed residential building can also present some challenges. Learn more from the team at Residentsline Flats Insurance.

The article from the team at Fixflo explores one of the most overlooked aspects of major works consultations: managing stakeholders and responding to leaseholder observations.

What happens when the lift at the heart of a historic building reaches a point where it needs significant refurbishment, modernisation or replacement? Learn more in the article brought to you by ILECS Lift Consultants.

For many, purchasing a flat in an older building represents a chance to live somewhere with genuine architectural or historical interest. The article by Earl Kendrick Group looks at this in more detail.

Historic and listed buildings are often valued for the things that make them different. Original staircases, ornate entrances, decorative ironwork, timber panelling and period features all contribute to the character of a building. But what happens when one of those features is the lift? Learn more from the Ardent Lift Consultancy team in their article.

In some residential buildings, the absence of a Fire Strategy may only become apparent when the document is requested. Where the original Fire Strategy cannot be located, a Retrospective Fire Strategy can provide a clear record of the fire safety principles and arrangements for the building. You can find out more in the article brought to you by 4Site Consulting.

David Smith, Partner in the Bishop & Sewell Landlord & Tenant team looks at Domestic EPC Reform and what it means for flats, listed and historic buildings.

“People don’t build in that style anymore,” says Alice Duggan, Associate Director at FirstPort London. It’s a simple observation, but it explains most of what makes managing London’s period buildings so distinctive.

Owning a flat in a listed building carries extra responsibilities. Alterations that might be straightforward elsewhere can require careful consideration and formal consent; not only regarding the outside of the building but also the features inside individual flats. Learn more in the article from the team at London Flats Insurance.

Listed buildings offer something that many modern developments cannot: history, character and distinctive architectural features. But maintaining a listed block can be more complicated than looking after a modern development as the article from Flat Living Insurance explains.

Improving the energy efficiency of an older block makes homes more comfortable while helping to reduce carbon emissions. But retrofitting a historic building requires a different approach versus upgrading a modern block… Learn more in the article from the team at Block in a Box.

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