Block management services encompass taking care of the maintenance of common areas, collecting service charges, and ensuring that all safety regulations are also being followed. For most individuals, that seems easy, but there is a lot more to block management Manchester standards that needs an intricate level of understanding; especially for someone new to purchasing property in the region.
The Manchester Property Landscape
Developments like NOMA and Deansgate Square are transforming entire new neighbourhoods of Manchester, and it can be clearly seen how the property scene has escalated over the years with the addition of other apartment blocks to the skyline. There is a stark difference when comparing now and five years ago, and with that, good management has become paramount.
Service charges differ greatly, but the average is £1,500 and can go as high as £3,000 annually. The city centre apartments with a concierge and a gym seem to charge at the higher end.
What Good Block Management Looks Like
Communication is, without a doubt, the strongest factor. During the emergency repairs where multiple blocks in Castlefield had cladding problems, residents prioritised updates more than anything else.
It also matters how service charges are combined. Managing agents who are good provide clear cut breakdowns of charges, which need explanation. This may sound simple, but it is incredible how so many fails doing this.
There are immense response time gaps between companies. Manchester’s good block managers do attend to urgent matters within 24 hours and do give updates on the slow issues weekly so quite a few of them do attend.
Common Problems Facing Manchester Blocks
Specific problems are created due to the weather in Manchester. There is poor rainfall, which causes drainage issues and leaks to the roof quite a lot. With good block managers on the case, these often-unpredictable problems are resolved with reliable contractors.
There is an evident surge in particular worrying areas like Piccadilly and the Northern Quarter. Many blocks have responded to these problems with upgraded entry systems and CCTV, which is a good initiative in enhancing security.
This is not the first time or the last of repeating a gruelling amalgamation of faults. The infamous building safety crisis always comes down extremely hard on Manchester, bouncing from remediation work done on high profile blocks around Salford Quays and Spinningfields to imposition of bills in the thousand range on homeowners.
Selecting Appropriate Block Management
“Local knowledge is invaluable,” is not just some slogan hanging useless. This comes handy for Manchester based managers who have a far better understanding of the difficulties posed by the city and its deeper connections with contractors compared to other national firms. For London firms deploying managers to Manchester, it’s one heck of a shock.
Our heads always buried in work tends to forget the truth behind the masquerade. So, while we look at portfolios and accounts, speak to real residents living in the blocks, ask about their experience, refer to other districts in Manchester that exist.
Looking Ahead at Block Management in Manchester
An emerging belief suggests that the longer the building boom drags on without the corresponding growth in block activities, the more essential effective block management is bound to become.
The internet might not yet be appreciated by everyone, but progression can be tracked with the better reporting portals. Users can monitor issues and track progress. The available apps allow instant reporting of problems and facility booking, this tremendous change serves to improve residents’ experiences subsequently positively impacting block management.
Selecting effective block management is often the difference between a harmonious living atmosphere and constant frustration. With the property price in Manchester continuing to grow, it makes the right choice more important than ever.