Block Management

Decorum Properties property management has been offering block and freehold management services in central and west london since 2008. we specialize in small to medium sized blocks of flats.

Decorum Properties property management offers a personal service, with a strong emphasis on providing transparent accounts and servicing the day-to-day needs of your property.

We believe in a hands-on approach to block management. we document and assess issues relating to your property on-site, to be able to resolve them as efficiently and professionally as possible. this first investigation helps us to determine the best course of action and what professional help is required - this can range from structural surveyors, electricians and fire safety companies right down to smaller jobs that can be carried out by a maintenance team.

We can help you find suitable contractors, accountants, solicitors and surveyors to resolve any issue pertaining to your property, but if you prefer we are equally happy to work closely with your own trusted workmen or professional of your choice.

Our services include

•   Collection of ground rents and service charges

•   Preparation of service charge budgets and financial forecasts

•   Preparation of year end accounts and returns

•   Organising building insurance, including valuations and claims handling

•   Facilitation and attendance of annual/six monthly meetings

•   Liaison with residents on all matters

•   Dealing with assignments and notices

•   Site visits

•   Supervision of building works

•   Supervision of general building maintenance

•   Supervision of contracts covering gardening, cleaning and day to day management

•   Regular reports to freeholders (or right-to-manage companies)

Transparent Accounts

At Decorum Properties we believe in keeping transparent and easy to understand accounts. all outgoings are clearly entered onto itemised lists in the accounts. every expense is numbered, categorized and dated. print outs of the accounts are always available on request, but they are also sent out automatically along with the annual accounts to all leaseholders.

An exemplar of the detailed itemised accounts that we provide to clients is available on request.

Client deposit accounts

We do not mix or pool client accounts and money! at decorum properties every managed block has a minimum of two dedicated client deposit accounts - and this really does mean separate accounts with the bank. the first account is usually for the day-to-day management of the property. the second account is purely for the sinking fund (or reserve fund). copies of the bank statements for these accounts are usually sent to the freeholder. but copies are also available to all leaseholders, on request.

Building Insurance

A lot of companies involved in block management maintain group policies for a lot of different properties for a variety of clients. the usual argument given for this practice is that grouping the building insurance makes the policy cheaper.

We have some very serious doubts about this approach.

In autumn 2009 we took on a block of flats in central london which had its building insurance covered under a group policy with over 150 other properties. the premium charged for the period 2008/2009 under this group policy was £4108.

With the enfranchisement of the block our clients had to take out a new building insurance. despite the fact that the property had an ongoing subsidence claim and a water damage claim, we managed to get the individual insurance policy for the house down to £2494 per annum - a saving of £1614 per annum.

We used the same insurer and got the same conditions on the policy, so we can only speculate on where all the extra money went the year before!

Areas we cover at the moment:

Please do not hesitate to contact us if your property is not in one of the listed areas above. We are always looking for opportunities to work in new areas of the country and London.

Contact enquiries@decorum-properties.com