LATEST NEWS

Budget Season is Here!

It’s that time of year again – budget season! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be working through the budgets for the properties we manage and setting the estimated service charges for the year ahead. But what goes into producing a service charge budget? Our Head of Finance, Joanne Coolen, breaks this down.

Level With Us: Leasehold Reform

We have a problem, and it isn't simply the existence of rogue managing agents. It's the growing belief that the cost of managing residential buildings can somehow be reduced through regulation alone, without understanding what it actually takes to manage them properly.  At the Labour Party Conference on 29 September 2026, a significant statement to millions of leaseholders across the country was made, promising a new Leasehold Reform Bill before Christmas. Politically, it's an attractive promise, and for leaseholders frustrated by years of rising costs, poor transparency and sometimes appalling treatment, we completely understand why it would be welcomed. But there's a problem with statements like this. They create expectations. They suggest that, once reform arrives, the financial pressures associated with owning and maintaining a leasehold property will somehow begin to disappear.  That simply isn't how residential property management works.

Level With Us: What Does ‘Next Level Management’ Actually Mean?

When we launched Levels Property Management, we chose Next Level Management as the phrase that would sit alongside our name. It sounded right. It summed up the ambition we had for the business and the kind of managing agent we wanted to build. But phrases like that have to mean something. It is very easy to say you offer a different level of service. It is much harder to demonstrate what that looks like when you are preparing a service charge budget, taking over a development from another agent, dealing with a major building defect, advising directors on a difficult decision or telling a client something they would probably rather not hear. That is where “Next Level Management” actually begins.

Level With Us: Communication

Welcome to Level With Us, our new series exploring the things that matter in block and estate management. For our first conversation, we're starting with something we are all particularly passionate about: communication. Good communication comes down to a fairly simple question. Do you understand what is happening in your building, or are you having to chase someone to find out? See how Levels is tackling this industry wide issue head on.

Welcoming Joanne Coolen to Levels Property Management

We are pleased to welcome Joanne Coolen to Levels Property Management as our Head of Finance. Her appointment is an important step in the continued development of our business and strengthens the financial expertise we bring to the residential developments we manage.

Extreme Heat Warnings: How Residents Can Stay Safe and Help Protect Their Building

The Met Office has issued a rare Red Extreme Heat Warning for parts of England and Wales from 9:00am on Wednesday 24 June until 9:00pm on Thursday 25 June 2026, with temperatures potentially reaching 38°C to 40°C in some areas. For residents living in apartment blocks and managed estates, staying safe during a heatwave is not only about personal precautions. It is also about looking after neighbours, using communal spaces responsibly and reporting building-related concerns quickly.

From Reactive Repairs to Planned Maintenance: How Levels Helps Protect Long-Term Value

Good property management is not defined only by how quickly urgent problems are fixed. It is also defined by how well those problems are anticipated, communicated, budgeted for and prevented where possible. At Levels Property Management, we see planned maintenance as one of the most important ways to protect a building’s long-term value.

Commonhold Reform Update: The Debate Has Moved From Principle to Delivery

When we last wrote about commonhold reform in February, the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill had recently been published and the sector was beginning to digest what it might mean in practice. Since then, the conversation has moved on...
Understanding Insurance in Leasehold Properties

Understanding Insurance in Leasehold Properties

Owning or living in a leasehold property comes with shared responsibilities, and insurance is one of the most important. One of the most common areas of confusion for leaseholders is understanding the difference between the building insurance arranged by the freeholder or management company, and the individual insurance policy that each leaseholder should arrange themselves. While the building may already be insured as part of the service charge, this does not necessarily mean your personal belongings, internal finishes, or legal liabilities are protected. Understanding the difference can help avoid costly surprises if something goes wrong.

Why I Joined the Company

When people ask me why I chose to join Levels Property Management, I smile, because for me, the decision wasn’t just about a job. It was about finding a place where my strengths could grow, my ideas would matter, and my work could make a real impact. After a few weeks in the role, it’s already clear I’ve made the right choice.

Commonhold Reform: What the Draft Bill Means in Practice

In this article we are taking a look at the Commonhold Reform Draft Bill - what the draft legislation proposes, what may change, and what it could mean for freeholders, Residential Management Companies (RMCs), Right to Manage (RTM) companies, developers and leaseholders alike. The Bill is extensive and technical, but its direction of travel is clear: a long-term structural shift away from traditional leasehold flats and towards a reworked and strengthened commonhold model.
Authentic Leadership

Authentic Leadership

This is a controversial one, especially as a Director of a block management company who has been on both sides of the fence; this is a very raw, but real issue that lurks within our industry.  Block management has a reputation problem. High turnover, burned-out staff, inconsistent service. The industry explanation is usually the same: difficult residents, demanding directors, too much regulation. But there’s a truth that rarely gets said out loud… Sometimes the biggest problem in block management is the director at the top.

Setting the Standard for 2026 

Now that we’re fully back into the swing of things with the Christmas backlog cleared, inboxes back under control, and the final chocolates and Twiglets well and truly polished off, it feels like the right moment to pause and properly set the tone for the year ahead.  And 2026 feels different.
Season's Greetings from Levels

Season’s Greetings from Levels Property Management

The festive season is here, and as another year draws to a close, we would like to take a moment to wish our clients, contractors, partners and wider property community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This is a time for reflection, gratitude and optimism, and as a business that has been live for just over six months, it feels particularly fitting to pause and reflect on how far Levels Property Management has come in such a short space of time.
Winter Apartment Guide

Prepare Your Apartment for Winter: Essential Tips for Block Residents and Festive Safety

The days are short, the temperatures are dropping, and the festive season is upon us. Winter in the UK brings with it cold snaps, increased energy demands, and the joy of Christmas. We've put together essential, in-depth guide to preparing your apartment for the cold snap and navigating the winter season smoothly and safely.

Unveiling MyLevels: The Future of Property Management is Here!

We are excited to launch MyLevels - a huge leap forward for property owners within our managed portfolio. MyLevels is more than just an online portal, it's an experience brought to life by our very own developer, bringing you unparalleled access to key information in the palm of your hand.

Why Block Management Is the Property Industry’s Least Understood Profession 

To outsiders, block management seems simple. You collect service charges, pay the cleaners, arrange insurance, and maybe deal with the odd maintenance issue. Easy, right?  Wrong!  Here, I unpack some of the misconceptions...

The End of Leasehold? Deciphering the UK’s Move to Commonhold for Homeowners

For millions of people in the UK, homeownership - especially in a flat - has traditionally meant navigating the often complex and confusing world of leasehold. However, we are now facing a monumental shift as the government pushes to make commonhold the default tenure for flats. We unpack what that might mean for UK leaseholders, and examine the proposals as we look to the future.
Leasehold Reform High Court Ruling

Landmark High Court Ruling Upholds Key Leasehold Reforms: A New Dawn for UK Leaseholders

The property landscape in the UK is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, and here at Levels, we've always championed the voice and position of the leaseholder. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 marks a monumental shift towards a fairer system, and the High Court's recent decision on 24th October 2025, has reinforced this trajectory, dismissing a major legal challenge against the new legislation.

Prepare Your Apartment for Autumn: Essential Tips for Block Residents

The leaves are turning, the air is getting crisp, and before we know it, the clocks will go back, bringing those longer, darker evenings. Autumn is a beautiful season, but it's also a crucial time to ensure your apartment is ready for the cooler, wetter months ahead. Lets take a closer look...

The Quiet Revolution: Why Next-Level Service and Transparency is the Future of Block and Estate Management

In the world of block and estate management, there is a quiet revolution happening. Levels Property Management is committed to a fresh and modern approach, implementing the very best in the latest technologies and customer interaction systems. Our entire strategy is built upon three non-negotiable core values: Integrity, Information, and Innovation. These are the scaffolding for our customer-centric service.
ECCT Act

Are You Ready for the New Economic Crime Act? A Critical Update for RMC & RTM Directors

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCT Act) received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023, and it's set to have a profound impact on every company in the UK - including your Residential Management Company (RMC) or Right to Manage (RTM) company.
Property keys

Leasehold Reform: What’s Changing and How Levels Property Management is Supporting You Through It

Big changes are coming to the leasehold system in England and Wales - here we take a look at what's happening.

Your Guide to a Water-Wise Home

Water damage can feel like a property's worst nightmare, but it doesn't have to be. Our guide covers our responsibilities, a property owners role in prevention, and the importance of insurance.
Levels Property Management Portal

Beyond the Basics: How Our Portal is Redefining Block and Estate Living

In the modern world of residential block and estate management, convenience and communication are key. But at Levels Property Management, we believe that technology can and should go far beyond simply providing a convenient way to pay your service charge. That's where our portal comes in...
Young couple logging in to block and estate management customer portal

Why a Robust Tech Stack is Essential in Modern Block and Estate Management

In this article, we discuss how a robust tech stack is essential in modern block and estate management, the rise of AI, and how Levels is demonstrating innovation in action.
section 20

Understanding the Section 20 Process: A Complete Guide for Leaseholders

When it comes to managing residential blocks and estates, transparency and legal compliance are essential. One of the most significant legal obligations for landlords and managing agents is the Section 20 consultation process, a requirement under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (as amended by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002). This process ensures leaseholders are informed and consulted before being charged for certain major works or long-term service contracts. If not followed correctly, the landlord may be unable to recover the full cost from leaseholders - no matter how necessary the work. In this article, we’ll break down.
Culture & Values in Block Management

Why Company Culture and Values Matter in Property Management

In property management, technical knowledge and compliance are vital - but they’re not what defines a truly great managing agent. What does? Culture. Values. People. Read more about my story and thoughts on this vital aspect of any business.
Women in Block Management

Modern Voices – Women in Block Management

Block management has long been shaped by male-dominated firms and decision‑making, yet women have historically played vital roles behind the scenes within the industry. Read my perspective on female leaders in block management.
Insurance

Rewriting the Rules: What the New Insurance Consultation Means for Leaseholders – and How We’re Leading the Way

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 is shaking things up - and for good reason. But change is coming - and Levels Property Management is ready.
summer holiday checklist

Your Summer Holiday Checklist: Essential Apartment Checks Before You Go!

The summer holidays are here, and for many, that means packing bags, setting out on adventures, and enjoying some well-deserved time away. But before you swap your daily routine for sandy beaches or mountain trails, there's one crucial set of tasks to tackle: preparing your apartment for your absence.

Decoding the Jargon: A New App to Make Lease Analysis Simple for Everyone

LeaseClear is a new app that tackles the complexity of understanding your lease, developed specifically for leaseholders, freeholders and property managers.
Financial paperwork

A Strategic Milestone for Levels Property Management

Investing in excellence: Why we chose MRI software as our strategic technology partner.
Levels Property Management launches delivering block and estate management services to RMC, RTM, Freeholder and Developer clients

Welcome to Levels: Taking Property Management to the Next Level

The day has finally arrived - 1st July marks the official launch of Levels Property Management, and we couldn't be more excited to share this moment with you.
High rise building with cladding

Building Safety Act 2022: A Comprehensive Overview

A comprehensive overview of the Building Safety Act 2022
Red telephone

Levels Property Management: Comprehensive Out-of-Hours Emergency Service

Read more about our out-of-hours service offering, and the benefits to your property.
For Sale sign outside a modern property

Essential Requirements for Property Sales Packs (LPE1/FME1) in Managed Buildings and Estates

Sales packs are fundamental to the conveyancing process within a managed building or estate. Learn more about the process and how Levels Property Management can support you.
Young couple sitting in a modern living room

Living in a Leasehold Property: What You Need to Know

Read our brief guide on living in a leasehold property, and what you need to know.
Savings jar holding various coins

What Is a Reserve Fund? Why You’re Paying for the Future — and How Levels Puts Integrity First

Reserve funds can plan an integral part in the management of a building. Here, we explain why.
Piggy bank and assorted coins

What Are Service Charges? And How Levels Property Management Is Leading the Way in Transparency and Innovation

If you live in a leasehold flat or managed estate, chances are you're paying a service charge - but do you actually know where that money goes?
Residential apartment building under construction

What Is a Property Development Company? And How Levels Property Management Helps Bring Developments to Life

What is a property development company, and where a managing agent like Levels Property Management comes in.
Man and woman shaking hands

What Is an RTM? And How Levels Property Management Helps You Take Control of Your Building

An overview of the Right to Manage process, and how it might be right for you.
Freehold managed housing estate

Who Is the Freeholder? And How Levels Property Management Works With Them to Keep Everyone Happy

The role the freeholder plays in the management of your property.
Man and woman shaking hands inside a property

What Is an RMC? And How Levels Property Management Helps Them Create Better Places to Live

In the world of leasehold property, there's a lot of jargon - but if you're a leaseholder or resident in a block of flats, one acronym is worth getting familiar with - RMC.

Life After Grenfell: The Cladding Crisis and What’s Next for Building Safety

We talk about the changing landscape of property management since the Grenfell tragedy.
Jar filled with coins

Money Matters: Why Financial Control in Property Management is Everything

Financial control is so important, lets talk about why.