cleaver-pm

In Loving Memory of Martin Cleaver

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:35:12 GMT

Founder and Director of Cleaver Property Management

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Martin Cleaver , Founder and Director of Cleaver Property Management.

Martin dedicated more than four decades of his life to the property industry, founding Cleaver Property Management with a clear vision: to create a business built on trust, professionalism and genuine care for people. Under his guidance, the company grew not just in scale, but in reputation — known for integrity, consistency and personal service.

In a reflective piece written on the occasion of his retirement, Martin spoke with humility about his journey, his gratitude to colleagues, clients and advisors and his pride in the team that would carry the business forward. He never viewed success as an individual achievement, but as something created collectively through strong relationships and shared values.

Martin was a generous mentor, a thoughtful leader and a constant source of encouragement to those around him. He was deeply proud of his family and especially grateful for the unwavering support of his wife Sue throughout his career.

While Martin may no longer be with us, his values, vision and spirit remain firmly embedded in our company. His legacy will continue to guide us in the years ahead.

Our heartfelt condolences are with his family and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Proud to Support our Local Community

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:06:51 GMT

Cleaver Property Management Ltd were honoured to be involved in last week’s DIY SOS episode featuring 8 year old Raffi, from Bracknell, a very special young boy whose story inspired so many.

We were pleased to donate funds to a local interior company, Peacock House Interiors ,, enabling them to provide on of the new beds as part of this transformational project. The result? Rafi’s family are now able to stay together under one roof, in a home designed to meet their needs.

Supporting our local community is incredibly important to us, and we’re proud to collaborate with local businesses to make a difference.

Catch up on the episode now via BBC iPlayer to see the amazing work and community spirit in action.

Thank you to Chris Hudson Flooring for the image.

Statement regarding incident – 9 October 2025

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:52:10 GMT

On the evening of 9 October, a fire occurred at one of the residential sites we manage, affecting three properties.

We are extremely grateful to the fire brigade for their swift response and the support shown to residents.

Our team, including Head of Property Management Emma Keeley and Senior Property Manager Ben Parry, attended site to assist residents and will continue to provide on-site support in the days ahead. We are liaising closely with emergency services, insurers, and contractors to ensure all necessary steps are taken safely and sensitively.

Our thoughts remain with all those affected, and we will continue to support residents in the coming weeks.

Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023

info@cleaverproperty.co.uk (Cleaver Info) — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:48:14 GMT

A major legal change is on the horizon and it affects every director and PSC involved in the running of a UK company, including residential management companies.

From autumn 2025, under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, all directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House.

While many firms are handling this quietly in the background, we believe our clients deserve full visibility into what’s happening and how we’re preparing on their behalf.

So, What’s Changing?

This isn’t just another form to complete. The law is designed to:

Stop people from using companies for criminal or dishonest purposes
Improve transparency in the UK’s corporate system
Ensure every director is personally identifiable and accountable

If you don’t verify your identity, you may:

Be barred from acting as a director
Prevent your company from filing legal documents
Be subject to fines or disqualification

How Are We Supporting Our Clients?

We’ve rolled out a full, structured support plan to help directors meet the new requirements. Here’s what Cleaver are doing :

1. Notifying Directors Early - We’ve contacted all directors across the companies we manage using tailored letters and templates, clearly explaining what’s required and when.

2. Offering Step-by-Step Guidance - We’ve created easy-to-understand materials to help directors:

Choose how to verify (online, Post Office, or via an ACSP)
Understand the process
Get support if they’re unsure where to start

3. Tracking Progress Internally - We maintain a compliance checklist for every company we manage. This allows us to:

Track which directors have verified
Send timely reminders to those who haven’t
Avoid last-minute compliance issues

4. Helping Boards with Removal (If Needed) - If a director refuses to verify and the company’s Articles allow for it, we’ll assist with:

Legal guidance
Notices and paperwork
Filing director removal forms with Companies House

5. Answering Questions Along the Way - We’ve trained our team to answer queries about the new rules and if needed, we’ll help connect you with a solicitor or accountant who can act as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

Why Does This Matter?

This legislation is a major step forward in protecting companies and the people who run them. We believe in staying ahead of compliance and ensuring our clients feel confident, not confused.

By taking this proactive approach, Cleaver Property Management is helping to:

Protect directors from penalties
Ensure companies stay compliant
Promote trust and transparency in the leasehold management sector

Do You Need Help?

If you’re a director and aren’t sure what to do next, we’re here to help you understand your responsibilities and how to meet them.

Email your Cleaver Property Management contact or reach us at info@cleaverpropertymanagement

Cleaver Property Management – Supporting Directors. Safeguarding Companies.

Celebrating Sally Bell's Success

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:36:31 GMT

A Huge Congratulations to Sally Bell on her latest academic achievement!

We’re thrilled to congratulate Sally , our brilliant Senior Accounts Manager , on successfully completing the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting !

Over the past academic year, Sally has dedicated herself to mastering key areas including:

Bookkeeping
Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
Principles of Costing
The Business Environment

This certification has further sharpened her business and personal skills - a perfect complement to the wealth of experience she already brings to our team.

Sally combines commercial acumen with client-focused financial management , drawing on a diverse background spanning retail, e-commerce, estate planning , and automotive services . Her experience as a business owner gives her a unique edge in understanding the full financial picture - from transactions and tax compliance to customer satisfaction.

We're also excited to share that Sally will be advancing her knowledge even further by starting the AAT Level 3 course this September!

Her blend of professional expertise , dedication and personal flair continues to make her an invaluable asset to our team.

Please join us in celebrating this achievement!

Congratulations, Zoë!

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:23:26 GMT

A Huge Congratulations to Zoë!

We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate an incredible achievement by our very own Zoë Stuart-Jones , Operations Director at Cleaver Property Management.

Zoë first joined Cleaver in 2015 with a mission to enhance our in-house administration and streamline our operations. Over the years, she has continually proven her value, rising through the ranks thanks to her sharp operational mind, unwavering dedication and deep understanding of the property management industry.

Most recently, Zoë has successfully completed the Pitman Training Office Manager Diploma - a comprehensive and rigorous programme designed to equip professionals with the essential skills to manage a busy, high-functioning office. Zoë completed the diploma over three years (with a well-deserved break to buy a house and get married!) and earned Distinction overall , receiving 13 Distinctions and 6 Pass grades across 19 individual courses.

From mastering payroll principles and costing & pricing, to developing expert proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, Zoë's learning journey is a testament to her passion for excellence and continuous growth. She now brings this enhanced expertise directly into her role - making a tangible difference every day.

While Zoë is planning a short (and well-earned!) break from studying, we wouldn’t be surprised if an HR qualification is on the horizon next. Outside of her professional accomplishments, Zoë is known for her love of cleaning, her knack for organisation and a heartfelt affection for animals - especially sheep and dogs.

Please join us in congratulating Zoë on this fantastic achievement and in celebrating the brilliant impact she continues to have here at Cleaver Property Management.

#WomenInBusiness #ProfessionalDevelopment #OperationsDirector #OfficeManagerDiploma #PropertyManagement #CleaverPropertyManagement #BlockManagement #EstateManagement

Celebrating Ben Parry's Success

info@cleaverproperty.co.uk (Cleaver Info) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:09:48 GMT

A Huge Congratulations to Ben Parry on his latest academic achievement!

We are delighted to announce that Ben Parry, a highly valued member of our Property Management team at Cleaver Property Management, has recently achieved his TPI Level 2 Certificate in Residential Property Management. This significant accomplishment is a testament to Ben’s dedication to professional development and his unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients.

Since joining us, Ben has consistently demonstrated his expertise and professionalism. He brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous career in hospitality management, where he honed his customer service skills, problem-solving abilities and exceptional time management. These attributes have proven invaluable in his role, enabling him to navigate the complexities of property management with confidence and skill.

In recognition of his hard work and expertise, Ben has been promoted to the position of Senior Property Manager. His practical expertise is beautifully complemented by his artistic side, which inspires him to approach challenges creatively and view problems from a fresh perspective. His passion for creative pursuits enhances his ability to think outside the box and find innovative solutions, making him an integral part of our team.

We are incredibly proud of Ben’s achievements and look forward to seeing him continue to thrive in his new role. Please join us in congratulating Ben on his well-deserved promotion and certification!

She Did It!!!

info@cleaverproperty.co.uk (Cleaver Info) — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:51:32 GMT

She did it! Cheryl braved the shave and raised £1,100 for Macmillan!

Last week on Friday 25th April, our very own Cheryl Wallace took part in Brave the Shave at The Lord Raglan and thanks to YOUR amazing support – she more than doubled her goal!

Bake sale?
Hair shaved by her colleagues?

Live stream? https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16DqnV4Qi7/

Total raised: £1,100!

A massive thank you to everyone who baked, donated, attended, or watched along – and of course to The Lord Raglan for kindly hosting. Cheryl’s support for Macmillan is something we’re so proud of.

You can still support her cause here: https://bit.ly/4fWNrAh

#CherylBravesTheShave #MacmillanSupport #cleaverpropertymanagement #FundraisingSuccess #CommunityHeroes

Celebrating Tim Linfield's Success

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:39:54 GMT

A Huge Congratulations to Tim Linfield on his latest academic achievement!

We are delighted to share that Tim has successfully achieved his TPI Level 2 Certificate in Residential Property Management!

This qualification is a testament to Tim’s dedication to professional development and his commitment to delivering the highest standards in property management. Since joining Cleaver Property Management Ltd , Tim has consistently gone above and beyond to provide exceptional service to our clients and leaseholders. His newly acquired certification further strengthens his expertise, ensuring we continue to offer the best possible property management solutions.

Well done, Tim! Your hard work and determination are truly valued and we look forward to seeing you continue to grow and excel in your role.

Celebrating Diana Bucataru's Success

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:26:45 GMT

A Huge Congratulations to Diana Bucataru on her latest academic achievement!

Diana’s dedication to personal and professional growth is truly inspiring. Having already earned Master’s degrees in Management & Audits and Agriculture, she has now added another milestone to her journey - a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Business Management.

Her commitment to expanding her skillset doesn’t stop there. She’s currently pursuing an AAT accounting qualification, ensuring she’s well-equipped to navigate the complexities of financial management and business strategy. This level of drive and perseverance makes her an invaluable professional in the property management industry at Cleaver Property Management Ltd .

Diana’s hard work, determination and thirst for knowledge is truly admirable. This is just another step in her journey and we can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes next.

Please join us in celebrating Diana’s well-earned success!

Celebrating Emma Keeley’s Success

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:58:50 GMT

Celebrating Emma Keeley’s Success: Achieving the TPI Level 3 Certificate in Residential Property Management

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Emma Keeley, our Head of Property Management, who has successfully attained the TPI Level 3 Certificate in Residential Property Management. This prestigious qualification is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and commitment to delivering the highest standards in property management.

Emma joined Cleaver Property Management Ltd in September 2021, bringing with her a wealth of experience from the Lettings Property Management sector. Since then, she has seamlessly adapted to the dynamic world of Block Management, excelling in every aspect of her role. Her recent promotion to Head of Property Management reflects her strong leadership, proactive approach, and unwavering commitment to client service.

The Level 3 Certificate in Residential Property Management covers essential aspects of the profession, including leasehold property management, legal frameworks, service charge accounting, building construction, and customer service. Emma’s successful completion of this qualification further strengthens her expertise and enhances the service we provide to our clients and leaseholders.

But Emma’s journey doesn’t stop here! She is now continuing her professional development by working towards her Level 4 - Leasehold Management Qualification—the final step to achieving full qualification with The Property Institute (TPI). This industry-standard qualification is designed for residential property managers seeking formal recognition for their expertise and the opportunity to use the prestigious MTPI designation. We have no doubt that Emma will continue to excel as she works towards this next milestone.

At Cleaver Property Management Ltd , we are passionate about supporting professional development, and Emma’s achievement embodies our belief in investing in people. We actively encourage our team to pursue further education and industry qualifications, providing the resources and support needed to help them succeed.

We are incredibly proud of Emma and her dedication to professional excellence. Please join us in congratulating her on this fantastic accomplishment and wishing her the best as she works towards her Level 4 qualification and MTPI designation!

Visit www.cleaverproperty.co.uk or send us a message to learn more about how we can help you.

#SuccessStory #PropertyManagement #ProfessionalDevelopment #CleaverPM #InvestingInPeople #TPI #MTPI

Cleaver Property Management Featured in the Berkshire Local

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 11:25:56 GMT

January 2025 edition of the Berkshire Local publication

We’re thrilled to share that Cleaver Property Management Ltd has been featured in the January 2025 edition of the Berkshire Local publication https://bit.ly/4h65BzJ

This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering outstanding property management services across the region, supporting landlords, tenants, and investors with tailored solutions that truly make a difference.

We’re proud to be part of the Berkshire community and are passionate about providing reliable, efficient, and professional property management services to meet the unique needs of our clients.

Check out our digital article here: bit.ly/40qXTKU

A huge thank you to our team, clients, and community for making this possible – we couldn’t do it without you!

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead of growth and collaboration.

Whether you’re a landlord seeking hassle-free management or a tenant looking for a trusted partner, our team is here to make property management simple, stress-free, and effective.

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can make property management effortless and effective for you.

Visit www.cleaverproperty.co.uk or send us a message to learn more. Let’s start your property management journey the right way – together.

Spread the Magic This Festive Season!

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:16:24 GMT

Everyone here at Cleaver Property Management Ltd is thrilled to continue supporting Transform Housing & Support this year, we’ve donated a variety of Christmas Goodie Bags for Adults, Teens and Children, brightening the festive season for those who rely on their incredible services.

This Christmas, they have launched a Transform Tree, a virtual tree where every donation helps spread kindness and warmth.

https://ow.ly/cQYi50UfC2y

1. Choose your star or light on the virtual tree.
2. Donate to purchase your chosen star or light.

Transform supports over 1,800 people each year, primarily in Surrey, but also in Wokingham, West Sussex and the London Borough of Sutton - Their purpose is to enable homeless and vulnerable people to live independent and fulfilling lives

Together, we can make this festive season a little brighter for those who need it most. Every gift counts!

Let’s come together to create a season of giving, love and community spirit!

Weathering the Storm

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:16:22 GMT

Storm Darragh Highlights the Need for Proactive Property Maintenance

As Storm Darragh swept across the UK, it served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature we face and the importance of safeguarding our properties against them.

At Cleaver Property Management Ltd , we’ve seen first-hand how regular maintenance can make the difference between minor inconveniences and costly repairs. Blocked gutters, loose roofing tiles, or weakened fences may seem trivial, but in stormy conditions, these issues can quickly escalate into significant problems.

Proactive property care is essential – it’s not just about addressing problems after they arise but preventing them in the first place. By staying ahead of the weather, we protect not only the property itself but also its value and the peace of mind of those who live and work within it.

With Cleaver Property Management Ltd as your property management agent we are here to help. Whether you need an emergency response to storm damage or wish to establish a comprehensive maintenance plan, we’re committed to keeping your property in top condition, no matter the weather.

Let’s face future storms with confidence.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you keep your property storm-ready. Visit www.cleaverproperty.co.uk or send us a message to learn more.

Let’s start your property management journey the right way – together.

Cheryl Wallace is Braving the Shave (Again!) for Macmillan Cancer Support!

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:16:21 GMT

At Cleaver Property Management, we’re incredibly proud to share that our very own Cheryl Wallace is preparing to take on the Brave the Shave challenge for the third time!

On 25th April 2025 , Cheryl will be shaving her hair off with the support of the Cleaver Property Management team, all in support of the amazing work done by Macmillan Cancer Support.

This cause is deeply personal for Cheryl, who has seen close family members and friends face the tough realities of a breast cancer diagnosis. Her dedication to raising awareness and funds for cancer support is truly inspiring. In Cheryl’s own words:

“It’s a cause that’s close to my heart. Supporting breast cancer awareness and science is essential and I’ve experienced how important organisations like Macmillan are for people going through their toughest moments. Braving the shave is also incredibly liberating—it reminds us that we are not defined by our hair but by our strength and compassion for others.”

This act of bravery is more than a fundraising effort - it’s a symbol of solidarity with those undergoing treatment, many of whom lose their hair. Cheryl’s goal is to raise £500, which will help Macmillan provide crucial emotional, practical, and medical support to individuals and families affected by cancer.

�� How You Can Help
You can support Cheryl by donating through her fundraising page: https://bit.ly/4fWNrAh . Every pound counts and your generosity will make a tangible difference to those in need.

�� Show Your Support
Join us on at 4.30pm Friday 25th April 2025 at The Lord Raglan Pub in Wokingham to cheer Cheryl on as she takes on this empowering challenge! Whether in person or virtually on our lives, your support will mean the world to Cheryl and the people she’s raising funds for.

Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates on Cheryl’s fundraising journey and hopefully live coverage of the big day. Let’s rally behind Cheryl as she proves, once again, that together we can make a real difference.

Thank you for helping Cheryl in her mission to support such a vital cause.

Best High-End Property Management Company 2024

info@cleaverproperty.co.uk (Cleaver Info) — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:16:20 GMT

We’re Thrilled to Share Some Exciting News!

This incredible recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering tailored, client-centric property management services. Over the past three decades, we’ve built a reputation rooted in family values, personal care, and a dedication to exceeding expectations.

A special thanks to our outstanding team whose hard work and passion drive our success, and to our loyal clients for trusting us with your properties. Together, we’ve achieved something truly remarkable!

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue leading the way in high-end property management, particularly in heritage preservation and bespoke services. Here’s to sustainable growth, innovation, and building even stronger relationships in the future!

If you’re looking for experienced, dedicated professionals to manage your property, Cleaver Property Management Ltd are here to help. From residential blocks of flats to housing developments, mixed-use buildings, shops and flats combined, over-55 developments and not forgetting parkland estates, we have the expertise to ensure smooth and efficient management tailored to your needs.

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can make property management effortless and effective for you.

Visit www.cleaverproperty.co.uk or send us a message to learn more. Let’s start your property management journey the right way – together.

Kicking Off 2025 at Cleaver Property Management

info@cleaverproperty.co.uk (Cleaver Info) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:15:34 GMT

We’re back and ready to hit the ground running

We’re back and ready to hit the ground running after a well-deserved holiday break. At Cleaver Property Management Ltd , we’re excited to continue providing expert property management services that make life easier for Directors, landlords and tenants alike.

As we enter 2025, our priorities are clear:

• Delivering seamless property management solutions tailored to the needs of landlords and investors.
• Ensuring tenant satisfaction through efficient maintenance and responsive communication.
• Embracing sustainable practices, driving energy-efficient management for a greener future.
• Building stronger communities by providing secure, well-maintained homes.

Whether you’re a landlord seeking hassle-free management or a tenant looking for a trusted partner, our team is here to make property management simple, stress-free, and effective.

Here’s to a productive and successful year ahead!

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can make property management effortless and effective for you.

Visit www.cleaverproperty.co.uk or send us a message to learn more. Let’s start your property management journey the right way – together.

Fire Evacuation Policies

leanne@cleaverproperty.co.uk (Sirina Daaboul) — Thu, 02 May 2024 08:00:00 GMT

In the realm of leasehold properties in the UK, the discussion surrounding stay put policies and evacuation policies has gained prominence in recent years. These policies determine how residents should respond in emergency situations, such as fires or other hazards. While both approaches aim to ensure safety, they present distinct perspectives on how to address such incidents. This blog post explores the key features of stay put policies and evacuation policies, shedding light on the UK's approach to maintaining safety within leasehold properties.

UK's Approach and Regulations

The UK's approach to stay put policies and evacuation policies in leasehold properties is influenced by building regulations and the advice of fire safety experts. Following the Grenfell Tower fire, an Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety was conducted, leading to a series of reforms to enhance fire safety in high-rise residential buildings. These reforms emphasise the importance of comprehensive fire risk assessments, improved building materials, enhanced evacuation plans, and communication systems.

Stay Put Policies

Stay put policies have been traditionally followed in many leasehold properties in the UK since the 1960s. Under this approach, residents are advised to remain within their units during a fire or other emergencies, unless their unit is directly affected. The rationale behind stay put policies lies in the construction and design of buildings, which are built to contain fires and prevent their spread. The compartmentalisation and fire-resistant materials used in these buildings are expected to provide residents with sufficient protection, allowing them to safely stay in their units until the fire is contained.

Evacuation Policies

In recent years, there has been a shift in thinking regarding stay put policies, particularly in high-rise buildings. The tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 highlighted the potential risks associated with such policies, leading to a re-evaluation of safety practices. Evacuation policies prioritise the swift and immediate evacuation of residents during emergencies, regardless of the level of fire containment. This approach aims to minimise the potential for casualties and ensure the safety of all occupants. The successful implementation of this approach requires alarm and detection systems that are capable of alerting all residents promptly and enabling a timely evacuation.

Conclusion

Balancing the need for resident safety and the unique characteristics of leasehold properties is a complex challenge. While stay put policies have traditionally been followed, recent tragedies have highlighted the need for a re-evaluation of these approaches. The UK's approach is evolving, with a greater emphasis on prioritising resident safety through comprehensive fire risk assessments, improved building regulations, and effective evacuation strategies. It is crucial to ensure that the chosen policies in leasehold properties effectively protect residents, providing them with peace of mind and a secure living environment. To find out your building’s fire safety policy, see the fire safety notices by the entrance or contact your managing agent.

A Message from the Managing Director

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 13:38:30 GMT

Sarah's Story

Three decades ago, from the confines of our family home, Cleaver Property Management was born. Founded by my parents, it all started in our dining room, with a desk tucked under the stairs, boxed in by filing cabinets, a printer and fax machine.

The number of times I'd rush to the phone, hoping to talk with my friends only to hear that dreaded dial-up tone. Back then dial-up internet meant I couldn't use the landline to chat with my friends while my parents were busy working. Thankfully, technology has come a long way since then.

As the company grew, it moved from the dining room into our spare bedroom. It was at that point I was employed as the company’s dogsbody, to earn my pocket money. My favourite memory is that the fax machine lived in the inbuilt wardrobe, which you practically had to climb into in order to send a fax.

This brief stint in the company unknowingly laid the foundation for my future. While initially I was determined not to have anything to do with the company - I blame the Dickensian working conditions I experienced as a child - life had other plans for me and in one way or another, I found myself gravitating back to the world of Property Management business.

Over the years, Cleaver Property Management has grown in both size and reputation. Our team has expanded to include talented property managers, accounts managers, maintenance professionals, and administrative staff. Each member shares the core values of integrity, excellence, and dedication that define our company's character.

At the heart of my parents' vision for Cleaver Property Management was an unwavering commitment to their clients. They knew that success in the real estate industry went beyond mere transactions; it was about building trust, nurturing relationships, and putting clients' needs first. This ethic of putting people before profits is something I am determined to uphold as I take on the mantle of leadership and continue my parents' remarkable journey.

The real estate industry is ever-changing, and I am excited to lead our team into the future, embracing new technologies and innovative practices to serve our clients even better.

I am confident that Cleaver Property Management's legacy will endure and flourish. With a talented team by my side and an unwavering commitment to our clients, the possibilities for growth and success are limitless.

I hope my parents' story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs and property management professionals.

Now We Are 30!

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 11:59:30 GMT

A brief history of how we got here.

We have been asked to put a few words on a page in recognition of the Company reaching the 30-year milestone. What follows is an honest recollection of the start of the company through to our ‘handing over of the baton’ to Sarah.

In 1992 Sue & I had, what we thought, were safe jobs in a Property Management company. We had one daughter, Sarah, and a mortgage. The latest financial crisis was looming and on 16th September 1992 interest rates went from 10 to 15 percent.

In the Spring of 1993, we went on a caravan holiday in Cromer, Norfolk. Sue announced she was pregnant, with Natalie due later that year. Less than a month later we were both out of work.

I think it fair to say we were pushed rather than jumped in to starting our own business. I recall worrying about how to look after our growing family but looking for another job, in 1993, was far from easy. Unemployment rate was over 10% or 6.5 million people.

It quickly became obvious we had to start our own business. We put together a Business Plan, rang several Directors of Blocks, who now found themselves without an Agent. We started with 6 blocks of flats, a telephone, some borrowed money from parents and a very brief meeting to decide the name of the business.

Natalie arrived and we had at least 3 different meals each week. It’s fair to say we worked 7 days a week. We were once asked what it was like to start our own business. Our reply was to say “Great, we only work half a day - and better still, we get to choose which 12 hours each day that is!”

We would take it in turns to answer the phone and Natalie would provide the entertainment. We felt guilty that there was no ‘normal’ life. There were no holidays either and looking back, that is something we cannot recompense Sarah or Natalie for - you can’t wind back the clock.

There is a constant drive within you when you are wondering where the next meal is coming from - or how you are going to pay for it. It seems silly now, but I literally ‘stole’ a Yellow Pages off a doorstep as I was so excited to see our first advert! There was no social media, web or email so spreading the word was done by photocopying our advert and pushing it through letterboxes - whatever the weather.

You finally arrive at a point where all of this is a ‘proud history’ to all our efforts. We moved house to accommodate an ever-growing number of filing cabinets, a fax machine and 2 desks. We started having holidays and even had weekends off.

The business was always going to grow by keeping core values, family run, quality service and professional management. Its aim was to grow steadily and to pride itself on a long-term association with every client. There are still a number of customers with us from when we started 30 years ago. Not many Agents can say that!

The future is now looking brighter and recent uncertainties - the pandemic and Brexit - are behind us. We have hopefully put things in place that mean the continued growth of the business is as assured as it can be whilst giving Sarah the confidence to explore new markets and expand the business further.

Martin & Susan Cleaver

Understanding Service Charge

leanne@cleaverproperty.co.uk (Sirina Daaboul) — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 13:54:37 GMT

When purchasing a property, no one wants any financial surprises. So, we’ve explained Service Charge in as much detail as possible below. Including how they are budgeted, paid for, and what to look out for when buying a leasehold property.

When buying a flat (or other leasehold property), it’s likely that you will need to pay a Service Charge. Whether you’re in a small block or a large residential development, Service Charge is necessary to ensure the general upkeep of the property and its communal areas/amenities. Service Charge is payable by the leaseholder to the freeholder, to cover costs such as maintenance, repair and insurance of the building and communal areas, as well as the employment of staff and management of the property.

What does Service Charge cover?

You can find details of what your Service Charge covers within the lease for your property. It will include everyday expenses to cover the general maintenance of a property, such as cleaning and gardening, as well as buildings insurance, salaries etc. You will also likely find a budget for cyclical expenses, like communal area decoration, risk assessments or lift servicing. As well as a reserve fund to cover long term expenditure.

How much can you expect to pay?

This is always the first question on any buyers’ lips, and the answer is dependent on a number of factors. Such as, the size of the property, the number of units, what amenities it has and the age of the building. For example, if you’re in a small block of 8 flats with little but a communal hallway and a flight of stairs or two, your Service Charge budget will be smaller, but split among fewer people. If you’re in a large residential block with lifts, communal gardens or leisure facilities, for example, your Service Charge will be considerably higher, but divided among a larger number of leaseholders.

Who decides the Service Charge budget and how?

Your designated Property Manager and Accounts Manager will work together to draft a reasonable annual Service Charge budget for the property. This must then be reviewed and approved by the Management Company Director(s) or Freeholder. They will take into consideration any unplanned maintenance expenses from the prior year, plus any planned works or upcoming risk assessments such as Electrical Testing, Fire Risk Assessments or Building Insurance Valuations.

The Service Charge budget will also need to cover the cost of any ongoing maintenance contracts, such as Gardening, Cleaning and Lift/Gate Maintenance, as well as communal gas and water (if applicable) and electric. Your Property Management team will look at the cost of utilities for the prior year to decide on a reasonable budget for this.

Reserve Funds explained

The Reserve Fund is often the most costly part of a Service Charge budget. This can come as a surprise, as people often mistake it for being a ‘just-in-case’ fund. However, the reserve fund is crucial, as it is there to cover long term expenditure. For example, it may be in the lease that the external painting is to be carried out every five years at the approximate cost of £10,000. In this case, the reserve fund would contain £2,000 a year so that the funds are available when the works are due. If you want to know what’s being covered in the reserve fund you can refer to your lease or ask your Property Manager.

Why is my Service Charge budget not the same each year?

Service charges are based on the expected expenditure for the coming year, which depends on several factors. Meaning your Service Charge may vary year-on-year. For example, risk assessments such as Asbestos Surveys or Building Insurance Valuations aren’t always carried out on annual basis; they can be every two, three or five years. So, a risk assessment may need to be factored into the budget one year but not the next (and vice versa).

As explained earlier, your Property Manager and Accounts Manager will look at the previous year’s outgoings for unplanned (emergency) maintenance. This covers any works that were unexpectedly required throughout the year; this could be anything from drainage issues to repair of a door entry system. If you’ve had a year where there have been a few unanticipated maintenance issues, your Property Manager will need to take this into consideration for the next year’s budget to make sure enough funds are available for any further unplanned works.

Service Charge apportionment

If you are curious as to how your Service Charge is apportioned, you should be able to find this information in your lease. In many cases, the Service Charge will be evenly distributed between leaseholders. However, where there are properties with different numbers of bedrooms, the apportionment could be variable. Either way, this information is usually presented within the lease as a percentage. If your lease is unclear about Service Charge apportionment, ask your solicitor to clarify.

How and when to pay your Service Charge

Service Charge demands are payable as per the lease. This might be monthly, quarterly, bi-annually or annually, and is usually due upfront to cover expenditure for the year ahead. Options for paying your Service Charge may differ between Managing Agents, but most should give you the option to pay either by BACS or over the phone upon receiving the Service Charge demand.

At Cleaver Property Management, we don’t take Direct Debit payments, but if you wish to set up a Standing Order you can discuss this with your Accounts Manager. If you’re not sure who your Accounts Manager is, simply give us a call on 0118 978 7182 and let us know your name and what property it’s regarding; a member of the team will make sure you get through to the right person.

Know where you stand

If you’re looking at purchasing a leasehold property, you can request a copy of the Service Charge budget before you buy, so that you can factor it into your finances. If you’re already a leaseholder of a property managed by us, you can ask your Property or Accounts Manager for the breakdown of your Service Charge budget, so that you know where your money is going. Please note that we cannot provide non-owners with a copy of a Lease for their potential purchase. However, the buyers’ solicitors can help to obtain this if needed.

Find out more

If you have a question about your Service Charge, please contact us on 0118 978 7182. If you would like to find out more about Cleaver Property Management, please take a look at our brochure or contact us using the form below.

Covid-19: An Update from Cleaver Property Management

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 10:11:26 GMT

Update: 2nd August 2021

We're back!

As per the recent government announcement, we have now been able to introduce our staff back into the office. We have chosen to do this at a time when a number of our team members are on holiday, so that the transition back to full capacity is more gradual.

To ensure the safety of all staff, we will be implementing strict procedures going forward, these are listed below:

We ask any member of staff who feels unwell, in any way, to not come to the office.
All staff must take their temperature and sanitise their hands on arrival.
All staff are encouraged to regularly wash their hands throughout the day with either soap and water or hand sanitiser.
We will be ensuring that windows are open at all times to provide adequate ventilation.
The weekly fogging of the office and the shared company vehicle will continue.
All Employees will be expected to wipe down their work station at the end of each day.
All Employees will also be expected to regularly wipe down ‘touch’ areas within the office i.e. kitchen area/franking area/printers/door handles.
No external visitors will be allowed into the office , this includes contractors collecting keys and delivery drivers – if for any reason, they need to come into the office, we will ask them to take their temperature, sanitise their hands and wear a mask.
All keys are to be sanitised when they are returned to the office.
External site visits remain mandatory and internal site visits will continue at the Property Manager’s discretion. We do not expect any Property Manager to carry out an internal site visit that they are not comfortable with. We strongly advise that PPE is worn while on site, especially when meeting any contractor or Client.
Meetings/AGM’s are encouraged, where possible, to be carried out via Zoom, an outside space or neutral indoor space.
We encourage all members of staff to undertake a Lateral Flow Test on a weekly/twice weekly basis.
If an Employee tests positive for Covid-19, they are to isolate for 10 days.
If an Employee receives a notification to say they have come into contact with an infected person, they are to isolate for 10 days.
Nb. After the 16th August, those Employees who have had 2 vaccinations will no longer need to isolate, providing their second vaccination was at least 10 days before contact.

We are delighted to have our team back together, not to mention to be able to make the most of our new offices! We will continue to follow government guidelines and update you should our situation change.

We thank you for your continued patience, support and understanding over what has been a challenging 18 months for all.

Best wishes,

The Directors and all the team at Cleaver Property Management.

Update: 5th January 2021

Dear clients, friends and colleagues,

Following the latest government announcement regarding the national lockdown, we want to keep you informed on how Cleaver Property Management will continue to operate in line with the new guidance.

Site Visits and Meetings - suspended until further notice

In line with both government regulations and ARMA guidance, and in order to keep our staff and residents safe, all site visits and meetings are suspended until further notice.

Property Management - staff working from home

Our Property Managers will continue to work from home and will be available via email or phone on 0118 978 7182 . We kindly ask that non-urgent matters are communicated via email to your Property Manager, leaving our phone lines available for more urgent queries.

Accounts Management - staff working from home

Our Accounts Managers will also continue to work from home. All queries should be sent via email to your Accounts Manager or, to make a payment over the phone, please call 0118 978 7182 . BACS payments will continue to operate as normal and Service Charge demands will continue to be issued via email. Any demands that are posted will be delayed.

Maintenance & Contractors

Our in-house Maintenance team will continue to provide a service to both internal and external areas, at their discretion and working in a Covid-secure manner.

We have asked our third-party contractors to abide by government restrictions and guidelines; it will be down to their judgment if they continue to carry out their services. There will be dedicated windows for contractors to collect and return keys. Collection will be on Mondays between 8am to 11am and returns will be on Fridays between 2pm and 4pm. If you need to collect keys outside of these times, please email maintenance@cleaverproperty.co.uk to request a time slot. We kindly ask all contractors to comply with the safety signage outside of our office. Please do not enter the office under any circumstance and please wear a mask. We would also like to assure our third-party contractors that they will receive timely payment as usual.

Out-of-Hours

Our out-of-hours service, provided by Adiuvo, is available in the event of emergencies only . Adiuvo can be contacted on 0115 896 5158 between 5.30pm - 9am plus weekends and bank holidays.

This is a naturally busy time for us and of course, another lockdown won't be without its challenges. We kindly ask that you please respect our staff and understand that they will be doing their best to prioritise all queries and repairs. In the event of an emergency please call the main office line, rather than emailing. We greatly appreciate the patience and understand our clients have shown us this year, and hope that it won't be too long before we can once again announce a return to the office.

We wish you all well and hope you continue to be satisfied with the service you receive.

Best wishes,

Sarah Cleaver

Update: 5th November 2020

Dear clients, friends and colleagues,

As you will know, today we have entered a new four-week national lockdown. That means, after several weeks of enjoying life back in the office, the Cleaver Property Management team will go back to working from home. The key phrase in the new Government Guidelines is, "Everyone who can work effectively from home must do so.” And, having done so successfully during the first lockdown, we're confident in our ability to do so again. There will be some slight differences in how we operate, so please do read below. Here is what you can expect from us over the next four weeks:

Property Management

Our Property Managers will return to working from home and will be available via email or phone on 0118 978 7182 . We kindly ask that non-urgent matters are communicated via email to your Property Manager, leaving our phone lines available for more urgent queries. Meetings and site visits have been suspended until further notice. Otherwise, you should find minimal disruption to our Property Management service.

Accounts Management

Our Account Managers will also return to working from home. All queries should be sent via email to your Accounts Manager. Or, to make a payment over the phone, please call 0118 978 7182 . BACS payments will continue to operate as normal and Service Charge demands will continue to be issued via email. Any demands that are posted will be delayed. We would also like to assure our third-party contractors that they will receive timely payment as usual.

Maintenance

Our in-house Maintenance team will continue to provide a service to external areas only, working in a Covid-secure manner. There will be dedicated windows for contractors to collect and return keys. Collection will be on Mondays between 8am to 11am. Returns will be on Fridays between 2pm and 4pm. If you need to collect keys outside of these times, please email maintenance@cleaverproperty.co.uk to request a time slot. We kindly ask all contractors to comply with the safety signage outside of our office. Please do not enter the office under any circumstance, and please wear a mask.

Our out-of-hours service, provided by Adiuvo, is available in the event of an emergency. Adiuvo can be contacted on 0115 896 5158 between 5.30pm - 9am plus weekends and bank holidays.

We wish you all well and hope you continue to be satisfied with the service you receive.

Best wishes,

Martin & Susan Cleaver

Update: 15th September 2020

Dear clients and friends,

After many months of working from home, we were pleased to welcome the Cleaver Property Management team back to the office this week. It took some considerable planning to get to this stage and we've introduced a number of safety measures to protect our staff and visitors. Please read below to find out how life at Cleaver Property Management has changed.

As our premises isn't large enough to have the whole team in at once, we have introduced a rotation system which splits the team into two groups. Team A will work from the office for two weeks while team B work from home, and then they will switch. This allows us to introduce everyone back to office life while maintaining social distancing. Additional safety measures have also been introduced:

Desks have been arranged so that nobody is sat directly next to or opposite each other.
Each desk/area has been marked off with tape, helping our team to stay socially distanced.
Each desk/area has been provided its own sanitation products, and staff are asked to wipe down any equipment/surfaces they have touched when they're finished using them.
The door to the office is kept open at all times during the day, so that multiple people aren't touching the handle.
Cupboard doors have also been removed from the kitchen.
A sanitising station has been set up outside of the office entrance. Staff are asked to take their temperature and use hand sanitiser before entering.
Safety posters have been displayed around the office regarding social distancing and regular hand washing.
The office is being fogged every weekend.
At the end of their two week rotation, staff are asked to thoroughly clean their stations ready for the next group.
An area has been set-up outside the office entrance for post to be left.
An area has been marked outside of the office for contractors to stand when collecting keys. And, just in case they miss it, the Spice Girls are there to tell them to stop (right now, thank you very much).

We are continuously monitoring the effectiveness of these new safety measures and ensuring they are being adhered to by staff. It will take some getting used to, but we are very happy to see more faces back in the office.

Best wishes,

Martin & Susan Cleaver

Update: 18th August 2020

Dear clients and friends,

As you know, the Cleaver Property Management team have been working remotely for some months now, since the start of lockdown. With restrictions slowly but surely easing, we have been able to introduce our senior team members back to the office. We have introduced a number of safety measures, including social distancing, hand sanitiser/cleaning stations, and regular cleaning & fogging.

You may have also noticed that our Property Managers have started to carry out site visits again. We feel that this is necessary in order to provide our clients the best possible service, but please be assured that we have safety measures in place for these visits. Including asking our Property Managers to wear a mask on site, and to ensure they are using hand sanitiser appropriately throughout their visit.

The majority of our team members continue to work from home, but we have been working hard together on a plan for a phased return that will allow all of our staff to return to life in the office, while still maintaining social distancing. We hope to introduce this plan in September, should government guidelines allow, and will provide you with further details at the time.

We thank you once again to the patience and understanding you have shown us over the past few months. We hope that everyone is well and safely enjoying the remains of summer.

Regards,

Martin & Susan Cleaver

Update: 3rd June 2020

It's been a couple of months now since we brought you the message below, letting you know how we'd be dealing with the government restrictions put in place to keep everyone safe. With things now starting to ease slightly, we thought we would give you an update on our situation.

The team at Cleaver Property Management are currently still working from home, with the exception of our Maintenance Department who are now fully operational. They will continue to wear their provided PPE on site, and keep a safe distance from each other in the office. We have put together a 'back to work' policy for the rest of the team, and will look to phase ourselves back to the office during July/August’20. We will most likely have a staged return, with the whole team unlikely to have returned until August.

Ourselves and the team are continuing to do our best to provide a full and high-quality service from our homes, and we can't thank our clients enough for the patience and understanding shown throughout this time. As a team, we have been doing lots of things to keep spirits up, and ensuring we remain positive, connected and of course, healthy. We hope you've enjoyed keeping up with some of the things we've been doing - if you've missed anything, take a look at our latest blog post: How the Cleaver Property Management Team Have Been Getting Through Lockdown .

We wish you all well, and will continue to keep you updated as government guidelines change.

Regards,

Martin & Susan Cleaver

24th March 2020: A message from the Directors of Cleaver Property Management

Following Government advice, we would like to let you know that we are still open for business to ensure the continued smooth running of your development throughout this period. Due to the restrictions issued by the Government on 23/03/2020, our team are now working remotely from home. We thank you in advance for your patience during this time whilst these restrictions are in place. Our team will do everything they can, however our responses may not be as prompt as usual due to this difficult time.

We ask that, unless it’s an emergency, please contact us by email rather than phone.

Our business is reliant on third-party companies for maintenance issues. We have asked our contractors to abide by Government restrictions and guidelines and it will be down to their judgment if they continue to carry out their services.

Please see below an update on each department at Cleaver Property Management:

Property Management:

Property Managers are working remotely from home, all requests for non- urgent repairs & queries should be sent via email to your Property Manager.
For urgent repairs during working hours (Monday- Friday 9am to 5.30pm), please contact the office on 0118 9787182 .
Our out-of-hours service provided by Adiuvo and is available in the event of an emergency. Adiuvo can be contacted on 0115 896 5158 between 5.30pm and 9am plus weekends and bank holidays.
The Property Managers will still be raising jobs to contractors; however, it is up to each contractor if they continue to work.
Meeting’s & site visits have been suspended.
Other than the above, the Property Managers will still be working as normal, however most communication will be via email.

Accounts Department:

Account Managers are working remotely from home, all requests should be sent via email to your Accounts Manager.
To make a payment over the phone, please call our office on 0118 9787182 and an Account’s Manager will call you back.
BACS payments are still operating as normal.
Service charge demands will still be issued as normal via email. Any demands that are posted will be delayed.
Contractors will be paid as usual.
Other than the above, the Account Managers will still be working as normal, however most communication will be via email.

Maintenance Department:

Our Maintenance Team are closed for onsite repairs, but this is under constant review.
If contractors require a set of keys, please email maintenance@cleaverproperty.co.uk to request a time to collect keys.
Our out-of-hours service provided by Adiuvo and is available in the event of an emergency . Adiuvo can be contacted on 0115 896 5158 between 5.30pm and 9am plus weekends and bank holidays.

Solicitors Enquiries:

There could be a possible delay on Solicitors Enquiries, however for any clarification on your enquiry please contact Zoë on zoe@cleaverproperty.co.uk .

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this challenging situation. We will continue to monitor advice from the government and will provide further updates when possible.

We wish all of our clients well.

Regards,

Martin & Susan Cleaver

Martin Cleaver: thoughts on my retirement

leanne@cleaverproperty.co.uk (Sirina Daaboul) — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 12:34:22 GMT

After a 40+ year career (more than half of that spent as Director of Cleaver Property Management), Martin Cleaver has retired. Here are his thoughts on retirement, and how the past year has affected his plans.

EWS1 Certificates – Changes in Government Guidance

leanne@cleaverproperty.co.uk (Sirina Daaboul) — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 11:02:22 GMT

New guidance regarding EWS1 forms has brought all buildings into scope, what does this mean for your property?

The 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy cast a spotlight on fire safety in residential buildings. It became apparent that the existing processes and regulations regarding fire safety were not effective, and so the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published a series of guidance notes on the risks of aluminium composite material (ACM) in buildings. The same guidance addressed the importance of other fire safety factors, such as the way a wall system has been installed in the building.

The EWS1 form was introduced in December 2019, designed to give lenders confidence when lending on apartments built before the changes to regulations in 2018. It was originally intended for high-rise blocks of flats, typically above 18m or six storeys. However, changes to government advice in January 2020 brought all buildings into scope. Meaning, some residential blocks may now require an EWS1 Certificate if they have ‘specific concerns’, even if they fall under 18m. This could include 4-6 storey buildings which may have combustible cladding or balconies constructed with combustible materials. A scenario such as this would present an obvious risk to life safety and may require remediation per the latest government guidance.

The RICS website states that “RICS do not envisage most residential ‘in scope’ buildings 1-3 storeys in height requiring an EWS1 form, unless the type of occupation of the building significantly increases risk to life in the event of a fire e.g. a care home with elderly people which could not be evacuated quickly and which will necessitate remediation works.”

The EWS1 is not a legal requirement at present but was developed by lenders alongside the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to make the valuation process easier. An assessment is required every five years but may be necessary sooner if the property undergoes any work that affects the original conclusions. The EWS1 form covers the building as a whole, so multiple sellers in the same block can provide the same assessment when selling their property.

The biggest challenge that Block Managers and Leaseholders face, is that the certification required to carry out these inspections is somewhat rare. Currently, there are only around 300 qualified assessors in the UK. Therefore, they have had to prioritise buildings that are either taller or known to have cladding. Unfortunately, this means that some buildings may not be examined for up to five years.

According to the RICS website, The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government says: “We do not support a blanket approach to EWS1 forms on buildings, and where owners are able to demonstrate their buildings are safe using other equivalent evidence, we would encourage lenders to accept that. We are investigating further actions we can take to support the industry, including looking at ways to address capacity issues.”

The Cleaver Property Management team are familiarising themselves with the new guidance and will keep up-to-date with any changes so that we can communicate them to our clients and readers. We will always make sure that any third-party contractors are vetted, including checking for relevant certifications and public liability/professional indemnity cover. If you have any questions or would like any further information, please ask a member of the team and we will do our best to assist or point you in the right direction.

For further information, you may wish to refer to one or all of the following sources:

gov.uk/government/publications/building-safety-advice-for-building-owners-including-fire-doors

fixflo.com/breaking-down-barriers-the-ews1-form

rics.org/uk/news-insight/latest-news/press/press-releases/the-external-wall-fire-review-forms---rics-collaborative-working/

Responsibilities of a Flat Management Company Director

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 17:25:52 GMT

Companies House have launched an online learning tool to help flat management company directors understand their responsibilities. It’s free and takes just 25 minutes to complete.

A flat management company is formed so that a group of residents can work together to manage their property. For example, they will liaise on making decisions regarding maintenance, cleaning, insurance etc. Any residents who have agreed to be directors will have the final say, but they will also have legal responsibilities to uphold.

The new online learning tool is part of an awareness campaign by Companies House, aimed at flat management company directors. It is a useful tool to help current or future directors understand their responsibilities to Companies House. Such as, filing annual accounts and confirmation statements, keeping company records, and reporting any changes to the company.

A ccess the Online Tool Here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/companies-house-launches-awareness-campaign-aimed-at-flat-management-company-directors

It takes just 25 minutes to complete and is broken down into five modules of five minutes each. These are:

Who we are and your company
Becoming a director
Keeping records and making changes
Filing accounts and types of accounts
Flat management quiz

Company Secretary

As a director, you can opt to appoint a Company Secretary to take on some of the duties associated with running a flat management company. This is an optional service that Cleaver Property Management offers to its clients. As Company Secretary, we can provide the flat management company with a registered office address, file accounts and confirmation statements at Companies House on the company’s behalf, keep company records and notify Companies House of any changes to directors, addresses etc.

If you would like to discuss appointing Cleaver Property Management as Company Secretary, please contact us on 0118 978 7182 or info@cleaverproperty.co.uk .

How the Cleaver Property Management Team Have Been Getting Through Lockdown

leanne@cleaverproperty.co.uk (Sirina Daaboul) — Fri, 15 May 2020 08:34:26 GMT

From virtual bingo to charity challenges, find out what the Cleaver Property Management team have been up to in lockdown...

It's been a little while now since we announced that the Cleaver Property Management team would be working from home for the foreseeable, and while our Directors are busy making preparations for us to slowly ease back into office life, there will be no major changes to the set-up just yet. We are the cliché of a 'close-knit' team here, so the initial prospect of not going into the office was difficult for many of us.

We truly believe in the positive effects that good employee wellbeing can have on the service that ultimately you, our clients, receive. That's why, back at the beginning of lockdown, we shared a post on staying healthy, happy and motivated while working from home, and we were determined to follow that through. So, we thought we'd share some of the things we've been doing as team, to help us get through lockdown with our sanity intact!

A Delicious VE Day Surprise

Of course, Friday was the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, and Martin and Susan had a surprise in store for us all. With a little help from Sarah, they (safely) delivered each and every one of us a delicious VE Day hamper from Robyn's Nest Cafe in Warfield. Homemade biscuits, victoria sponge, finger sandwiches, a scone the size of your head (complete with clotted cream and jam, of course), and even a party popper!

Friday Games

Those of you familiar with what goes on at Cleaver HQ, will know that we always look forward to 4.30pm on a Friday, when we hear the drinks trolley start to jingle as Zoë wheels it around the office! Well, we haven't quite had that luxury during lockdown, but we've been making sure we still squeeze in some team time at the end of the week. We've played virtual bingo, tested each other with brain teasers, and now a few of us have some prizes to look forward to when we return to the office.

Charity Challenges

You may have already seen our #TwoPointSixChallenge video floating around Facebook, or on our previous blog post. But in case you missed it, here's what happened: Martin and Sue generously offered to donate £100 to each Cleaver Property Management team member's chosen charity, if they were willing to carry out a 2.6 Challenge (and provide photographic evidence, of course). Almost everyone got involved, and by walking, dancing, cycling (some of us in costume), telling jokes and more, we raised £1,800 to be shared among a variety of deserving UK charities. This was a brilliant way to lift our spirits mid-lockdown, by having fun and giving something back at the same time. Find out more and watch the video here .

A Focus on Wellbeing

We try our best to focus on employee wellbeing at Cleaver Property Management, particularly during these challenging times. Often co-ordinated by Susan Cleaver, with help from other members of the team, we do our best to share ways of looking after our own (and each other's) mental and physical health, at work and beyond. And sometimes, we decide to share them with you, too. Our blog post, Working from Home: tips to stay positive, motivated and healthy , was written at the start of lockdown. It was created off the back of a health & wellbeing presentation put together by Susan and Magda, which they initially just shared with the team. But of course, we're here to look after you, so it didn't seem right to keep it to ourselves!

What Next?

As we said, not much is set to change just yet. Our maintenance team are safely carrying out jobs on site and prioritising them by urgency, while our office-based teams continue to work from home. Martin and Susan are developing a plan to slowly and safely introduce us back into the office when the time is right. Until then, we will continue to look after you from the safety of our homes, and can only thank our clients for the patience they have shown whilst things have been a bit, shall we say - different. And of course, we will continue to do our best to keep team spirits up, however silly we may have to be to do so. And we will continue to share with you as we go along.

Until then, stay safe and well.

Best wishes,

The Cleaver Property Management team.

Cleaver Property Management does the #TwoPointSixChallenge

Fri, 01 May 2020 15:46:49 GMT

Find out how the Cleaver Property Management team raised £1,800 to support UK charities...

This year, on the 26th April, the UK came together to support charities struggling through the Covid-19 pandemic. The Two Point Six Challenge was created by London Marathon organisers, to make sure charities didn’t suffer from the cancellation of the annual event. People of all ages across the nation joined in, with challenges of all shapes and sizes! Including the team at Cleaver Property Management, along with some of our four legged friends. From dancing to cycling, football tricks and telling jokes, everyone got involved in their own unique way to support their chosen charity.

With huge thanks to Martin and Susan Cleaver, who have donated £100 to each team member's charity of choice (as well as their own), we have collectively raised £1,800, which will be shared by the following charities: Breast Cancer UK, Mencap, Mind, Sebastian's Action Trust, The NHS, The Ulverscroft Foundation, MS Society UK, Binfield Dog Rescue, Terrence Higgins Trust, Captain Tom Moore, Macmillan Cancer Support, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Battersea Dogs Trust, Combat Stress and Anthony Nolan. And here's how we did it..

We hope you enjoyed watching our 2.6 Challenge compilation video! Team effort aside, this wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of Martin and Susan Cleaver, so we want to take this opportunity to extend our thanks, particularly on behalf of our chosen charities, for their donations:

"I am so happy to join CPM with the 2.6 Challenge. This is a great initiative and a great idea. I am proud that I can work in your company. Thank you very much for donating to the vision-impaired foundation!"

- Sylwester Wojcik, chosen charity: The Ulverscroft Foundation

“A heartfelt thank you to Sue & Martin from both myself & Mike for your generosity to a charity which is very close to our hearts”

- Zoe Tilbury, chosen charity: The MS Society

"Thank you so much Martin & Sue for your generous donations to these deserving charities. £1,800 is a massive contribution that will make a huge difference to many people’s lives!"

- Kerry Ramsay, chosen charity: Anthony Nolan

“Thank you very much for your donation, every little bit makes a difference."

- Mark Sawyer, chosen charity: Captain Tom Moore for The NHS

"Thank you so much to Sue and Martin for facilitating and organising for the team to take part in the 2.6 challenge. This was a fantastic and generous initiative which really helped to bring the team together in a time that we are all apart. The experience was great fun and it lifted the spirits to know that I was supporting the great work that Sebastians Action Trust undertake for families who need support, particularly at this difficult time."

- Taryn Paroni-Barry, chosen charity: Sebastian's Action Trust

"Many thanks to you & Martin for making it possible with your generous sponsorship."

- Helen Helliwell, chosen charity: The NHS

"Martin & Sue, thank you for giving us an opportunity to take a part in 2.6 challenge as a Company and for your generous contributions to our chosen charities. Your kindness is a blessing!"

- Agata Jablonska, chosen charity: Binfield Dog Rescue

Hello Sue and Martin! I just wanted to say thank you for organising the 2.6 Challenge on Sunday. It was lovely to take part, and also thank you for donating the money to all those amazing charities. Hopefully we will soon meet again."

- Magda Andrzejewska, chosen charity: Mind

"Thank you so much Sue and Martin for getting us all involved in the 2.6 Challenge, and for your donation to Combat Stress. The mental health support they provide to military veterans is so important, now more than ever perhaps. Your generosity will go a long way to helping out them and all of the other chosen charities in this difficult time."

- Leanne Gresswell, chosen charity: Combat Stress

Covid-19: Advice for Communal Living

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 16:21:50 GMT

There’s no doubt that the past few weeks have been challenging for everyone, and it’s fair to say that those living in blocks of flats may face additional struggles. Over the past few weeks, the majority of calls we have received (across all properties that we manage), have been complaints about neighbours. And while we understand that the reality is that not everyone is always going to get along, we are sending this notice to remind you that this is a time for communities to come together, through an equal share of respect and tolerance. We have highlighted some of the key issues below, with advice on how best to address them at this time.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are likely to be increased during lockdown as of course, everyone is at home. And many things contribute to this, such as music, TV systems, DIY, door slamming and larger families. There are certain steps you can take to limit the impact your daily life has on your neighbours, such as keeping home entertainment systems away from partitioned walls, keeping volumes at a respectful level (particularly early in the morning and late at night), and being mindful of closing doors and gates gently, rather than slamming them shut.

However, as stated, increased noise levels are going to be likely at this time, so while we ask you to respect your neighbours by being mindful of controllable noise levels, we also encourage you to be sensitive to the situation and show some tolerance towards the change. Children are home from school, many people are turning to DIY to keep busy and of course, more TVs and music systems are going to be on during the days and evenings than usual.

If you’re going to be noisy, do it for the NHS. If there’s a time to make noise, it’s every Thursday evening at 8pm. Open your windows and join your neighbours and the rest of the nation in clapping for the NHS. This is a brilliant opportunity to unite with your neighbours, and show your support for any of those who may be NHS workers or other key workers.

Rubbish Disposal

With recycling centres and tips closed, rubbish is building up all across the UK. We understand that the effects of this may be increased with residential living, but please understand that this is a national issue, so try not to let it cause friction among you and your neighbours.

What we do ask, is that bin stores are used mindfully and correctly. Ensure you’re adhering to social distancing measures when attending the bin store, that you’re distributing your waste into the correct bins and, if possible, do not leave anything on the floor. If the bins are overflowing and you do need to leave rubbish on the floor, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Ensure your rubbish is in a secure bag
Fold/squash cardboard to condense it and stack it neatly
Please make sure food waste is double bagged

If you’re using your quarantine time for a spring clean, please do not dump any household items in the bin store. Please keep this stored in your property, ready to dispose of when possible.

Communal Areas

For your own safety and the safety of your neighbours, please adhere to government social distancing rules when using communal areas. Some of the ways you can do this are:

If someone else is using a corridor, please allow them to pass or ensure they are at least two meters away before stepping into the area.
If you go down to the bin store and it is in use. Please stand at least two metres back until the bin store is free.
Wash your hands before leaving your property, so that they are clean when using communal doors and gates. If possible, keeping hand sanitizer on your person will help with this.
Do not overcrowd communal garden spaces; we understand that it’s tempting to get outside, especially when the weather is nice. But please restrict your time in these areas, keep your distance from anyone else in the space, and come back later if the area is becoming too crowded.
Do not leave rubbish or any other items in communal areas.

Last but by no means least, when you are passing a neighbour (from a distance), say hello, give them a smile and wish them well. If they’re elderly or vulnerable, you may even ask if there’s anything you can do to help them. A little kindness can go a long way in these difficult times.

Anti-Social Behaviour & Social Distancing Laws

Unfortunately, while we hope this isn’t the case, there may be times when you experience anti-social behaviour at your property. Please refer to the ARMA Anti-Social Behaviour Advice Note on our Resources page, for guidance on how to deal with this.

If you’re concerned that a neighbour isn’t correctly adhering to social distancing measures, and is putting themselves and others at risk, you may feel it necessary to report them. A number of police forces have specific pages for reporting people breaking the government's social distancing guidelines, check your local police force website for more information, and specific guidance on reporting breaches of social distancing measures.

Thank you for your co-operation

Taking the time to establish good terms with your neighbours has numerous benefits, especially during times such as these. The community will be friendlier, the neighbourhood safer, and the area a more pleasant and comfortable place to live. We thank you for your co-operation and wish you all safe and well during this time.

Thank you,

All of the team at Cleaver Property Management.

Working From Home: tips to stay positive, motivated and healthy

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 10:59:58 GMT

Like many of us, the Cleaver Property Management team are currently working from home, to stay as safe as possible during the Covid-19 outbreak. For those who are used to an office atmosphere, we understand that it can be challenging to adapt to remote working, so we've been sharing tips among ourselves to keep each other feeling positive and motivated. But, at Cleaver Property Management we're about community, so it didn't seem right to keep it to ourselves. With the help of Bright HR and Flamingo Writing , we've pulled together some tips and trick that anyone in any role can use.

Oh, and we've thrown in a couple of cute dogs for good measure, of course.

Make Your Bed

Simple, but effective. We can't take credit, though. Admiral William McRaven, author of ‘Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life... And Maybe the World’ gave us this one:

“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. And by the end of the day, that one task completed, will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that the little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you'll never be able to do the big things right. And if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made, that you made. And a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.”

Get Ready for Work

After all, that's where you're going. And you wouldn't turn up to the office in your PJ's (would you?) As tempting as it might be to roll straight out of bed and onto your workstation, you’ll be surprised at the psychological effect ‘getting ready’ can have on your productivity levels. So, take a shower, get dressed, do everything you would usually do to get ready for work. Enjoy your breakfast and a coffee, whatever it is that gets you ready for the day. Just remember that if your body is still in your PJ’s, your mind will be too.

Set up a Designated Work Space

This will help keep your home and work life separate. Set up a designated workstation that you can walk away from during breaks, at the end of the day and over the weekend. Try and position it somewhere away from distractions and interruptions, and make it a positive space to be. You can do this by decluttering your desk and the area around it, adding some green plants or relaxing scents. Whatever makes you feel calm and focused.

If you're someone who prefers to work with a bit of "buzz" around them, you could simply try putting the radio or some music on. However, if you find this too distracting, there are a whole host of 'white noise' apps out there. Leanne recommended us Coffitivity, which turns your workspace into a virtual coffee shop. No need to download anything, simply follow this link and select your preferred background noise: coffitivity.com .

I’ll have a medium, full fat vanilla latte please barista! Oh, wait…

Stay in a Routine

Very much an extension of the previous two, but it's not just your morning ritual you should stick to. Schedule time for coffee breaks (go and enjoy one in the garden to get some fresh air), and most definitely take a proper lunch break. Move away from your desk, play with your cat/dog, they're loving having you at home all the time! Have a chat to others in your household, make yourself something delicious for lunch and enjoy it. Don't be tempted to use the time to do any chores, you wouldn't be able to do that on a normal work day. This is your time, relax and enjoy it.

Similarly, log off at the end of the day. Don't be tempted to work into the evening, you still need to separate your work life from your home life. The evenings are lighter now, go and enjoy a local evening walk to get some distance (just make sure you're adhering to government guidelines in doing so), or get to doing what you'd usually do when getting home from work. Like making dinner, or relaxing in front of the TV. Simply do your best to treat your working day as if you're in the office - the next tip will help with this, too.

Stay Connected

We're what you might call a "close-knit" team here at Cleaver Property Management, so it's important that we stay connected even when we're not in the office. And we would recommend any other team or business to do the same. We're using Zoom, but there are a whole host of tools at your disposal to stay connected with your colleagues. Such as Slack, Skype or GoToMeeting.

Remember, staying connected is as much about socialising as it is about work. We all log on at 9am each day and say Good Morning on the team chat, just as if we were arriving at the office. We also have a rule that the team chat isn't used for "work chat" (we have other means for this). It's simply a place for us to communicate and keep the friendly office vibe that we all love about working here. We set each other silly tasks to keep spirits up, and offer up an ear to anyone who might be finding the change difficult. Our lovely Magda even starts each day with a positive "quote of the day".

But Disconnect from the Media

The media overloads us with information (and often misinformation) which can cause a great deal of stress and/or anxiety, which isn't good for productivity levels or mental wellbeing. Try not to engage with the constant stream of news. Instead, choose to check in with just one trusted source a day, like your local news or the daily briefing. And remember these key things:

Covid-19 is a global pandemic, that is a fact.
It is important to stay informed, but not to overload.
It is natural to feel drowned in information, but it's important to sieve through the noise.
Too much information can make us feel anxious, stressed or depressed.
Not everything you read on the internet is true.

Keep on Moving

Whether or not you're usually a gym buff doesn’t matter on this one, exercise (of any form) is great for re-energising the mind and body. Whether you opt for a local stroll, a spot of desk yoga or an online class (of which there are many available), make sure to schedule some movement into your day. Mental and physical well-being? Sorted.

Embrace the Weekend

It may seem like each day is rolling into one at the moment, but the weekend is still the weekend, so try your best to make the most of it. It may not feel like it, but the possibilities are endless, so embrace your enforced downtime and enjoy taking life a little bit slower. Here are some ideas of how:

Have an at-home spa day.
Cook or bake something you have never made before.
Read a book you never had time for.
Have a cup of tea or dinner with a friend online.
Have a movie night with your loved ones (a virtual movie night if you're apart).
Have a virtual pub session with your friends.
Take part in an online exercise class.
Do a jigsaw puzzle.
Do some gardening, it's Spring after all!
Or, you know, just enjoy doing nothing. Our darling Mabel here to show you how it's done...

Do you have any other tips for working from home that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them, leave them in the comments section below.

Stay home, stay well and stay positive.

Best wishes,

The Cleaver Property Management Team

Coronavirus (Covid-19): Important Information for Cleaver Property Management Clients

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 09:30:09 GMT

Update, 24/03/2020: please read a message from our Directors here .

As a company, we are listening and reacting to the information provided only by the government at this time, to ensure unnecessary panic is avoided.

The main message from the government is that everyone should remain calm and take reasonable precautions to protect ourselves. Simple hygiene measures like washing your hands with soap and water often, and avoiding people who are unwell, can help stop viruses like Covid-19 spreading.

The most important thing we can all do, is avoid creating panic and to keep advising all parties to follow the government’s advice. A reminder of where to find the latest information is here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public .

As a reasonable precaution, we have made the decision to postpone all meetings, including AGM’s and site visits, until further notice. We are currently exploring all options available to us that would allow our employees to work from home should the need arise.

We have advised our contractors to follow the Government guidelines in regards to this current health situation. Please note that this could impact lead times on jobs, should our contractors feel the need to adhere to the more stringent regulations.

Latest advice:

New guidance states that you should self-isolate for 7 days from the onset of Covid-19 symptoms, and anyone in the same household should self-isolate for 14 days from the same point. If another member of your household develops symptoms, however mild, at any time during the 14 days, they must not leave home for a further 7 days from when symptoms started.

This guidance aims to reduce the overall amount of infection a single household could pass on to others in their community.

The symptoms are:

a high temperature (37.8 degrees and above).
a new, continuous cough - (a cough that you've not had before. For those who usually have a cough, it means it's got worse. Continuous means coughing for more than an hour more than 3 times in 24 hours).

You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk . If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

If you are self-isolating at a property managed by Cleaver Property Management, please let your Property Manager know and follow the government ‘stay at home guidance’ found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance .

The Prime Minister has also set out a number of social distancing measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus. For those who are showing no symptoms, are under 70 or have no underlying health conditions, they are advised to limit their social contact where possible. This includes limiting use of public transport, working from home if possible and not going to crowded social spaces such as pubs, restaurants, theatres and bars.

Those who are over 70, have an underlying health condition or are pregnant, are strongly advised against the above activities, and to significantly limit face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible.

Please stay safe and bear with us, we ask for you co-operation at a time that is difficult for all. Thank you.

£1BN Combustible Cladding Fund Announced in Budget

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:40:31 GMT

In yesterday’s Budget, the Chancellor announced a £1 Billion fund to remove and replace combustible cladding over the next 18 months.

The announcement came on March 11th 2020, not far short of three years after the tragic Grenfell Tower fire. The size of the fund itself indicates the scale of the problem; it’s worth noting that £600 million has already been made available by the government, for the remediation of the highest risk non-ACM cladding – the type that was in place on Grenfell Tower. This £1 billion will be provided in addition.

In case you’ve only got a quick five minutes to skim the details, here’s what you need to know:

The total government investment to-date is now £1.6 billion.
The funds will be made available over 18 months, to buildings in both the social and private residential sectors.
They will apply to buildings of 18 meters and above, that have such cladding systems installed.
In the private sector, the funds will be of benefit to the leaseholders.
Building owners (usually freeholders) remain legally responsible for the safety of their properties and residents. Either directly or via their Managing Agent.
Building owners who have already committed to fund the removal and replacement themselves, are expected to honour their commitment.
Regulatory changes are still expected to be put in place.
The total invested £1.6 billion will be the government's limit to supporting the non-ACM remediation.
The fund does not absolve industry from responsibility for failures that led to the use of unsafe cladding materials on such buildings.

Or, if you've got a little longer, here are some further details...

The announcement follows a letter sent to the Chancellor earlier this year, by Residents groups and professional/trade bodies (including ARMA ), calling for a multibillion-pound emergency fund to "unblock the process and ensure the safety of residents up and down the country for generations to come." This letter was sent after it was identified that half a million people could be living in buildings made unsafe by combustible cladding.

The "unsafe" combination that qualifies a building to use the funds, is being 18 more meters in height with an unsafe non-ACM cladding system in place. Such buildings have been deemed by experts to pose the greatest threat to public safety, and therefore must be remediated. By providing these funds, the government is making it clear that there is no excuse for building owners to not prioritise and ensure residents' safety.

That said, while £1 billion is no doubt a huge and welcome amount, there's already been concerns raised as to whether it will be enough. Which is unlikely. That's why building owners (particularly in the social sector) who have already committed to fund the remediation themselves, are expected to follow through on their commitments, leaving the funds available to those who cannot afford the cost.

Another condition of the funding, is that building owners must pursue claims against those responsible for installing unsafe cladding in the first place. Monies from such claims will be reimbursed to the government. In other words, no-one is off the hook. The government simply (and rightly) want to prioritise public safety. We can only hope that, alongside building owners who are able to fund remediations themselves, £1.6 billion will be enough.

The funds are being made available ahead of regulatory changes, giving building owners a chance to carry out their cladding replacements and ensure residents' safety. Phase 2 hearings will resume on Monday 16th March. In the meantime, you can find more information on the government website .

Do I Really Need a Reinstatement Cost Assessment?

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:35:20 GMT

The short answer? Yes. We've teamed up with Cardinus Risk Management to explain why...

The key purpose of a Reinstatement Cost Assessment (RCA), otherwise known as a Building Insurance Valuation, is to ensure that a property is adequately covered by the Buildings Insurance. This is achieved by establishing what it would cost to demolish and rebuild the property, as well as all of its peripheral features. A professionally conducted RCA will provide a complete assessment of a property’s rebuild costs, taking into consideration:

The main structure (including foundations)
Half of the cost of party walls/protecting adjoining structures
The cost of demolition
The cost of debris removal
The cost of labour and materials
The cost of professional fees

It will also take into consideration any unusual fixtures and fittings, or whether the building is listed. As well as the property's various peripheral features, which may include:

Walls, fences and gates
Garages, bin stores and outbuildings
Car parking areas, drives & access roads (including private access roads)
External lighting
Sewage and water pumping plant
Hard (and often soft) landscaping
Swimming pools, tennis courts and other leisure facilities

Conducting regular insurance valuations means that the property can be insured on an 'agreed value', rather than an average. So that, should the worst happen, the property (and its leaseholders) are protected.

What are the implications of underinsurance?

Under-insurance can have a number of implications, here’s an example provided to us by Cardinus Risk Management...

Consider a building with a current sum insured of £3,600,000. If we assume the rebuild value was actually £4,320,000 (in other words, it was undervalued by 20%) and a claim was made at a cost of £2,500,000 then, if insurers applied an averaging clause - saying the cover was only 83.33% of the true building value, the settlement made by insurers might be just £2,083,250 – leaving a shortfall of £416,750. That bill would then have to be met by the landlord or collectively by the leaseholders. This could have one or all of the following implications:

Claims payment does not cover the full property repair/building cost

Funds may not be available to complete the rebuild

Increased borrowing may be required

Negative impact on balance sheet

Difficult negotiations with insurers

Upset leaseholders and tenants

Extended rebuild times

Potential legal action (from lenders and leaseholders) for inadequate levels of cover

Damage to reputation and brand

But, am I really likely to be underinsured?

You would be surprised at how many properties are deemed under-insured following a Reinstatement Cost Assessment, and often by a significant margin. In the past, we’ve seen properties under-insured by more than 20%. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as:

The insurance being based on market value rather than the property’s declared value.
The insurance being based on developers figures, which may not include costs such as debris removal or surveyor fees.
Historical figures having been rounded up, without taking into consideration a rise in material and labor costs.
A professional valuation hasn’t been carried out within the last three years or more.

It is recommended that a Reinstatement Cost Assessment is carried out every three years, at a minimum.

Ok, so how do I arrange a Reinstatement Cost Assessment?

If you think you need a Reinstatement Cost Assessment, please get in touch with your Property Manager. If we have one on file, we can provide you with a copy. Otherwise, we can arrange for one to be carried out on your behalf, via Cleaver Property Services’ risk management offering. We work predominantly with Cardinus Risk Management to provide this service to our clients.

The process of a Reinstatement Cost Assessment is as follows:

Pre-visit Preparation - time spend researching the building to gain an initial understanding of its size and peripheral features.
On-site Assessment - a qualified assessor will conduct a walk-around and measure up (according to the RICS code for measuring practice). A sketch plan will be drawn to record the footprint of the buildings, including the number of storeys present in each; this will be supported by a photo log. The assessor will then establish the gross external area of the buildings.
Post-visit Report - the assessor will then compile a report, and carry out appropriate calculations to determine whether the property is over, under, or adequately insured. This would usually be measured against the building's current declared value.

We will always do our best to send you a reminder when your next RCA is due, and can also assist in arranging adequate Buildings Insurance cover, should you be declared under-insured; we are appointed representatives of Marsh Commercial, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of our insurance activities. If you have any further questions regarding Insurance Valuations and/or our Risk Management service, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Electrical Testing: new rules for landlords

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:56:18 GMT

In line with current legislation, Cleaver Property Management arrange for testing to be carried out on communal electrical installations every five years. These inspections are known as Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR’s) and, as of 1st June 2020, Landlords will be expected to do the same for their rented properties. If you’re a Landlord in the Private Rented Sector (England), here’s everything you need to know so far...

What are the new regulations and who do they affect?

Subject to parliamentary approval, the new regulations will require Electrical Installation Inspections and testing to be carried out every five years, by a qualified person.

Landlords will be required to obtain a copy of the report and supply it to new tenants before they move in. They will also be required to supply it to any prospective tenant within 28 days, should they ask for it. It should also be retained and made available for the qualified person appointed to carry out the next test.

It’s worth noting that the likes of student accommodation, social housing and other such tenancies will likely be excluded. However, Assured Shorthold Tenancies will almost certainly need to comply with the new regulations, which are being introduced in large part to alleviate the risk of electrical fires.

What are the timings?

The new regulations have yet to be approved by the Houses of Parliament, but the intention is for them to come into force on the 1st June 2020. Directly affecting new tenancies starting from 1st July 2020, and existing tenancies from 1st April 2021.

The important thing to note is that it’s a matter of when, not if. The Government’s intention to introduce the regulations is clear; even if they bypass the 1st June deadline, we can still expect them to come into effect sometime in the near future.

Can Cleaver Property Management help?

Cleaver Property Management already operate on a recommended timeframe of five years between Electrical Installation Condition Reports for communal electrics. But the new regulations, which apply to individual private rented properties, will be the responsibility of the Landlord.

If you would like to know if there is a Satisfactory report in place for the communal electrics of your property, get in touch . If there is a report available, we can provide you a copy. Otherwise, we can look into getting one arranged, subject to approval by the RMC, RTM Company or Freeholder.

Who's qualified?

Currently, there is no clear definition of who counts as a “qualified” or “competent” person. At Cleaver Property Management, we will always use a qualified Electrician approved by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), and would recommend anyone else to do the same. You can search for one in your area via the NICEIC website .

We will release new updates as and when we receive them. In the meantime, find out more about Cleaver Property’s Risk Management service…

For RTM & RMCs

For Developers

Cleaver Property Management 2019: A Round Up

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 16:42:28 GMT

Happy New Year everyone! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and new year. 2019 was quite the year for Cleaver Property Management, so we thought we’d take a look back on what we’ve been up to for the past twelve months.

The Cleaver Chasers cycled from Milan to Venice

In October, our team of Cleaver Chasers cycled from Milan to Venice to raise money for Women V Cancer. They covered 355 kilometers in three days, but not before raising over £9,000 to support Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Ovarian Cancer Action and Breast Cancer Care. Some £3,600 of this impressive total was raised by the Charity Auction held back in June at Wokingham Town hall; a truly fantastic evening and incredible generosity from the local companies who donated all of the fabulous prizes.

A huge thanks once again to everyone who donated to support our ladies and this wonderful cause. You can read more about The Cleaver Chaser’s Milan to Venice challenge here: https://www.cleaverproperty.co.uk/women-v-cancer

Cleaver Property Management purchased JPA

In November 2019, Cleaver Property Management purchased JPA, and took over the management of their Berkshire-based property portfolio. The handover is currently in progress, with our Property Manager Louise working alongside Peter Boltwood (of JPA) to ensure a smooth-as-possible transition. Martin Cleaver said: “The purchase has come at the right time for Cleaver Property Management, falling in line with us expanding the business. We’re confident that it’s the right fit, both geographically and in terms of continuing the high-quality service delivered by JPA.”

We said goodbye to staff members and welcomed new ones

We said goodbye to a long serving and valued member of staff last year; Matthew Daniell had been with Cleaver Property Management for fifteen years, and we sadly but proudly waved him off on his new venture back in September. With that, we welcomed Taryn Paroni-Barry to the team, and safe to say we love having her! And in line with the business expansion, we’ve also welcome Property Manager’s Kamal Jalil and Louise Gibbons, Property Manager Administrator Saffron Nixon, and Account Manager Sylwester Wojcik to the team. The family is certainly growing!

We launched Cleaver Property Services

Throughout the course of last year, we phased out Cleaver Property Lettings so that we could focus more time and resource on the core of the business: Cleaver Property Management. In its place, we have introduced Cleaver Property Services, which will (predominantly) assist our Property Managers with the undertaking of regular risk assessments. Such as Asbestos Surveys, Health Safety & Fire Risk Assessments, and Reinstatement Cost Assessments (Insurance Valuations).

We got a new website

If you’re reading this, you may have noticed that we have a new website. Thanks to Digity of Wokingham and Flamingo Writing of Reading, we have given cleaverproperty.co.uk a full face lift! Throughout the site you will find information for RTM, RMCs and Property Developers, case studies and testimonials for a sneak peek at some of the work we’ve been doing, and a ‘meet the team’ page, so you can put faces to names. There’s also a resources section where you can download various useful guides and browse our FAQs, and of course our brand new Cleaver News page.

We had a lot of fun!

We think we do team days pretty well at Cleaver Property Management, and 2019 was no exception. We headed to the Battle Proms for our summer event, and tried our hand at Knockout Escape Rooms for one of our team building days. We’ve been bowling, thrown two hen-dos (congratulations to Kerry and Agata who both tied the knot in 2019!), had a lovely staff meeting followed by a meal at Oakley Court Hotel, and topped it all off with a fabulous Christmas party courtesy of Best Parties Ever.

We sponsored a football team

I know, we really did have a busy 2019. On top of all that, we sponsored a football team! Twyford and Ruscombe FC is managed by our very own Mark Houghton, and the Cleaver Property Management name is now proudly on the shirt. We even made it into the paper with this one (and with the charity auction we held, too)!

We welcomed new clients

We would of course like to give a huge, warm welcome to the various new clients that have come on board with us throughout 2019, including those that were formerly part of JPA. We look forward to working with you all in 2020 and hopefully the years that follow. With that, also a huge thanks and Happy New Year to all of the loyal clients who remain part of Cleaver Property Management as we head into a new decade.

Women V Cancer

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 16:01:39 GMT

The Cleaver Chasers complete their Milan to Venice challenge for Women V Cancer.

Months of training, tireless fundraising efforts, and a whole lot of cycling mishaps. It all came down to three days, 355 kilometers, and the Cleaver Chasers absolutely smashed it.

We waved Helen, Zoë and Sarah off on the Thursday, ready to start their challenge from Milan on Friday 11th October. Their first day was a somewhat early start; up at 5.30am to collect their bikes and begin the journey toward Venice. Sarah was a bit concerned when she realised she’d been assigned bike number 13, but it happened to bring her plenty of luck on this occasion.

By mid-morning the Cleaver Chasers and the rest of the Dream Challenges crew had reached 30km, and by lunch, 60km! They enjoyed a scenic lunch and refueled, ready for a slightly hilly afternoon! All in all, they covered 72 miles in 7 ½ hours on the first day.

Time for day two and the Chasers are told that this will be the shortest day! However, their relief was short lived when they were told it would also be the hardest, with lots of hills to contend with. They sent us this photo along with the caption “everything hurts!” But at least they’re still smiling.

It might have been the hardest route of the three days, but according to our ladies it was definitely the prettiest. Those beautiful views of Lake Garda must have certainly helped. In fact, we know they did; because the Chasers successfully completed day two; that’s 60 miles (of almost non-stop inclines) in 6 ½ hours.

It was a misty start to the third and final day. But with the end in sight, they reached their lunch stop ahead of schedule. Just 45 miles to go until Venice…

Success !

The Cleaver Chasers crossed the finish line at 6pm on Sunday evening, with a well-earned glass of bubbles waiting for them. They spent the evening celebrating with the rest of the Dream Challenges group, plus the various friends, family and partners who had come to applaud them over the finish line. And, to top off an already emotional few days, our lovely Zoë returned from Venice with a ring on her finger!

We are extremely proud of these amazing ladies, and while they came home with huge grins and a well deserved sense of achievement, it’s important not to forget why they put themselves through it in the first place. The Milan to Venice cycle was organised by Dream Challenges to support Women V Cancer, which raises funds for three women’s cancer charities: Breast Cancer Now, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

With generous donations from family, friends and colleagues, plus money raised at our Charity Auction in June, a bake sale, handbag party and Tropic pamper party, the Cleaver Chasers were able to contribute a massive amount to Women V Cancer. In total, they raised over…

£9,000

At this point we’d like to say a huge thank you, on behalf of The Cleaver Chasers and Women V Cancer, to everyone who donated. We must also give a special mention to Susan Cleaver, our fourth Cleaver Chaser who played a huge part in achieving this incredible total. While Susan had to pull out of the cycle due to unforeseen health reasons, she put in all of the training and was instrumental to the fundraising efforts. In total, the Dream Challenges event raised a phenomenal amount of over…

£500,000

So, what will the Cleaver Chaser’s next challenge be, and will there be any new team members? We’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date, make sure you’re following us on Facebook for all the latest Cleaver Property Management (and Cleaver Chasers) news.

Battle Proms 2019

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 10:00:06 GMT

As a family-run business, we at Cleaver Property Management believe in the importance of team building and bonding. We often organise social events outside of work, from BBQ’s and meals out, to a girl’s trip to Krakow last year to celebrate a team member’s milestone birthday! Our latest team-building event took place at Knockout Escape Rooms in Reading, and as well as an annual Christmas party we hold a summer event for our employees each year, too!

After putting it to a vote, the Cleaver Property Management 2019 Summer Event was held at the Battle Proms at Highclere Castle in Newbury. Organised by our wonderful Office Manager Zoë Tilbury, it’s safe to say it was an all-round success, or at least Mark (one of our fab maintenance team members) thought so!

The event itself was a pretty impressive show of classical music performances, cavalry demonstrations, a spitfire display, Red Devils parachute display, and in true Battle Proms style, the firing of cannons.

Meanwhile, as Union Jacks fluttered above heads around us, we pitched up and cracked open the picnic boxes. And the prosecco, of course! As we tucked into our pre-ordered feast of paté, prawn cocktail, cheese & biscuits, and chocolate cake, whilst enjoying the live background music, we chatted away amongst ourselves with just one rule: no mention of work!

After which, a few of us went to explore the various tents and stalls that Battle Proms had to offer; we gave the retro swing boats a miss but did win a few cuddly toys between us on the high striker. Then, well and truly in the festival spirit, there were those of us who opted to have our faces (or beards) painted with glitter.

Back at our picnic tables the sun was starting to set, and population of Highclere Castle began to rise from their seats, dancing and singing along to the music, Union Jack hats held on with one hand while holding their drinks with the other. Naturally, we joined in with the likes of Rule Britannia and The Lambeth Walk.

Once night fell, the aforementioned cannon firing was followed by a fantastic firework display, topped off with a performance (and sing-along, of course) of Auld Lang Syne. All in all, it was a fantastic event, and we would recommend Battle Proms to any smaller-sized corporate company holding a summer event for their employees.

Next stop, Christmas. But let’s not talk about that yet…

Tenant Fees Act 2019

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 10:00:06 GMT

New rules from the 1st of June 2019, mean that landlords and letting agents in England are banned from charging admin fees to tenants. This information below provides a ‘need-to-know’ overview of the new restrictions. Prohibited fees under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 include the likes of referencing fees and credit check fees. But rather than listing the various fees that are prohibited, it’s easier to list those that aren’t:

• Rent. Of course, but even rent comes with some new restrictions; whereby if the amount of rent payable in a period exceeds the amount of rent payable in respect of any later period, the difference between the two amounts is prohibited.

Confusing, we know. Landlord’s Guild has a lot more information on these restrictions, see section 4.1 at this link: https://www.landlordsguild.com/understanding-the-tenant-fees-act-2019/

Other permitted fees (and their restrictions) include:

• Utilities and council tax. If included within the tenancy.

• A refundable deposit. But the important bit? This will be capped at six weeks’ rent. Or even five weeks’ rent for properties where the annual rent is less than £50,000.

• A refundable holding deposit to reserve the property. This will be capped at one week’s rent.

• Changes to the tenancy. Specifically, those requested by the tenant. Again, these will be capped at £50 (or “reasonable costs”).

• Early termination of the tenancy requested by the tenant.

• Any variation, assignment or novation of the tenancy requested by the tenant.

• Defaults by the tenant. Including late payment fees and key replacements; these must be deemed “reasonable costs” and must be backed up by evidence in writing by the agent or landlord.

• Cost of damages for breach of a tenancy agreement.

• Television license costs, where included in the tenancy agreement.

The new rules, which currently only affect England (with the ability to extend to Wales in the future), apply to all assured shorthold tenancies, licenses, and student lettings. They also only apply to all new tenancies (and renewals) from the 1st June 2019 onwards.

What’s more, landlords or agents found to be charging fees that aren’t included in the above may find themselves with a £5,000 fine. And that’s just for a first-time offence; if caught again within five years, they could face a possible unlimited fine.

Again, Landlords Guild has a whole host of information on the ins and outs of the Tenant Fees Act 2019 in their article ‘Understanding the Tenant Fees Act 2019’. Or you can download the guidance documents for landlords/lettings agents or tenants, from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, here.

Charity Auction Success

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 16:18:37 GMT

Well, would you look at that, the Cleaver Chasers made headline news!

Last Thursday night, a charity auction was held at Wokingham Town Hall. It was organised by the Cleaver Chasers; consisting of our very own Susan Cleaver, Sarah Cleaver, Zoë Tilbury, and Helen Helliwell. This October, the Cleaver Chasers will be cycling 355km from Milan to Venice in aid of Women v Cancer (you can find out more about their challenge here), and the charity auction was just one in a series of fundraising efforts from the ladies. And what an effort it was.

Having pulled in some seriously generous donations from local businesses, the auction was a roaring success. Wine and cheese were on the menu, along with canapés donated by Jasper’s Catering Services. A tombola (run with help from The Wokingham Paper’s Claire Worsfold) comprised some of the donations, and seemingly put the forty-something guests in a winning mood. Not one item went without a bid!

Martin Cleaver of Cleaver Property Management did a great job as auctioneer, even adding a last-minute donation of his (rather colourful) waistcoat to the line-up. The evening raised £3,617.34 for Women V Cancer, who support Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Breast Cancer Care and Ovarian Cancer Action. The incredible total was the icing on the cake of a fabulous evening, and put the Cleaver Chasers over their £7,200 target. The team would like to thank all of those who donated:

Henry Street Café, Wokingham Superbowl, Aston Martin Reading, Sally of Soline Bags, Hotel Chocolat Bracknell, the Hand & Flowers Marlow, Country Cleaners & Cobblers, De Vere Wokefield Estate, Isabelle Brough, A Bit of a Do catering, Alexander Carpets Wokingham, The Retreat Hair & Beauty, Mailsports, Rewind Festival South, Siren Craft Brew, Rosie’s Chocolate Factory, Estate Support, Sanpa of Wokingham, All Year Round Clearance, Tesco Wokingham, Morrisons Woosehill, Crystal Quality Cleaning, Handmade Craft Company at Holme Grange, Knockout Escape Rooms Reading, Jay Printers Wokingham Floral Image, Dougal Rose Photography, Tim Helliwell, 1-Fix Limited, Brigit Hill Artist, Mark Rath, FiftyFit, Rosie’s Plants, The Grange Chocolate Café, Cook Wokingham, Chris Bush, Margaret Tilbury, and Headcase Wokingham. Not to mention Cleaver Property Management, their maintenance team, and the Cleaver Chasers themselves.

The team were truly overwhelmed by the support they received, and cannot thank the local community and businesses enough for helping them raise such a fantastic amount for Women V Cancer. Take a look at some pictures from the evening below, and find out more about the Cleaver Chasers and why they’re taking on this challenge here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/susan-cleaver2

And remember, it’s not too late to donate!

Charity Auction Wokingham

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 08:11:27 GMT

Join the Cleaver Chasers for their Charity Auction in aid of Women V Cancer

Women V Cancer. That’s the one simple reason four of our fabulous Cleaver ladies will be cycling from Milan to Venice later this year. The Cleaver Chasers, consisting of Susan Cleaver, Sarah Cleaver, Zoë Tilbury and Helen Helliwell of Cleaver Property Management, will be taking on the 355km challenge in October. And they need your help to reach their fundraising target!

Each of the Cleaver Chasers has their own reason for taking on this incredible challenge, but Sarah summed it up perfectly on behalf of the whole team. She said,

“Although this is a huge challenge for us, it will be nothing compared to the challenges faced by cancer patients.”

The foursome, with the help of families, friends and colleagues have been hosting a series of fundraising events to help reach their £7,200 target. And you’re invited to the next one! A Charity Auction will be held at Wokingham Town Hall on the 27th June, and they’d love to invite everyone in and around Wokingham to join them.

They’ve already had some fantastic items generously donated from the likes of:

De Vere Wokefield Estate

Aston Martin Reading

Henley’s Rewind Festival

The Hand and Flowers in Marlow

Hotel Chocolat in Bracknell

Sally at Soline Bags

Henry Street Garden Centre

Bar Fifty Six in Wokingham

Country Cleaners & Cobblers in Wokingham

Isabelle Brough, Restorative Exercise Therapist

A Bit of a Do caterers

Alexander Carpets in Wokingham

Tesco in Wokingham

Morrisons at Woosehill

The Retreat Hair and Beauty in Wokingham

Mailsports: online swimwear specialists

Siren Craft Brew in Wokingham

Rosie’s Chocolate Factory in Wargrave

Sanpa in Wokingham

Crystal Quality Cleaning in Wokingham

Knockout Escape Rooms in Reading

and our very own CPM Maintenance team!

The Charity Auction will start at 7 PM. Your £10 entry fee (all of which goes to Women V Cancer) includes a welcome drink and canapés on arrival, and further refreshments can be purchased at the honesty bar throughout the evening.

Women V Cancer comprises three fantastic charities: Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action. So, whether it’s donating a prize, joining The Cleaver Chasers on the evening for some food & drinks, or bidding on one of the fantastic items, you will be helping not one but three wonderful causes by getting involved.

If you are interested in attending the Charity Auction, please RSVP via our Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/357140831600490/ or get in touch with The Cleaver Chasers at info@cleaverproperty.co.uk

Cleaver Chasers

Find out more about the Cleaver Chasers, the challenge they’re facing, why they’re doing it, and keep up with their training at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/susan-cleaver2

Don’t forget to donate!

Build-to-Rent vs Buy-to-Let: Landlord Responsibility

Tue, 07 May 2019 08:17:32 GMT

Should tenants fear the rise of the corporate landlord? That’s a question recently posed by the Financial Times, leading into a debate around the rising build-to-rent sector.

The article investigates the intentions of large companies operating build-to-rent blocks, in that they’re looking to “shake-up” a sector currently dominated by private landlords. Such companies are claiming to offer what those individual landlords (supposedly) don’t; professionalism, high-level services, and stable pricing.

The FT focuses quite heavily on one company in particular, with an insight into whether they were meeting such standards. The verdict? They weren’t. An anonymous ex-resident complained about poor response times to maintenance that compromised security, and annual rent increases despite an initial promise of ‘stable’ fees.

Buy-to-let landlords have long been subject to bad reputations, giving build-to-rent businesses a foot-in when it comes to tenants ‘changing sides’. Our question is, can we really separate buy-to-let from build-to-rent when it comes down to the core of landlord duties? Does a landlord’s responsibility not remain the same whether they’re letting two flats or 2,000?

The FT reported that rental brand ‘Uncle’ is operating on the basis that they will “treat renters like humans”. As opposed to “second-class citizens”. But, in the eyes of us Property Manager’s, that should always be the case. The property landscape is changing, or perhaps we can say it has changed. Rent costs might be increasing, but the reason more and more people are choosing to rent is that they simply cannot afford to buy. Or, they just don’t want to. Renters, if they ever were, are no longer “second-class citizens”. They’re simply citizens of 2019.

What we’re getting at, is that if there’s a problem, ‘corporate’ probably isn’t it. The problem, on any scale, is landlords who are unable or unwilling to deliver a good quality of service to their tenants. And that’s always been the case. The difference now is that can apply to a landlord in the private rented sector who isn’t willing to respond to repairs, as much as it can to corporate companies who simply aren’t equipped to handle capacity.

Do you ever hear of a good landlord? Probably not. Because their tenants aren’t complaining. They’re living comfortably and confidently in their homes, assured that they’re paying a fair amount in rent and receiving a satisfactory level of service in return. There’s no ‘battle’, the only difference to homeowners being that if they need a plumber, they don’t call one; they call their landlord, managing agent, rental company, whoever’s responsibility it may be, and rest assured that a man with a plunger will be with them in good time.

But the reality is that the rental market is changing significantly and rapidly. We don’t believe that the growth of build-to-rent is intent on phasing out private buy-to-lets; it is an answer to increasing demand for rental properties, in an era where buying isn’t always an option. This is going to cause problems in itself, as private landlords and build-to-rent schemes alike try to keep up. And we can’t blame landlords for (reasonable) rental increases in a world where inflation is a constant. Though of course, you could argue in that case that static fees shouldn’t be promised in the first place. And quite right that argument would be.

Of course, rental schemes of such a large scale are statistically more likely to displease at least one tenant, especially at a time when build-to-rent companies are trialling the likes of AI to deal with property management and maintenance. It’s in these areas that build-to-rent and buy-to-let will experience the divide; private landlords will surely remain more traditional in their approach to property management, whether that’s direct or via a managing agent. While build-to-rents need to find their feet, especially in terms of where technology fits into renting. What needs to be remembered is that a mere few years ago, the build-to-rent sector was, as the FT put it, “virtually non-existent”. And perhaps it still would be if it wasn’t for necessity.

So, should tenants fear the rise of the corporate landlord? Our answer is no. At the end of the day, these schemes are being put in place to respond to demand and give renters more options, while also trying to answer to everything that the modern world (and the modern resident) demands. What should be ‘feared’ (for want of a better word) is any landlord, corporate or otherwise, who doesn’t intend to deliver a quality service.

Milan to Venice Cycle: Support the Cleaver Chasers

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 09:24:34 GMT

Women V Cancer

This October, four of our fabulous female team members will cycle from Milan to Venice. Why? To raise money for a great cause! The Cleaver Chasers, consisting of Susan Cleaver, Sarah Cleaver, Zoë Tilbury and Helen Helliwell are taking on the epic 3-day challenge to fundraise for Giving Works- Women V Cancer.

All money raised by the team will go to this amazing cause, supporting the work of three other charities including Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action. Each charity has a special place in each team members heart, and they will be eternally grateful for any donation, big or small, to help them reach their goal.

The Challenge

A typical day on the Milan to Venice cycle challenge will involve over 7 hours of cycling and in total, our ladies will cover an incredible 355km across three days – certainly no easy feat! However, they will have some stunning views to take in along the way as they skirt past the Dolomites, Lake Iseo and Lake Garda before arriving on the edge of beautiful Venice.

Donate

Help us support these incredible ladies through challenge and triumph by donating to their team Just Giving page . Donations can be left anonymously or publicly along with a message of support for our girls! Donations of any size will be greatly appreciated by the team- every little really does help!

More About the Charity

Women V Cancer is a series of female-only cycling challenges, organised and managed by Dream Challenges to raise vital funds that go towards fighting breast, cervical and ovarian cancers. All donations made are distributed evenly between the three, so the money you give is going to not one but three amazing charities.

Thank you!

Thank you in advance from The Cleaver Chasers and from all of us at Cleaver Property Management for your support. We’re super proud of these lovely ladies and we know they’ll do us and these three great charities proud! We look forward to keeping you all updated throughout their amazing journey.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/susan-cleaver2

Property market trends 2019: what can we expect?

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 09:31:02 GMT

More people renting, a switch-up in the north/south divide, smarter homes, a rise in Airbnb friendly properties and, as always, London in high demand. Peering through the cracks of Brexit uncertainty, here’s what trends experts are predicting for the property market in 2019…

Sustainability and Environmental Awareness

Sustainable living and our environment were huge topics in 2018 and this increased awareness is likely to mean both buyers and renters looking for ‘smart’ qualities in their homes. Quality and style will remain of importance when it comes to the technology in the property market, though; we’re expecting ‘Smart Home’ to mean less app-controlled, colour-changing light bulbs and more heating systems that know when you’re ten minutes from home.

The Rise of Airbnb Friendly Properties

More and more buyers will be on the lookout for ‘Airbnb’ friendly properties in 2019, such as those with outbuildings or “nanny flats”. Whether they’re looking to use the additional space as a form of extra income, a home office, for personal guests or a live-in space for au pairs, these types of homes will become increasingly popular among buyers in the property market this year.

The North Takes the Upper-Hand

A divide between the north and south of the UK is nothing unusual when it comes to the property market, but a recent shift in supply and demand has created a split that (this time) sees the north in favour; a current increase in property stock could fuel pricing challenges in the south, while dwindling availability but strong demand stands the north in contrastingly good stead for the year ahead.

Private Rented Sector and Build-to-Rent

Speaking of supply and demand, London will remain sought-after as ever – despite Brexit talk – meaning an increase in market share for the Private Rented Sector is likely. The amount of rented properties in the capital is predicted to grow by 40% over the next ten years, and build-to-rent property is likely to play a huge part in supplying the high-quality housing required to sustain this.

Skyscrapers on the Rise

Consequential to the above, London’s skyline is set to reach new heights this year as the tallest residential building in Europe is due to complete. The 239m, 75-floor Landmark Pinnacle being erected on the Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf is just 1 of 510 tall towers currently in the pipeline. Once complete, the landmark tower block will offer the most habitable floors than any other UK high-rise.

All-in-all, if experts are right it seems that the property market is simply moving with the times, and despite uncertainty about the political future of the UK, the future of the property market looks relatively bright in most aspects – particularly the Private Rented Sector.

cleaver-pm

In Loving Memory of Martin Cleaver

Founder and Director of Cleaver Property Management

Proud to Support our Local Community

Cleaver Property Management Ltd were honoured to be involved in last week’s DIY SOS episode featuring 8 year old Raffi, from Bracknell, a very special young boy whose story inspired so many.

Statement regarding incident – 9 October 2025

On the evening of 9 October, a fire occurred at one of the residential sites we manage, affecting three properties.

Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023

A major legal change is on the horizon and it affects every director and PSC involved in the running of a UK company, including residential management companies.

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A Huge Congratulations to Zoë!

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A Huge Congratulations to Diana Bucataru on her latest academic achievement!

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How and when to pay your Service Charge

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Property Management:

Accounts Department:

Maintenance Department:

Solicitors Enquiries:

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A ﻿ ccess the Online Tool Here:

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