New Property Developments

Our specialist "New Developments" team comprises individuals who have broad skills in the setting up and management of new schemes. These skills have been derived from practical experience, working with a variety of developers over many years. Our expertise covers all types of residential and mixed-use schemes ranging from exclusive highly-serviced city centre developments with substantial leisure facilities through to large sprawling suburban sites incorporating features such as parkland and children’s play areas.

Our involvement usually begins at drawing-board stage when developers look to us for advice on issues such as staffing, security, and the phasing-in of services. We also prepare service charge budgets at an early stage to assist the sales team in providing accurate marketing details. To achieve this, we need to have a thorough understanding of the developer’s aims in terms of the extent and cost of services provided and how these impact on service charge levels.

On the legal side of things, we commence preparations and issue management agreements, offer advice on freehold transfer and broadly assist with solicitors’ enquiries, i.e. purchaser's solicitor with queries regarding legal documentation, management responsibility and explanation of covenants.

As the development nears completion, we start to prepare for the first residents taking up occupation. Staff may need to be recruited, insurance cover put in place at competitive rates and service contracts tendered. Immediately prior to handover, we liaise with sales negotiators to sort out management queries and consult with site staff in order to achieve best time for handover of management. Full management begins, often on a phased basis, when the first sale completes. On the accounting side, an understanding of the obligations of developers to meet service charges for void units as well as an appreciation of the developer’s own budgetary constraints are essential. It is also important to phase in services in line with the anticipated completion rate for sales to ensure that the income receivable is adequate to meet the cost of services provided.

CEM works in partnership with an extensive base of highly respected residential developers while offering a holistic service and peace of mind for our clients and property owners. To find out more on how you can benefit from our specialist new developments management skills, please call us on 020 7436 2080 or send an email to mail@countyestate.co.uk