Belgarum Property Management Ltd

Block and estate management in Winchester and southern England

Belgarum Property Management Ltd, known as BPM, is a residential property management company based in Winchester. Its activity is limited to the management of residential apartment developments and estate areas; the company states that it does not operate an estate agency or lettings practice. It works for freeholders, resident management companies, 'Right to Manage' companies, new build developers and private landlords, from owners of several hundred properties to those with smaller developments.

The company reports having been in the property management business since 1989 and says it currently manages a portfolio of more than 150 developments with varied leasehold and freehold tenures.

Services for freeholders and leasehold properties

BPM states that it only employs professional and experienced property managers familiar with the legislation governing the management of leasehold properties and freehold estate areas. The firm says it ensures leasehold legislation is complied with and advises clients on their rights and legal obligations under the terms of the lease.

Resident block and estate area management

For resident management companies, the company cites over 25 years of experience in the management of residential properties. Its services in this area include company secretarial duties, the arrangement of Annual General Meetings and registered office facilities, which it describes as requirements under statute.

Work with developers on new estate areas

BPM says it has years of experience with a number of local and national developers and understands the difficulties they face when establishing effective resident management schemes. The company also reports strong links with developers with a presence at both local and national level.

Block management, accreditation and contract terms

The company describes its block management service as comprehensive and states that it is a corporate member of ARMA Q, the Association of Residential Managing Agents. According to BPM, ARMA Q members commit to reputable practices and to a high level of service, and undertake to comply with the Code of Practice relating to service charges published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and endorsed in statute. The firm also states that it holds a professional indemnity insurance policy.

BPM says it provides all clients, regardless of size, with an industry-wide approved contract that clearly defines the terms of engagement as managing agents, covering responsibilities and fees. It also states that it aims to manage properties within the budgets set for the current year.

Dedicated property managers and day-to-day administration

Each development is assigned a dedicated property manager familiar with all aspects of the property, according to the company. BPM states that this person is available during normal office hours, Monday through Friday, and that computerised files support continuity between staff. The firm says its staff work according to best practice advocated by the Institute of Residential Property Management.

Day-to-day matters such as maintenance, tenant queries and vandalism are handled by BPM on behalf of clients. The company also refers to longer-term planning and regular administrative work, including contract maintenance, insurance and legal work.

Coverage from the Winchester office

The administrative department is located in Winchester, close to the M3, a position the company presents as suitable for covering properties in Hampshire, Sussex, Dorset, London and the Home Counties.