Case Studies

Leeds, LS2
Leeds, LS16
York, YO4
Leeds, LS14

Leeds, LS14

Block Buddy has been managing this exclusive gated development since January 2023. The development includes 23 apartments across two modern blocks and is located in an exclusive part of Leeds.

Previously, the management company had employed the services of a national company. While this worked for a while, there were concerns that the managing agent’s head office was over 100 miles away and that they were not responsive to the needs of the development.

The management company made the decision to tender the management contract, and approached three local managing agents, including us. The management company wanted to use a local managing agent but also wanted to work with a progressive and forward-thinking agent.

Block Buddy was appointed in January 2023 because we were able to demonstrate our close proximity to the site. In addition, our core values of working closely with local contractors and other suppliers was welcomed by the management company and is something they believe to be important in effective property management.

Block Buddy only ever uses local contractors, and we do not believe in wasting money unnecessarily just because it may be more convenient for us. We would much rather spend additional time sourcing local contractors and suppliers as this aids the local economy and assures leaseholders that we are spending their money wisely.

Since January, we have been busy making changes on site, as appropriate.

We listened to leaseholders when they told us there was a recurring problem with the bin store area overflowing with rubbish. The bins at the front of the bin store were full and overflowing but the bins at the back were empty as they couldn’t be accessed. We made a simple but effective change to relocate the bins to a part of the site that provides more space and this means everyone can now safely access the bins. In addition, the site is now much cleaner and we have cut the risk of vermin.

We have begun an extensive re-tender process of all service and maintenance contracts on site, in preparation for the new financial year.

Block Buddy has an extensive contractor database, all within Leeds and Yorkshire, and because of this we were able to increase the frequency of communal cleaning from fortnightly cleans to weekly cleans. This is a major improvement and was cost neutral to the service charge. Leaseholders now find the communal areas are more appealing and stay cleaner and fresher for longer. A large number of leaseholders have commented on the vast improvement.
In addition, Block Buddy found the costs of external grounds maintenance to be the single highest cost within the service charge, with the exception of buildings insurance. The grounds maintenance cost even exceeded the managing agent’s fees. Using our local influence and past experiences we were able to re-tender the grounds maintenance contract and successfully reduced the annual cost by 50%. The grounds are still well maintained, but they are now maintained by someone local and at half the previous cost.
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Leeds, LS2
Leeds, LS2

Block Buddy have been managing this development since January 2023...

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Leeds, LS16
Leeds, LS16

Block Buddy have been managing this gated development of 100+ apartments since January 2023...

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York, YO4
York, YO4

Block Buddy have been managing this large development of 100+ properties since February ...

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