NEWS & INSIGHTS
Our SAY
Getting service charges right on mixed-tenure and mixed-use estates
Louise Bell MRICS, Director of Mixed Use at SAY, reflects on what affordable housing providers told us about service charge accuracy, transparency and value for money.
Preparing for STAIRs: the operational challenges for housing associations
Housing associations must now publish specified information under STAIRs, and from April 2027 they must respond to tenant requests within 30 days. We look at the practical challenges ahead, from locating records and managing contractors to disclosure decisions and staffing, and how providers can prepare.
Management fees under the 2026 RICS code: Where the opportunity lies for agents
The 2026 RICS Code no longer dictates how managing agents set fees. We explore the models now open to you, and where the new flexibility creates real opportunity.
What the 2026 Residential Management Code update means for service charges in mixed-use developments
The 2026 Residential Management Code raises the bar for service charge management in mixed-use developments, with greater emphasis on transparency, governance, record-keeping and building safety.
New towns bring new responsibilities: Defining stewardship for Mixed Use developments from the start
The UK’s new town programme signals a return to large-scale placemaking—but delivery is only part of the story. As responsibility for long-term management shifts, early clarity on stewardship, governance, and funding is becoming critical to creating places that truly endure.
What Does a Seamless Mobilisation Look Like?
Mobilisation is more than handover—it’s the foundation for long-term success. Done well, it means early engagement, clear deliverables, shared vision, and momentum that never stalls. The result? Confident owners and a seamless experience for residents from day one.
Commonhold: could this be a better system for homeowners?
The UK government is moving to ban leasehold flats and make commonhold the standard tenure. Under commonhold, homeowners own their property outright and share responsibility for communal areas through a democratic association—removing landlords and expiring leases. Louise dives into the discussion and gives us her insight.
How’s your health? Why Property management health checks matter
A property management health check is an independent review of how your block, estate, or community is run. Covering compliance, service charges, health & safety, and resident engagement, it highlights risks, improves transparency, and provides a clear action plan. The result? Stronger trust, better managing agent accountability, and higher standards in property management.
Could the resident experience be the real asset?
The resident experience is emerging as the true value driver in residential asset management. At our recent roundtable, industry leaders explored how transparency, trust, and responsiveness are reshaping expectations. It's time to shift from a B2B mindset to one that puts residents at the heart of every decision.
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How Rising Service Charges Are Impacting Residential Asset Management
Rising service charges and increasing operational costs are putting pressure on property owners and investors. SAY’s Residential Asset Management service provides expert oversight to ensure financial control, compliance, and operational efficiency. By refining management processes and enhancing transparency, we help clients protect their assets and improve long-term performance.
Integrating Wellness into Mixed-Use Projects: Why Health-Centric Design is the Future
Claire explores how wellness-focused design is redefining mixed-use developments. Integrating health, safety, and other vital factors to create spaces will enhance tenant satisfaction and community well-being. With real-world examples like Battersea Power Station, discover how SAY is driving this transformative shift in property design.
