Frequently asked questions

Residential property management can raise a lot of questions, whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or part of a residents’ association.

This FAQ section brings together the answers to the questions we’re asked most often but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, our team is always here to help.

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Block management in Northern Ireland

  • Block management refers to the maintenance, administration and upkeep of shared or communal areas within a residential development. These may include private roads, shared gardens, parking areas, play areas, hallways, stairwells, lifts, and other common spaces. In Northern Ireland, these responsibilities are typically overseen by a Management Company.

  • A block management company is usually established by the property developer to own and manage the shared or communal areas of a housing or apartment development. Each homeowner typically becomes a shareholder in the company when they purchase their property and from those shareholders, directors are appointed who carry the authority and responsibility for the company. Typically, a management company will appoint a Managing Agent to provide services such as maintenance, insurance arrangements, repairs, financial administration and governance assistance.

  • Service charges are paid to upkeep the common areas of the development. Homeowners are legally obligated to pay these charges under the covenants (contractual agreement) in the Title Deeds.

    These fees cover:

    • Maintenance and upkeep of communal areas

    • Building or estate insurance

    • Administration and accountancy costs

    • Repairs and contractor services

    • Public liability insurance.

  • A Title Deed is the legal document (or collection of documents) that sets out the ownership of a property and includes details such as boundaries, rights of way, covenants, burdens, and any conditions affecting the property. In Northern Ireland, for registered land, the Title Deed takes the form of a Folio and Title Plan, which record the owner, legal boundaries, and any cautions, burdens, or inhibitions attached to the title.

  • A Transfer Deed is the legal document used to transfer ownership of a property from the developer (or a previous owner) to the purchaser. In Northern Ireland developments, the Transfer Deed typically includes covenants that set out:

    • The homeowner’s obligations

    • Requirements to contribute to the Management Company

    • Rules relating to communal areas and maintenance responsibilities

    These covenants form the legal foundation for service charges and shared management obligations.