J Nicholson & Son

Established in London in 1845, J Nicholson & Son has grown to become a leading independent firm of Chartered Surveyors, specialising in the professional management of all types of property. Our extensive area of coverage is primarily focused in the south and east of the country, with the majority of our managed developments located in these regions. At J Nicholson & Son, we are committed to providing an efficient, friendly, and cost-effective service to all of our clients.

Our Services

As a long-standing independent firm, we specialise in the investment and management of property. We act for a diverse range of clients, including Public and Private Companies, Developers, Residents Associations, and Flat Management Companies, some of whom have been using our services for many years. Our head office in Ilford consists of various departments that enable us to deal with all aspects of property matters from one central area.

The main part of our business consists of managing residential blocks of flats and commercial sites, where we provide full management services including repairs, cleaning, gardening, and insurance with other contract maintenance where applicable. We provide full collection facilities for service charge and rents; accounting to residents and clients annually. In areas local to our main office, we also manage properties let on Assured Shorthold Agreements and Regulated Tenancies.

We also give advice to developers and other clients on structuring leases for effective management. We have a number of Surveyors who are able to offer professional advice on property matters including, building surveys, party wall matters, leasehold valuation, freehold ground rents and investment advice.

Our Methods

Our Property Management business has a dedicated Accounts, Maintenance, Insurance and Legal Departments, which are run by experienced staff, some of whom have worked within our organisation for many years. We aim to provide an efficient, reliable and friendly service to our customers. We therefore use the most up-to-date property management software available. The system comprises of a full database of properties, leaseholders and tenants, and is integrated with full accountancy functions. The software also controls recurring expenditure, budgeting, accounting and maintenance history.

Accounts

We have a number of dedicated accounts teams, who are available to assist you with any queries in relation to your property account. Where a service charge payment is collected, the amount can vary from time to time. Charges are payable in accordance with lease terms but each maybe collected in instalment by agreement. The service charge will in most cases be collected in advance. The expenditure for each property under our management is recorded using the latest accounting and property management software. Annual accounts are produced.

Insurance

We insure an extensive range of properties through leading insurance companies. We have a department within our organisation, which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is there to assist our customers in respect of any queries concerning Insurance and claims. We primarily deal with buildings & public liability insurance on properties within our portfolio. Please note that it is a requirement for all leaseholders and owners of property to arrange their own contents insurance, as this is insured separately. If you require further information or advice on any insurance matters relating to a particular building under our management please contact our Insurance Department. We can also arrange on behalf of companies, Directors & Officers Liability Insurance. We are able to obtain competitive rates that are reviewed annually.

Investments and Other Services

Valuation and Investment

As a long established firm in the property market, we are often instructed to undertake valuations and give advice to clients on a range of matters. We act for vendors and purchasers of investment property. We particularly deal with freehold ground rent investment and residential leaseholds. We act for Developers, Residents Associations, Flat Management Companies and other organisations to give professional advice and values on property interests. We are able to advise on lease extensions and renewals and give advice to clients under various types of property legislation including, the Landlord & Tenant Acts and the Leasehold Reform Housing & Urban Land Development Act.

Agency

We act for vendors and purchasers of investment property. We particularly deal with freehold ground rent investment and residential leaseholds. We operate an established department that specialises in this area where we manage client funds and portfolios for investors. The purchase and sale of ground rents can become protracted and at times complicated due to legislative requirements. We therefore aim to help with the process and with access to client funds for immediate decisions where enquires are received.

Development Consultancy

We are instructed by clients to give professional advice on both commercial and residential development schemes. We assist with lease structuring to enable effective management for particular sites. We are also able to provide reports and expenditure analysis on buildings and potential developments sites that may require professional management on completion.

Building Surveying

We use qualified Surveyors who provide assistance to us on our portfolio and in additional deal with independent enquiries and referrals from Solicitors, Banks and other institutions. The following services are provided. Party Wall Matters, Schedule of Conditions/Dilapidations, Building & Structural Surveys, Defect Analysis and Specifications for Repair and Maintenance.

Dispute Resolution

We are able to offer advice on management disputes including landlord and tenant matter and can advise on other property disputes at County Court and Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT).