The Olympus Blog

Jamie Fletcher BSc (Hons) MTPI MRICS

Here in the Olympus Blog, you'll find the latest news, views and a wealth of knowledge.  The most recent articles are at the top of the page and if you're looking for something in particular, you can use the Recent Posts and Categories lists or the search box to help.  You'll find them in the right-hand sidebar on a desktop or at the foot of the page on a mobile.

Understanding Service Charges: A Leaseholder’s Guide to Transparency and Control

By Jamie Fletcher BSc (Hons) MTPI MRICS

What Are Service Charges? For most leaseholders, service charges are one of the least understood yet most important aspects of living in a managed building. In simple terms, a service charge is your share of the costs involved in running, maintaining and insuring the building. These charges cover everything from cleaning and gardening to building insurance, lift maintenance, fire safety…

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Why Personal Service Still Matters – Even in a Digital World

By Jamie Fletcher BSc (Hons) MTPI MRICS

We are living through a period of rapid technological change. In just a few short years, digital tools and AI have transformed almost every industry – and block management is no exception. What once relied heavily on personal phone calls, letters and site visits is now dominated by portals, dashboards and automated updates. For some, this shift has been exciting,…

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Sustainability Without the Slogans: Practical Upgrades That Actually Make a Difference

By Jamie Fletcher BSc (Hons) MTPI MRICS

Sustainability That Works – Not Words In a city full of promises about going green, it’s easy to get swept up in slogans. But at Olympus Management, we believe sustainability starts with something far simpler – practical upgrades that genuinely reduce waste, save energy and benefit residents. No fluff. No fanfare. Just action. Whether managing a heritage mansion block in…

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How Olympus Handles Major Works Without the Drama

By Jamie Fletcher BSc (Hons) MTPI MRICS

Major Works Without the Stress For many residents, the phrase “major works” brings a sinking feeling. Scaffolding, disruption, unclear costs, and poor communication have become all too common in the world of block management. But it doesn’t have to be that way. At Olympus Management, we approach every project – whether it’s a roof replacement, fire safety upgrade or external…

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From Mansion Blocks to Modern High-Rises: Why Tailored Management is Essential

By Jamie Fletcher BSc (Hons) MTPI MRICS

Managing London’s Past, Present and Future – All at Once London’s skyline tells a story of shifting eras. Grand Edwardian mansion blocks line the streets of Kensington and Mayfair, while shimmering towers rise in Westminster and Nine Elms. Each building style speaks to a different generation, a different way of living – and critically, a different set of management needs.…

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Service Charge Index 2024

By Ella Fletcher BA (Hons) MTPI AssocRICS

QUARTER 2, 2024 Service Charge Costs have been getting a lot of negative press lately with the media and even leaseholders themselves blaming landlords or their managing agents for the rising charges. It is clear from the narrative that a large number of people just simply do not understand what service charges are and how they work. There is a…

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What Does a Managing Agent Do?

By Ella Fletcher BA (Hons) MTPI AssocRICS

QUARTER 1, 2024 The world of UK leasehold and freehold can be mystifying to say the least. It is a feudal system with many of its laws and regulations dating back to 1920 when modern leasehold began. And those laws and regulations are still being upheld today. Therefore, it is not surprising that apart from a handful of properties in…

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Much Anticipated Freehold and Leasehold Reform Announced in The King’s Speech

By Ella Fletcher BA (Hons) MTPI AssocRICS

QUARTER 4, 2023 It is for many years now that we have listened to Government Ministers declare that they will “tackle the exploitation of millions of homeowners” across the country, and make promises that they will “make it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to purchase their freehold”. So it was with much anticipation that people across the property market –…

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Right to Enfranchise

By Ella Fletcher BA (Hons) MTPI AssocRICS

QUARTER 4, 2023 Right to Enfranchise is seen by most leaseholders struggling with a difficult Landlord as the ultimate answer to their problems because it puts the control back in their own hands. A successful enfranchisement would remove the current freeholder from their position and give the ownership and responsibility for the building back to the leaseholders, via the newly…

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Right to Manage

By Ella Fletcher BA (Hons) MTPI AssocRICS

QUARTER 4, 2023 Right To Manage is a popular process that is available to leaseholders who are unhappy with the way that their building is being run by their freeholder. There are a number of options for leaseholders in this position – Right to Enfranchise is seen as the ultimate solution because it completely removes the current freeholder and gives…

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