Why do you need a property factor?

From Edinburgh to the Highlands, Dumfries to Inverness, we manage over 27,000 properties across 380 residential developments from our offices in Scotland.

In Scotland, Property Factors (also referred to as Property Managers) act on behalf of homeowners and residents to take care of communal spaces in a block of flats or a development. From maintenance to repairs, cleaning to health and safety, we make sure that these areas are clean, safe and comply with all relevant laws and regulations. Our local presence and expertise mean that we’re perfectly placed to meet all your needs.

Edinburgh Old Town tenement buildings

What we can do for you?

We create bespoke solutions for developers, owners and residents that maximise the functionality and value of their properties.

With our local presence and deep knowledge of Scottish property law and regulations, we act as a true extension of your team. Backed by specialist in-house support and a responsive, Glasgow-based customer service team, we’re committed to delivering a high-quality service.

For owners and residents

Our service includes:

  • Support for homeowners’ associations, residents’ committees and tenements with common ownership, to help these organisations fulfil their duties effectively.
  • Conducting regular site visits and inspections
  • Ensuring health and safety, fire risk assessment and asset compliance
  • Managing repairs, maintenance and major works
  • Liaising with contractors to keep homeowners up to date on maintenance
  • Issuing service charge budgets and accounts
  • Handling customer services enquiries
  • Providing out-of-hours emergency support

For developers

We work with you to manage:

  • Developments with a wide range of communal facilities and plants such as lifts, gardens, entry/security gates, water pumps, heating boilers and entry systems
  • All elements of a development’s health and safety
  • Service charge modelling across mechanical and electrical equipment, infrastructure, fixtures and fittings, redecoration, utilities and communications, grounds, operating costs, staffing and phasing

Our team

Our dedicated team is backed up by in-house specialist support, including accounting, health and safety and surveying, giving you peace of mind that your home safe and well maintained.

Who uses a property factor?

The use of a property factor is essential for certain homeowners, particularly if it’s outlined in their property title.

Developers

Developers often opt to appoint a property factor for their new build projects to set a standard for care and maintenance from the outset. Similarly, councils or housing associations often utilise the services of a property factor for their estates.

Modern UK housing estate.

Homeowners

Homeowners want a property factor that ensures their property is well maintained and properly looked after; safe in the knowledge that the money they pay towards maintenance is spent wisely. At FirstPort, we work every day to deliver the highest standards of customer service, from our Scottish offices, always listening to our residents’ opinions and needs. 

Aerial view of Edinburgh, Scotland, residential buildings.

How do you change your property factor? 

When buying your home, you may not have had a say in who the property factor is, and you may be unaware of what they do and why. If you’re not satisfied with the service you’re receiving, it is possible to change property factor, as we explain in the following video:

Duties of a property factor

Property factors must adhere to a strict code of conduct that outlines their essential duties, ensuring that your property’s needs are met with the utmost professionalism.

These responsibilities include: 

  • Organising maintenance and repairs. 
  • Managing insurance coverage. 
  • Collecting and managing service charges. 
  • Resolving disputes. 
  • Ensuring all actions comply with current laws and regulations. 

They must be listed on the Property Factors register, to comply with the Property Factors Scotland Act 2011. 

In the following video, we explain our role as a property factor.

Want to know more? Just get in touch.

To learn more about the range of property factor services we provide, complete the form below and our Scotland team will be in touch.

Please note that this contact form is for new business enquiries only. If you are a customer, please visit our customer service page.

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