What challenges do developers face that a residential property manager can help solve?

As the complexity of developments and their management arrangements continue to increase, how can a managing agent add value for developers through successful project delivery?

Ensuring service charges are set at fair and sustainable levels from day one

It is imperative for developers to understand the operational costs of their developments during the design phase.  Accurate service charge modelling enables sales and ensures costs are being forecasted at a fair level that is reflective of the specific development. Often, we hear from developers who are selling new homes with service charges being quoted to their customers based on comparable local schemes or figures supplied by estate agents with little evidence behind them.  

All developments are different, and whilst benchmarking service charges is useful and imperative for sales, it is important that they are considered for the specific design, specifications and amenities of a scheme.  After all, once it is built, it must be maintained and the costs become fixed and beyond the control of a managing agent.

We can support developers in the early stages of the design process by modelling, setting, and reviewing service charge budget structures based on data from our diverse 90,000 home portfolio, as well as considering the layouts, specifications and strategies for each specific development.

Our consultancy service helps achieve accurate, development-specific service charge levels that fully reflect anticipated costs ensuring that all parties are knowledgeable from day one.  Our portfolio allows us to model charges across simple estates and blocks, and across multi-phase, mixed-use developments where we have extensive knowledge and experience.

Ensuring design delivers long-term efficiency

Good design should support convenience, ease of use, durability and cost efficiency over time, thus maximising whole-life value.

We can provide advice on layouts, communal areas, public realm, mechanical and electrical systems, and sustainable energy services, helping to align developments with current and forthcoming requirements.  We look at how the areas can be serviced and the impact of design decisions on ongoing costs and resident enjoyment, for example ensuring equipment is specified to last, and requires no onerous maintenance regime or ongoing staff supervision.

Our development consultancy services support developers from concept and early planning and design stages, through to ongoing management. We take a long-term view of estate planning to ensure that every stage of development is optimised for operational efficiency and liveability.

Lessening financial exposure during the early phases of resident occupation

Minimising financial risk during the early phases of a development is a big challenge for many developers.  Void management has a key role here.

We offer guidance on how to minimise service charge voids and budget for void liabilities by analysing the phasing of buildings or unit occupations and services. This can significantly reduce financial exposure during the early phases of occupation.

By closely analysing the phasing of unit handovers and corresponding service start dates, we help developers structure budgets that reflect occupancy and service use. This not only supports financial stability, but also ensures early residents are fairly treated, receiving a transparent and consistent level of service during the early phases of a development.

Avoiding headaches from heat networks

Heat networks are a vital part of the UK’s net zero strategy and new Ofgem regulations in 2026 aims to better protect those connected to a heat network.  They are expected to be fully operational by 2027. However, many developers face uncertainty around what is required and how to best manage these systems for the benefit of their residents.

To support our clients through this transition, our Heat Network Team can assist with setting up heat networks, establishing appropriate operating budgets, and implementing transparent billing practices. This is ensuring our clients are ready for these changes, both from a compliance and service delivery perspective.

Ensuring a smoother transition from construction to occupation

Our Mobilisation Team uses a ‘Soft Landings’ approach, which involves developing strategies pre-handover to ensure optimised operational performance in areas such as staffing, amenity management, handover and defects management, and customer journey processes - all of which will result in resident satisfaction from the start of occupation.

Struggling to keep up to date with the ever-changing regulatory landscape?

The legislative environment around building safety and compliance continues to evolve rapidly, creating multiple challenges for developers.

Our expertise in these areas means we’re able to offer proactive, informed advice as new requirements come into effect. Our 32-person Health & Safety Team includes dedicated Building Safety, Fire Safety Remediation and Technical Support professionals, who work to ensure all the developments we are involved with meet the latest requirements. Our embedded culture of continuous improvement provides peace of mind that safety is prioritised, risks are managed effectively and all stakeholders are protected.

The regulatory landscape for managing agents is changing too with regulation of firms’ forthcoming, together with mandatory qualifications for property management professionals. Through our Regulated by RICS status our customers can be assured that we are already adhering to, and in some cases exceeding, the required professional standards which are subject to regular review.

Establishing strong communities

When residents move into the early phases of a new development it can be challenging to foster a genuine sense of community between residents. Our award-winning Resident Engagement strategy is led by our dedicated Community Engagement Manager with support from our Operations team and on-site teams. Throughout the year, we organise and run an array of events for residents, all designed with the ultimate aim of boosting resident engagement and community spirit whatever the stage of development.

We also understand that communication is an essential component of resident satisfaction. Our teams communicate directly with residents on a range of key issues that have a real impact on their lives such as service charge and budgetary transparency, and our Health & Safety team provide regular updates via broadcasts, factsheets and newsletters on the evolving nature of the Building Safety Act and its associated regulations.

Delivering value for money

With the cost of living adding inflationary pressures for residents across the country, we work to deliver strong value for money for our clients and customers. We are committed to ensuring that service charges remain fair, transparent and reflective of the true costs involved in at least maintaining the quality of the developments we manage, ultimately providing value for money for residents.  

With our services encompassing utilities, maintenance, cleaning, landscaping and more, our procurement team is instrumental in sourcing and securing advantageous contracts at competitive rates. Through these bulk procurement deals and the long-standing relationships we have with many of our suppliers, we provide cost savings to residents wherever possible.  For example, our 2025 contracts with utility suppliers are delivering 15-20% lower energy costs for our customers.

A comprehensive and fully integrated service

At Rendall & Rittner, we support developers through every stage of a project, from concept and planning to mobilisation and long-term operation. With a deep understanding of operational efficiency, financial risks, resident experience and regulatory compliance, our role is not only to manage buildings effectively, but also to contribute strategic insight that helps developments succeed over their full lifecycle.

Ross Facta, Head of Consultancy, Rendall & Rittner