AUTUMN 2011
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lesleyDavis Editor
editor@flatliving.co.uk
WarwickSmith ConsultantPublisher
warwick@flatliving.co.uk
NeilPorteous Commercial Director
neil@flat-living.co.uk
SueHodnett SubscriptionsAdministrator
sue@flat-living.com
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TheJournal for Residents’Management Companiessupported byARMA
Welcometo theAutumnissue of Flat Living andmyfirstasEditor. This is oureighthissue andtocelebrate twoyears of keepingreaders up-to-date with the highs (and sometimes lows) of leasehold life,we have givenFlat Living amakeover. Themagazine nowhas a fresh, bright newlook with a bold, easy-to-read design and newregular
features.Weare delightedwiththe positive feedbackwereceivefromour readersand hope youcontinuetofind thearticles, newsandcomment entertaining,useful and informative. This issueispackedfulloffabulousflatsand exciting interiors, with everyArsenal
fan’s favourite development, Highbury Square, featured on our Lifestyle pages,plus major features on lease extensions and service charges. Our newAdvice pages offer plenty of tips and expert guidance on property,maintenance and insurance issues in a newsectionstarting on page 19. Opinion on page 28 includes the first of a regular columnfromFPRAChairman Bob
Smytherman and AstonRose’s JohnWilliamsgives us his take on professional block management.WealsotalktoALEP’sAlexGreensladeaboutwhat hisorganisationis doing to help leaseholders get a better deal both fromprofessional advisers and the Government andwepublishyour newsand views in Letterson page 30. ARMAnowhas itsownpages,with all adviceandinformationfromtheAssociation
inone, easy-to-findsectionof themagazine, startingonpage 35 of this issue. Lease extensions and service charges are two aspects of leasehold life that crop
up timeand timeagain. Sowehave tackled both in this issue , giving readers plenty of information, links to usefulwebsites and sometips for getting the best fromthe professionals. If there is one thing leaseholders should knowabout extending their lease, asALEP’s Alex Greenslade points out on page 33, it is that it is never too soon to start thinking about it.Onpages 47-51,weexplain theprocess, identify theadvisers youwillneed to help youextendyourlease andweevendothemaths, towork out howmuch extending your lease is likely to cost. The thorny issue of service charges is in the spotlight on pages 53 – 58. The
message for readers here is plan ahead – don’t be caught out byunexpected bills and if you do get into a dispute with your freeholder, the experts explainwhat to do next. Finally, don’t forget to enter our crossword competitionon page 62 – you could win
£50 ofMarks and Spencer’s vouchers. Wehope you enjoy this issue of Flat Living.Weare always pleasedtohearfrom
ToensureyoureceiveeverycopyofFlatLiving magazineandtoreceivenewsupdates,
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readers so drop us a line or send us anemail and let us knowwhat youwould liketo see in yourmagazine.
lesleyDavis Editor
Issue 8
flat-living.co.uk
Flat Living Autumn2011
7
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