Residential property management services

The CMA has published its market study findings and recommendations for improvements into the supply of residential property management services.

From:
Competition and Markets Authority
Published
4 December 2015
Last updated
31 March 2016 — See all updates
Case type:
Markets
Case state:
Closed
Market sector:
Distribution and service industries
Opened:
1 April 2014
Closed:
31 March 2016

Case timetable

Key dates Action
April 2016 Further update on CMA recommendations
2 December 2014 Publication of market study findings and recommendations
19 September 2014 Deadline for representations on the range of remedies set out in update paper
1 August 2014 Publication of update paper on the market study
4 March 2014 Launch of market study

Phase 1

Update on CMA recommendations

31 March 2016: This update report provides an overview of the progress that has been made in the implementation of our recommendations, what has been achieved to date and what further work remains in progress.

Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) discussion papers

1 April 2015: DCLG has published 2 discussion papers for consultation:

Government response to findings and recommendations

24 March 2015: The Minister of State for Housing and Planning has replied on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Ministry of Justice to the residential property market study findings and recommendations.

Housing is a devolved matter for Wales. The Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty has responded separately to the CMA’s findings and recommendations.

Market study findings and recommendations

2 December 2014: The CMA has published its market study findings and recommendations for improvements into the residential property management sector.

The CMA has concluded that, while the market works well for many leaseholders, some experience significant problems. In light of the findings, the CMA has made a number of recommendations aimed at improving the way the market works.

CMA leaseholder survey 2014

2 September 2014: Further to the CMA update on its market study on 1 August 2014, the CMA has published its survey research (below) of leaseholders that it commissioned Ipsos MORI to carry out on its behalf, examining consumers’ dealings with property managers and freeholders.

8 September 2014: Subsequent to the publication of the leaseholder survey, the figures relating to the size of the leasehold sector in England and Wales on page 10 and the accompanying text in that paragraph has been updated by Ipsos MORI below.

Update on market study and consultation on possible remedies: Now closed

1 August 2014: The CMA has published an update on its market study into residential property management services.

This sets out the CMA’s early findings and views on possible remedial action to improve the performance of the market for residential property management services and outcomes for consumers.

The CMA is seeking views from interested parties on the range of remedies being considered, as set out in the update document.

The CMA will announce its final decision on the market study outcome later in the year.

The CMA is keen to get views from the public about the residential property market, but we are not able to investigate, or advise people, in relation to specific individual complaints. We can’t provide legal advice to members of the public.

The Citizens Advice consumer service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues. Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 08454 04 05 06.

The Leasehold Advisory Service provides free advice on the law affecting residential leasehold property in England and Wales. They can be contacted on 020 7832 2500.

Contact

general.enquiries@cma.gsi.gov.uk

OFT’s work on property

4 March 2014: The OFT announced a market study on the provision of residential property management services in England and Wales, in order to examine whether the market was working well for consumers, and if not, whether there was potential for improving how it functions.

The launch of the market study followed a call for views on the proposed scope of the OFT’s work, which resulted in the OFT extending the scope of its market study to include property management services provided by local authorities and housing associations.

Information gathering

December 2013 to March 2014: During the market study, the OFT contacted key parties to seek their views in more detail. The OFT also invited interested parties to submit evidence and/or views on the functioning of the market.

Published 4 December 2015
Last updated 31 March 2016 + show all updates

  1. Update on recommendations added.

  2. Update on recommendations added and timetable updated.

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