• The average annual property service charge in Britain is £1,863
• The service charges for new builds are 96 per cent higher than older properties and average £2,777
• A third (33 per cent) of management companies have increased service charges in the last two years
• Service charges vary between £1.55 per square foot to £7 per square foot
   

New research by Landlord insurance provider, Direct Line for Business1, reveals property service charges are rising rapidly with a third (33 per cent) of management companies increasing these fees in the last two years.

The average service charge or fees leaseholders pay to cover their share of the overall building maintenance, now stands at £1,863.  This cost alone represents more than two months of the average monthly rental income received by landlords, which stands at £9062. In addition to this, they will also have other costs to think about such as paying tax on these monies, mortgage payments, management and agency fees and any ground rent fees which are now on average £371 a year for a new build and £327 for a property pre-2016. 

The service charges for new build properties, coming on the market in 2016 are significantly greater than for older dwellings at £2,777. This is 96 per cent higher than the average for an older property. Service charge levels also vary markedly between developments. One new build development coming onto the market in Croydon in 2016 will see home owners paying £1.55 per square foot in service charges, while a development in Lambeth coming onto the market in 2017 is charging four and a half times more at £7 per square foot. 

There is an increasing trend for new builds to include amenities such as libraries, 24 hour concierge services, gyms and cinema rooms that is contributing to the increased cost of service charges, but also offers added value for landlords looking to invest in this type of property.   

Recent moves by developers have seen more private housing stock owned by freeholders subject to service charges. Owners of freehold properties situated on private roads or private estates are being charged for upkeep of roads and gardens. In one example owners of every four-bedroom property situated on a development in Guildford are charged £900 a year for upkeep of the road and communal gardens.

Nick Breton, Head of Direct Line for Business says: “Service charges are often a hidden cost, which should be factored in when considering the affordability of a property.  In some cases service charges are uncapped and can escalate rapidly.  Landlords need to take into account all associated costs when purchasing a property, such as service charges, ground rent and taxes that may impact their rental yield

“Direct Line for Business’ free Mobile Landlord App can help landlords keep a track of expenditure, when charges are due to be paid and the impact on the yield of a property.”

The method for calculating service charges also varies between developments.  In some cases it is a flat rate for all properties, while for others it is determined by the number of bedrooms or the square footage of a property.  Service charges usually cover repairs to communal areas of a development such as windows, drainage and the roof.  They may also be used to establish a sinking fund for major renovations.  In some cases they are also used to pay for shared services such as gardeners, landscapers, concierge services or cleaners. 

For further details on Direct Line for Business landlord insurance visit https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/landlord-insurance
 

-Ends-
 

Notes to Editors

1 Researchers for Direct Line for Businesses conducted research amongst estate agents and property managements companies identifying the ground rent and service charges for over 100 developments across the UK

2 Source: Countrywide – February 2016
 

For further information please contact:

Direct Line for Business

Jade Trimbee

PR Manager

Tel: 01372 839 452

Mobile: 07825 315 931

Email: [email protected]
 

Direct Line for Business

Launched in 2007 Direct Line for Business provides a range of insurance products for the small business sector direct by phone or on-line.

Direct Line for Business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line for Business and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line for Business products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk

Back to Brand news