What is a property factor?

A property factor is a professional managing agent who looks after the shared or common areas of a residential building or development in Scotland. These shared spaces can include stairwells, roofs, lifts, gardens, parking areas, landscaped grounds, and other communal parts owned jointly by homeowners. The factor’s job is to make sure these spaces are well maintained, safe, and meet all legal requirements. In Scotland, property factoring is regulated by the Scottish Government, and factors act on behalf of all homeowners. The factor is responsible for day to day administration, organising maintenance and repairs, and managing the financial side of looking after communal property.

What does a property factor do?

A property factor takes care of the day to day management and upkeep of the shared areas in a building or development. Their role is to make life easier for homeowners by organising maintenance, repairs, and the general running of communal spaces. In practical terms, a property factor arranges routine jobs such as stair cleaning, gardening, lift servicing, and grounds maintenance. They also manage repairs, including emergency call outs when urgent issues arise. In addition, a property factor handles the financial side by issuing invoices, collecting payments, preparing budgets, paying contractors, and in many cases managing the building’s insurance policy where a shared policy is required.

Why do we need a property factor?

A property factor helps take the hassle out of managing the shared parts of a building or development. When multiple homeowners share responsibility for areas such as roofs, stairwells, lifts, gardens, or parking areas, it can be difficult to coordinate repairs, agree costs, and ensure work is carried out properly. A property factor arranges routine maintenance, manages repairs, organises emergency call outs, and looks after the financial aspects of maintaining communal areas. They also help ensure legal requirements are met and that homeowners are kept informed and treated fairly.

How do we change property factor?

If your current property factor is not providing the level of service, support, or value you expect, homeowners in Scotland can appoint a new property factor. It is important to take time to compare managing agents, understand what services they offer, and ask the right questions before making a decision. Choosing a transparent and reliable factor who is a good fit for your development can lead to better communication, improved service, and a smoother overall experience.

Contractors

Property contractors - apply to work with us

We work with a wide network of trusted contractors delivering property maintenance and repair services across residential developments. We manage residential developments across Edinburgh, Central Scotland and beyond, and work with contractors who can deliver reliable, high‑quality services locally for the developments we manage as a property factor.

Maintaining high standards at the developments we manage is essential. We look for contractors who share our people‑first approach, value clear communication, and take pride in delivering work to a high standard. We only partner with the best contractors to ensure our clients are delighted. If your business is renowned for its great attention to detail, responsiveness and quality maintenance/repairs, we’d love to have a chat.

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Working with Charles White

Working with Charles White means partnering with a property factor that values strong relationships, clear communication and high standards. We take a considered, practical approach to working with contractors, providing clear instructions, realistic timescales and consistent points of contact to help work run smoothly from start to finish. With experience managing a wide range of residential developments, we offer opportunities for ongoing collaboration rather than one‑off jobs, and we treat our contractors with the same respect and professionalism we expect in return.

Previous experience working with factors is preferred. Please complete the form below with your details and we’ll be in touch soon.

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Contractor enquiry

Complete the form below, and we’ll be in touch.