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.

Get in touch with our property management team

We’re here to help with any questions, no matter how small.

Whether you’re a homeowner, residents’ committee or developer looking for a trusted property factor in Scotland, we’re here to help. We’re an award-winning property factor supporting developments across Scotland.

If you’re an existing client with any questions or concerns about your development, you can contact your Client Relationship Manager who will be delighted to help with any of your queries. Lots of information is already available by logging into the My Charles White Portal. You can also report a defect here .

Otherwise, please complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

If you are looking to find out about changing property factor or are a developer looking to find factor to take on a completed development, our experienced property management team in Edinburgh would be happy to help. You can fill out the form below or call the office.

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Edinburgh Office

14 New Mart Road   Edinburgh, EH14 1RL

0131 447 8191
info@charleswhite.co.uk