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.

Charles White named finalist in the Belfast Telegraph, Property Management Company of the Year 2026 award

2 Nov

Written by Katie Backler

Belfast Telegraph Property Awards.

We’re thrilled to announce that our Belfast team has been shortlisted for the Belfast Telegraph, Property Management Company of the Year 2026 award. Being shortlisted reflects our team’s hard work and dedication, as well as our ongoing commitment to delivering excellence in property management across Northern Ireland. We’re really looking forward to the awards ceremony on 20 November and celebrating with the other finalists.

Katie Backler MTPI, Managing Director, said:

“I was delighted to hear that we have been shortlisted for Property Management Company of the Year 2026 in the Belfast telegraph Property Awards. It’s an exciting time for the whole team who are fully committed to raising standards in property management across Northern Ireland. Having our hard work recognised by an external judging panel is incredibly encouraging and we are really looking forward to the awards ceremony. Whatever the result, I’m so proud of team and their dedication to making life easier for our homeowners.”

Award judging criteria

Entries for Property Management Company of the Year 2026 were assessed on:

Innovation
Commitment to sustainability
Overcoming challenges
Delivering value for money

What are the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards?

The Belfast Telegraph Property Awards are annual Northern Ireland industry awards celebrating excellence across property and construction. The awards bring together developers, architects, estate agents, legal teams and other leading property professionals. This year, the awards are taking place on November 20 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in South Belfast.

Katie Backler

Charles White named finalist in the Belfast Telegraph, Property Management Company of the Year 2026 award

Belfast Telegraph Property Awards.

Charles White named finalist in The Herald Built for Service Awards 2026