Partridge Homes, a prominent lettings agency operating across the West Midlands, has announced plans to launch a dedicated block management division. The Solihull and Yardley-based firm has made two key senior appointments, Nicola Hall and Sarah Bannister, ahead of the new service commencing operations in autumn 2026. This strategic expansion represents a significant diversification for the company, which currently manages over 500 properties across Solihull, Birmingham, and surrounding areas.
Nicola Hall brings extensive experience to Partridge Homes, having spent 21 years specialising in block management at Scanlans Property Management. Sarah Bannister, formerly of Martin and Co Solihull, also joins the team, bolstering the firm's expertise in property services. Managing Director Charlotte Partridge expressed pride in the new hires, noting that their decision to join a family business over larger corporate firms was a testament to the company's appeal and reputation.
The move into block management comes amidst a backdrop of increasing demand from both freeholders and leaseholders for enhanced service levels within the property sector. Furthermore, the company highlighted that the expansion is partly a response to ongoing regulatory changes affecting the wider lettings industry, prompting a need for diversified service offerings. Partridge Homes also reported a strong start to 2026, with the first four months marking its most successful period for new lettings since the agency's establishment in 2007.
In parallel with its service expansion, Partridge Homes has also secured accreditation from Propertymark, a professional body representing property agents across the UK. This accreditation aligns with recent government initiatives aimed at professionalising the property sector and is intended to provide greater assurance to landlords, tenants, buyers, and sellers. Charlotte Partridge emphasised that this affiliation ensures clients are dealing with an agency aligned with one of the most recognised and respected professional bodies in the UK property industry.
The introduction of block management services will be the first major service expansion for Partridge Homes since its inception in 2007. This strategic pivot signals the company's ambition to grow its footprint within the broader property management landscape, moving beyond its established core business of traditional lettings. The new division aims to cater to the specific needs of managing communal areas and services within residential blocks, an increasingly complex and regulated area of property management.
While this article focuses on a specific company expansion, the broader UK property market continues to see shifts. Recent data from Rightmove indicated that average asking prices for homes across the UK rose by 0.8% in May, reaching a new record high of £375,131. However, this growth is not uniform, with regional variations remaining significant. For instance, the West Midlands, where Partridge Homes operates, has experienced its own unique market dynamics, often reflecting a blend of affordability challenges and sustained demand, particularly in urban centres. Mortgage rates, though fluctuating, continue to influence buyer and landlord decisions, with the Bank of England's base rate remaining a key factor. The implications for first-time buyers, existing homeowners, and landlords are constantly evolving, with stamp duty thresholds and schemes like Help to Buy (now closed to new applications) having played roles in shaping market behaviour.
Source: Partridge Homes