OUR SERVICES
Transparent advice. Confident outcomes.
ISCA Ltd provides specialist service charge advice throughout the property lifecycle, from planning to first occupation through to the review of established developments, investment decisions and dispute. Every instruction is tailored to the client’s objectives and the nature and complexity of the development.
ISCA Ltd provides specialist service charge consultancy for residential and mixed-use developments, from early planning and design through to mobilisation and first-year occupation.
We develop service charge frameworks that are transparent, informed and aligned with the operational reality of the development. Our advice considers recoverability, budget structure, allocation and apportionment alongside the services, staffing and management arrangements required to operate the scheme effectively.
Working alongside development and project teams, we help identify service charge implications early, forecast developer liabilities and support informed design and operational decisions. The result is a robust service charge framework that supports sales, mobilisation and effective long-term management from first occupation.
A defensible, robust service charge budget you can publish to buyers and rely on through year one.
We develop first-year service charge budgets that reflect how the development will actually operate. Costs, budget structure, allocation and apportionment are considered alongside the lease, service strategy and operational requirements, with clear rationale supporting the approach adopted.
- First-year occupation and marketing service charge budgets with appropriate schedule structure for residential, mixed use and phased estates
- Allocation and apportionment methodology with documented rationale
- Market-tested cost lines built with contractors and service providers
A quantified service charge void liability you can build into the development appraisal.
We forecast the service charge liabilities carried by the developer while units remain unsold or unoccupied, against the anticipated sales and completion programme. This allows the exposure to be understood and planned for, rather than emerging as an unanticipated cost during delivery.
- Void liability forecast phased against the sales and completion programme
- Scenario modelling for alternative sales or occupation assumptions
- Service charge void assumptions for development financial planning
A scheme that is deliverable and efficient to manage, with service charge consequences understood and controlled before occupation.
We advise on decisions made during planning and design that will influence the future service charge, including lease structure, operational strategy, staffing and design for management. Addressing these matters early can improve recoverability, operational efficiency and long-term cost effectiveness.
- Service charge and lease wording advice to support appropriate cost recovery
- Design for management review of operational areas and services
- Operational and staffing strategy aligned with the development brief and service offering
A clear service charge framework for first occupation, with your team understanding what needs to be established and implemented before handover.
We provide advisory support on the service charge elements of mobilisation, helping development and management teams prepare for first occupation. Our role is to provide the framework, guidance and recommendations for the client or managing agent to implement.
- Service charge mobilisation and estate set-up guidance, including one-off landlord-funded costs via setup budgets
- Advice on reserve funds, apportionment measurements and service charge communication practices
- Support to sales teams communicating with potential buyers
We provide independent advice on service charges and estate management practices for established residential and mixed-use developments. Our assessments bring clarity to complex service charge matters and provide a clear, evidence-led basis for informed decision-making.
We consider service charge costs, allocation and apportionment alongside the lease, the operational requirements of the development and relevant RICS and industry best practice. Where appropriate, we also review estate management practices to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and effective long-term management.
Our advice supports landlords, leaseholders, investors and professional advisers, from early-stage review and decision-making through to dispute and legal proceedings.
A clear, independent assessment of your service charge, identifying where practice is robust and where improvement or further investigation may be required.
We review service charge budgets, expenditure and management practices against the lease, the operational requirements of the development and recognised industry best practice. Reviews can be targeted to a particular concern or undertaken across the wider service charge structure, for an individual development or portfolio.
- Assessment of budget structure, cost allocation and apportionment
- Review of key costs, management practices and areas of potential inefficiency
- Clear findings, risk areas and prioritised recommendations
A realistic view of ongoing service charge cost and risk, so it can be understood before you commit.
We assess the service charge position before the acquisition of individual units, multiple units or wider property interests. The review can consider current and historic charges, long-term funding and management practices to identify risks that may affect future cost, value or investment returns.
- Review of current and historic budgets, accounts and apportionment
- Assessment of reserve funds, budgeting and management practices
- Identification of service charge risks and likely ongoing cost exposure
A clear, impartial view of where you stand and what is worth pursuing, before further time and costs are committed.
Where a service charge matter is disputed, we provide independent practical advice to help clients and their legal advisers understand the issues, evidence and strength of the position before formal expert evidence is required. This may include testing allocation and apportionment methodologies against the lease, operational evidence and reasonable alternative approaches.
- Preliminary assessment of the disputed issues, evidence and technical position
- Detailed analysis or modelling of allocation and apportionment methodologies
- Identification of evidence gaps, risk exposure and matters requiring further investigation
Independent expert evidence that provides a clear technical foundation for service charge proceedings.
We provide independent expert opinion on residential and mixed-use service charge matters. Our reports are prepared in accordance with the applicable tribunal or court requirements.
- Preparation of CPR Part 35 compliant expert reports
- Expert discussions and joint statements
- Attendance at tribunal or court to give oral evidence and to be cross-examined
Detailed scopes, deliverables and fees are confirmed in a written proposal on request.
Get in touch
Tell us briefly about your service charge matter and how we may be able to assist.