Specialist property manager joins Principle as business growth continues

Ms Houston’s appointment maintains Principle as the UK’s fastest growing residential management company with her being the 11th recruit in 2020, taking total staff numbers to 26.

Now in its third year, Principle has tripled in size in the last 12 months, with the number of units it manages rising from just under 2,000 to more than 6,300 across all nine English regions including London, plus more in Wales.

Brett Williams, managing director of Principle, said Ms Houston will look after some of the company’s specialist developments, including Viceroy Close in Birmingham which she previously handled when the estate was managed by CPBigwood.

Mr Williams said: “Sadduf is a conscientious and skilful property manager which is exactly what we want as she will fit well into the growing team here at Principle.

“The way she previously looked after Viceroy Close is a great example of her quality, as she was very popular with the residents’ association there which has regularly asked about her since we took over that estate’s management 18 months ago.

“Viceroy is a complicated development and is in a phase of long-term planning for a full review of all buildings maintenance and the significant amount of mechanical and electrical equipment on site. The residents’ association is also keen to keep this heritage development up to modern standards so we have been looking at high-speed internet, updated CCTV and charging points for electrical vehicles.

“With such a lot going on, it is perfect timing for Sadduf to join Principle with her existing experience of the development and her knowledge of customers’ expectations.”

Mr Williams added that Ms Houston would also work with Principle’s directors on developing a model of management to efficiently manage smaller developments in its portfolio.

He said: “Where properties are conversions rather than purpose-built blocks of flats it can often become complicated, as leases aren’t quite as straightforward and maintenance funding can be difficult to manage.

“This means we have to communicate very clearly with leaseholders about what is needed and I am really looking forward to developing this model of management with Sadduf.”

Ms Houston, who is returning to work after having two sons, said: “I know the directors and some of the others in the team at Principle, having worked with them previously, so I know their expectations of providing a top level service to our customers.

“I have also only heard good things about all of the staff, and so for me it’s a little like coming home rather than starting a new job.”

She added: “I’m excited to be getting involved with Viceroy Close again as it is a wonderful development with a proactive residents’ association who are very supportive and delightful to work with.”

Principle Estate Management was launched in 2018 by Mr Williams, the former head of residential property management at CPBigwood in Birmingham, and a past-chairman of ARMA.

The company is based at Newhall Street in Birmingham, and offers a national property management service.