News

Pinnacle Group extends partnership with Flint Housing to North Kensington Gate

Pinnacle Group has strengthened its growing relationship with registered provider of social housing, Flint Housing, through provision of full housing management services for 85 social rented homes at the North Kensington Gate development in London.

North Kensington Gate is a landmark development delivering high-quality homes in one of London’s most vibrant and diverse communities.

Pinnacle is providing complete housing management services, including tenancy management, customer service, maintenance and void management – ensuring residents benefit from a responsive, professional and community focused experience.

“Commencing services at North Kensington Gate marks a key milestone in expanding work with Flint Housing. Our team is committed to delivering excellent services and supporting Flint’s mission to provide high-quality affordable homes.”

Claire Kober
Managing Director, Homes at Pinnacle Group

This growing partnership reinforces Pinnacle’s position as a leading management provider for For-Profit Registered Providers (FPRPs). The company now manages more than 5,000 homes for over a dozen FPRPs.

As part of its social purpose, every surplus Pinnacle generates is reinvested through the Hyde Group to help tackle the UK’s housing crisis – ensuring high-quality management supports the delivery of more affordable homes nationwide.

Claire Kober on why the devil is in the commonhold details

The publication of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill last month has been framed as the moment England and Wales began to move beyond leasehold.

Its sweeping programme includes banning new leasehold flats once a viable commonhold framework is established; capping existing ground rents at £250, then cutting them to a peppercorn after 40 years; and abolishing forfeiture in favour of a fairer enforcement regime.

Ministers say it is one of the most significant overhauls of property law in decades, with big implications for homeowners, developers and lenders. Crucially, they say, it marks the start of the end for the ‘feudal’ leasehold system.

But as the industry prepares responses to the consultation on the bill, a key question remains: who will run commonhold buildings? Commonhold hands control to residents via commonhold associations, making them responsible for a building’s governance, finances and stewardship. The bill strengthens this by introducing a commonhold community statement (a statutory ‘rulebook’), mandatory reserve funds and ways to organise mixed-use schemes in ‘sections’ where only those affected by a service or change vote on it.

In theory, this is welcome empowerment. In practice, it is a profound operational shift. But there are useful lessons from the residents’ management company (RMC) model. RMCs work well when residents have clear governance structures and a shared understanding of their financial and management responsibilities, supported by a reliable professional team, underlining the importance of embedding similar safeguards in the commonhold framework.

"If commonhold is to succeed, then capability, not just policy, must come to the forefront."

With all its flaws, leasehold provided a clear structure, with freeholders legally responsible for the building, aided by a managing agent. Commonhold replaces that central point of accountability with volunteer homeowners’ committees.

Managing a residential block is complex work. Overseeing fire safety compliance, planning major works, setting budgets, commissioning contractors, navigating disputes and balancing residents’ and commercial occupiers’ competing interests isn’t easy. Many of leasehold’s problems, such as spiralling service charges and poor communication, reflect how challenging it is to run buildings well.

The bill promises greater transparency for residents and accountability for managing agents, but transparency does not create expertise, nor does it guarantee good decision-making by residents themselves. The sector also has yet to reckon with the sheer variety of buildings that will be expected to adopt commonhold. A small, cohesive block of six flats presents a very different governance challenge from a 300-unit, mixed-tenure block with retail, shared energy systems and complex compliance needs.

No easy transition

Even with reforms proposing to reduce the threshold for converting from leasehold to commonhold, in some cases to 50% of qualifying leaseholders, rather than requiring consensus, transition will not be straightforward. The draft bill acknowledges the phased and uncertain nature of implementation, with key timings, exemptions and transitional arrangements yet to be finalised.

This makes a fragmented landscape likely; some buildings could move swiftly to commonhold while others remain in leasehold for years, with many caught in between. A two-tier market could emerge, where forward-thinking schemes adopt the regime early and more complex buildings stall due to ownership patterns or lack of readiness.

Critics also warn that eroding freeholder responsibilities may undermine investment in building safety and long-term maintenance, especially where resident-led associations lack the resources or expertise to manage and prioritise them. Mandatory reserve funds are important, but they will not safeguard against underfunding or poor planning.

If commonhold is to succeed on the scale envisioned, then capability, not just policy, must come to the forefront. That means investing in training, professional support and governance frameworks; equipping residents to take on big responsibilities confidently; and ensuring managing agents can adapt to a more collaborative, resident-directed role. It means lenders, developers and local councils must understand the operational, not just the legal, implications.

The bill may set the framework, but the devil is in the detail. The real test will be what happens when the governance of thousands of buildings becomes the responsibility of the people who call them home.

Claire Kober

Managing Director (Homes), Pinnacle Group

Pinnacle Group’s BTR portfolio reaches nearly 1,500 homes with new South London operating appointment

Pinnacle Group has been appointed by Principal Asset Management®, the US based global investment manager, to operate new Build to Rent (BTR) homes across a major development in South London.

The contract win strengthens Pinnacle’s growing role as a specialist operator in the UK’s rapidly expanding Build to Rent sector, delivering professionally managed, high quality rental homes for residents and reliable long-term performance for investors.

Pinnacle now manages nearly 1,500 BTR homes nationwide, emphasising its growing presence in the sector.

Principal has forward funded 130 BTR units at King George’s Gate in Earlsfield – part of Taylor Wimpey’s broader masterplan – and has acquired a 66-unit residential building within the Clapham Park regeneration area.

Pinnacle has now begun operating the Clapham development, which reached practical completion in late 2025. Services include resident onboarding, customer support, compliance, repairs coordination, building safety management, and community engagement.

Both schemes are located in established south London neighbourhoods with strong rental demand and excellent transport connectivity.  

With the King George’s Gate project set to complete in 2027, Pinnacle will now continue to build its relationship with Principal as preferred operator of its pipeline.  

“Partnering with Principal to support the delivery of high-quality Build to Rent homes in this London community reflects our commitment to what residents value most – safe, well managed homes, a responsive service and a strong sense of community. As a people-first operator, we draw on 30 years of experience combining professional management with long term stewardship to ensure stability, quality and a great rental experience for residents.”

Claire Kober
Managing Director, Homes at Pinnacle Group

The new London scheme builds on Pinnacle’s substantial and expanding national footprint. The Group now manages nearly 75,000 homes and operates across more than 10,000 locations, combining operational excellence with a commitment to creating thriving, sustainable communities. 

As a standalone subsidiary of the Hyde Group, every surplus Pinnacle generates is reinvested into tackling the UK housing crisis – ensuring that partnerships such as this deliver wider social value. 

Behind the Job: Debra Petrucci

Recently, Debra Petrucci, Head of Operations for the specialist Facilities Management division at Pinnacle, Pinnacle Workplace, spoke with Facilitate Magazine to discuss her role and experiences in the FM industry.

What do you do?

I am head of operations for Pinnacle Workplace, the specialist FM division of Pinnacle Group.

What attracted you to FM, and how did you get into the industry?

My background is in the hospitality industry, and I came into FM through the B&I catering sector, then through soft services with Mitie to a wider FM role now with Pinnacle.

How long have you been in your current role?

I have worked here for two-and-a-half years.

Do you see yourself predominantly as a task or a people manager?

Predominantly a people manager – our 450-plus operatives are focused on service delivery, so it’s key that we give them the right leadership and support to execute those tasks.

Would you describe your role as predominantly operational or strategic?

My role blends both; I am field-based and oversee day-to-day operations. Working alongside our teams and clients often gives me the insights that shape our strategic plans.

How many people are there in your FM team, and to whom does the FM team ultimately report?

We are an operations team of 10, and we report to the managing director of the Workplace division.

My top perk at work is…

The variety that my role brings. We oversee a number of different service lines, so no two days are the same. It’s the diversity of contracts, clients and our team that I enjoy.

What has been your biggest career challenge to date?

Continuing operations during Covid-19 while having to reduce our team was the most difficult time. Fortunately, we re-employed most of them when it was over.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

That more people could see that the FM sector provides a varied and interesting career choice, and do more to engage with young adults at the start of their working life.

Any interesting tales to tell?

I’ve experienced some fascinating moments in FM – from managing unique sites to handling unexpected challenges – every day brings something new and keeps the role exciting.

If I weren’t in facilities management, I’d probably be…

In the legal field, probably involved in employment or corporate law.

Which “FM/Workplace myth” would you most like to put an end to?

That FM is a male-dominated industry, my experience has been quite the opposite, and I have worked with very diverse teams.

What single piece of advice would you give to a young facilities/workplace manager starting out?

Don’t be afraid to ask to be involved in projects or contract mobilisations that may push you out of your comfort zone – you will learn so much, especially about how to react to mistakes, issues and problems.

What was the weirdest day you’ve had in the office?

I once managed a contract that had a restricted nuclear area; the first time visiting that area and hearing the radiation detector was very weird – like being on a film set.

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird. Our whole ops team are early risers, so we try to get a head start on the day before the phone starts ringing or the traffic gets too bad!

What FM job in the world would you love more than anything?

I would love to oversee a royal estate like Sandringham. Managing the historical buildings would be an amazing challenge. I would particularly enjoy the grounds maintenance and arranging the dinner parties and events.

And where would FM be an absolute nightmare?

The London Underground.

Your life outside FM mostly involves…

My husband, daughter and our friends and family. We are all foodies, so my spare time is filled with lots of cooking, socialising and travelling.

This article was originally featured in Facilitate Magazine, on 6th January 2026.

Pinnacle surpasses 3,000 homes under management for L&G Affordable Homes

Pinnacle Group (Pinnacle) has announced that it now manages more than 3,000 homes on behalf of L&G Affordable Homes (LGAH), marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the two organisations.

Throughout 2025, Pinnacle has expanded its portfolio with several new developments.

In Birmingham Perry Barr, the company took on 487 homes across a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership. In Witheridge, Devon, Pinnacle currently oversees 155 homes, while Colindale in North London now contributes more than 300 additional homes under management after handover completed this month.

Further expansion is on the horizon, with International Way in Stratford set to add 79 homes at London Affordable Rent to Pinnacle’s portfolio, while Alton Brewery in Hampshire will add 84 homes.

Pinnacle provides a full range of housing management services for affordable and mixed-tenure developments, including customer service and resident engagement, repairs and maintenance coordination, compliance and safety oversight, and community development initiatives. Its approach combines operational expertise with a strong focus on customer experience, ensuring homes are well-managed and residents receive responsive, reliable support.

“Reaching the 3,000-home milestone with LGAH is a proud moment for our team. This growth demonstrates the strength of our partnership and our shared ambition to deliver safe, affordable and well-managed homes. With new developments underway, our focus remains on delivering exceptional service and building stronger communities across the UK.”

Claire Kober
Managing Director, Homes at Pinnacle Group

L&G Affordable Homes delivers thousands of new affordable, sustainable homes each year. Since its launch in 2019, LGAH has invested over £1 billion in affordable housing with an ambition to create thriving communities and achieve net-zero carbon across all new homes by 2030.

Shaun Holdcroft, Head of Affordable Homes at L&G Affordable Homes, said: “Working alongside Pinnacle to manage over 3,000 homes is a landmark achievement. As we bring additional sites online, our collective priority remains ensuring residents have access to high-quality, affordable homes backed by first-class support.”

Claire Kober discusses why people will shape housing’s future

Hopping off the DLR at Canary Wharf and stepping into the Central Business District, social housing might feel a world away. Canary Wharf is synonymous with wealth: home to global banks, high-end restaurants and even the UK’s largest Waitrose with its own temperature-controlled cellar for wine tastings. It’s easy to assume this is a place reserved for the well-heeled, far removed from those on modest incomes.

But that perception is increasingly no longer the reality. Increasingly, in diverse boroughs like Tower Hamlets, social and affordable housing tenants live cheek-by-jowl with high earners, sharing blocks, spaces and amenities in some of the UK’s most dynamic urban environments. While this – to some degree – has always been the case in London, nationally it’s a shift that is reshaping communities and challenging old assumptions about who lives where.

Take Arafat, for example. At 25, he’s worked as a property manager for Pinnacle at Wood Wharf for four years, just a short walk from the iconic One Canada Square. 

Born in Limehouse where he still lives and coaches boxing to youngsters at the Limehouse Boxing Academy, the middle of nine siblings, and raised in social housing, he now plays a vital role in shaping a community where diverse residents coexist.

Managing 143 affordable rent homes, his job isn’t just about maintenance and compliance – it’s about creating a sense of belonging and trust. Many of the tenants he knows from his time at school, with his local links supporting him to build relationships. He knows that a well-run community is more than bricks and mortar; it’s about people feeling safe, supported and proud of where they live.

Budget measures

This year’s Budget and new housing legislation bring a raft of changes: compliance obligations, governance upgrades and financial pressures. These are important, and they will rightly dominate sector conversations.  

But in the rush to meet regulatory requirements, we must not lose sight of the human-centric nature of housing. Homes are not spreadsheets. Communities are not compliance checklists. They are living, breathing ecosystems that depend on relationships, empathy and care. 

Property managers like Arafat are the glue that holds these ecosystems together. They are the ones who mediate between residents and landlords, who resolve disputes before they escalate, who notice when a vulnerable tenant needs extra support.  

In mixed-tenure developments, their role becomes even more critical. They help create cohesion in places where people from very different backgrounds share the same corridors, gardens and amenities. Without that human touch, integration can falter and the promise of vibrant, inclusive communities risks becoming hollow.  

The sector is evolving fast. Institutional investors are pouring billions into housing, attracted by stable returns and long-term demand. For-profit providers (FPRPs) are scaling up, and Build-to-Rent schemes are proliferating. According to Savills, FPRPs now own at least 43,100 affordable homes – around 1% of all affordable housing – and have ambitions to reach 150,000 by 2030.  

These trends bring opportunities: better quality homes, professional management and investment in infrastructure. But they also bring challenges – chief among them, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of humanity. 

As we navigate this new landscape, we need to champion the people who make housing work on the ground. Legislation can set standards and budgets can allocate resources, but neither can replace the value of those who know their residents by name, who understand the rhythms of a community and who take pride in making a place feel like home. 

The future of housing will be shaped by policy and capital – but also by people. And if we want that future to be inclusive, resilient and genuinely transformative, we must invest not only in buildings but in the human relationships that bring them to life.  

It starts with recognising and valuing the people who make those communities possible – people like Arafat. While they care for our homes and look after us, we need to ensure we’re investing in them too. Building positive communities isn’t just about where we live; it’s about how we live together, and the vital role these individuals play in shaping that experience.

Claire Kober

Managing Director (Homes), Pinnacle Group

Pinnacle expands partnership with Pears-backed MTD Housing by nearly 500 homes

Pinnacle Group (Pinnacle) has strengthened its partnership with MTD Housing, a Pears-backed for-profit registered provider, by taking on the management of an additional 475 Shared Ownership homes.

This significant expansion brings Pinnacle’s total portfolio under management for MTD to over 800 homes nationwide.

The collaboration began in January this year when Pinnacle assumed management responsibility for a newly acquired portfolio of 327 homes.

Now, the partnership extends across locations from Newquay to Norwich and Hythe to Harrogate, reinforcing Pinnacle’s national reach.

Under the agreement, Pinnacle will deliver a comprehensive range of services, including leaseholder onboarding and management, building compliance, lease management, staircasing, resales and void property management.

With a proven track record of managing over 74,000 homes across diverse tenures – affordable housing, PRS, military homes, student accommodation and later living – Pinnacle is well positioned to deliver exceptional service to both clients and residents.

This growth reflects Pinnacle’s broader success in securing key contracts over the last financial year. The company now manages over 5,000 homes on behalf of 13 for-profit registered providers, acting as a vital link between institutional capital and a housing market seeking investment.

“We’re delighted to be entrusted with these new homes and to continue building on our successful partnership with MTD. This growth demonstrates our ability to deliver consistent, customer-focused services at scale.”

Claire Kober
Managing Director, Homes at Pinnacle Group

ESG Impact Report 2025

Our latest report detailing a series of key ESG pledge successes has today been published, highlighting our progress across the four key pillars of our ESG Framework.

Today, we are delighted to publish our latest ESG impact report highlighting the exceptional service and positive difference we make to every community we serve.

This report not only celebrates our achievements but acts as a marker on our journey to net zero. This represents a substantial challenge, but is one we welcome, and are making significant strides towards.

Read our ESG Impact Report 2025

"While this year presented complex challenges in reducing emissions, we recognise that progress is not always linear. Despite these hurdles, we are proud to celebrate several milestones, including a 100% increase in electric vehicles within our fleet, 48% green energy usage across our offices and depots, and 80% of cleaning chemicals now classified as sustainable products. These achievements reflect our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental footprint and protect our planet."

Paul de Kock
Head of Projects and Governance

Pinnacle continues to be a socially conscious and value-led business, this is demonstrated through the exceptional achievements of our people in protecting our planet, the social investments in our team and culture, and the communities we serve.

Pinnacle Group awarded communal cleaning contract for Hyde Group

We are pleased to announce that this week Pinnacle has commenced communal cleaning and waste collection services for Hyde Group’s estates, following a recent re-tender process.

Our teams will maintain the upkeep, safety and cleanliness of communal areas, ensuring they are visually appealing and enhancing the environment for Hyde's residents. Our service will also include the removal of bulk waste items to keep all areas safe and clear. 

This contract follows the recent announcement that Pinnacle is now providing grounds maintenance services to Hyde homes. In preparation for the launch, Pinnacle colleagues have worked closely with Hyde’s teams to gain vital local insight and knowledge.

Mark Batchelor, Hyde’s Director of Property Services,  said: “We’re committed to working with partners who can offer reliable and high-quality services to keep our communities looking their best. We know that working with Pinnacle will provide the best communal cleaning services for our estates."

“We’re delighted to have won this contract and can’t wait to get to know Hyde’s estates and customers. We know that Hyde’s colleagues and their local knowledge will be invaluable in helping us hit the ground running.”

Neil Fergus
Managing Director of Facilities Management

Pinnacle will work alongside Hyde’s Estate Services team and Neighbourhood Officers to organise drop-in sessions in the new year, giving residents the chance to meet our teams, ask questions and share feedback. 

Pinnacle will provide cleaning services to all Hyde neighbourhoods, with the exception of Tower Hamlets Community Housing (THCH) homes, which employ their own cleaners. The contract does not cover homes managed by managing agents or PFI housing. 

Hyde Group strategically acquired Pinnacle in October 2024, and while we operate as a standalone subsidiary, this connection allows for more joined-up services and reinvestment into social housing. Pinnacle competed in the tender process on equal footing, with the contract awarded based on service quality and value for money.

Pinnacle Group expands FPRP portfolio following partnership with Zen Housing

Pinnacle Group has announced a new partnership with Zen Housing, a for-profit registered provider (FPRP), further strengthening its position as the leading housing management provider for institutional investors and emerging affordable housing platforms.

Through this partnership, Pinnacle is now managing 135 homes on behalf of Zen, following a series of handovers over the summer at Oadby in Leicestershire, Desborough in North Northamptonshire and Chertsey in Surrey.

The most recent and largest handover took place at Wembley Way, London, where 104 new Shared Ownership and Affordable Rent homes were delivered in partnership with Quintain and SO Resi Partnerships.

“This partnership reflects the growing demand for professional, resident-focused housing management services in the for-profit registered provider space. We are proud to be working alongside Zen and to be the trusted partner of choice for organisations seeking to deliver high-quality, affordable homes at scale.”

Claire Kober
Managing Director, Homes at Pinnacle Group

With the addition of Zen Housing, Pinnacle now manages homes on behalf of 11 for-profit registered providers, including partnerships with MTD Housing (backed by Pears), NewArch Homes (backed by Octopus Investments).

Sergey Pichugin, Operations Director Asset Management at Zen Housing, said: “Our partnership with Pinnacle reflects a shared commitment to providing well-managed, affordable homes that residents can be proud of. Their strong operational capability and focus on community outcomes make them a valuable partner for Zen as we expand across the UK.”

Pinnacle’s comprehensive housing management offer includes tenancy and estate management, repairs coordination, compliance and resident engagement. With over 74,000 homes under management across all tenures, Pinnacle combines sector expertise with a commitment to delivering exceptional service and community impact.

As the market continues to evolve, Pinnacle remains the go-to partner for institutional investors seeking scalable, high-quality housing management solutions.

Pinnacle Group begins new grounds maintenance partnership with Hyde

We’re proud to announce that from today, 1st October 2025, Pinnacle Group begins delivering grounds maintenance services across Hyde Group’s estates. 

This new partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing the safety, cleanliness and overall appearance of communal estate areas for Hyde residents.  

Our teams will be out and about wearing dual-branded Pinnacle and Hyde uniforms, making them easy to spot as they begin work in neighbourhoods. 

In preparation for the launch, Pinnacle colleagues have been working closely with Hyde’s teams to gain vital local insight and knowledge. 

“We’re delighted to have won this contract and can’t wait to get to know Hyde’s estates and customers. We know that Hyde’s colleagues and their local knowledge will be invaluable in helping us hit the ground running.”

Neil Fergus
Managing Director of Facilities Management

The new contract brings a more unified approach to grounds maintenance, with more frequent inspections and greater collaboration across Hyde’s estates.  

In early 2026, Pinnacle will host drop-in sessions alongside Hyde’s Neighbourhood Officers, giving residents the chance to meet our teams, ask questions and share feedback. 

This contract covers all Hyde neighbourhoods except those managed by external managing agents and Brent PFI.  

Hyde Group strategically acquired Pinnacle in October 2024, and while we operate as a standalone subsidiary, this connection allows for more joined-up services and reinvestment into social housing. Pinnacle competed in the tender process on equal footing, with the contract awarded based on service quality and value for money.

Pinnacle Group appointed to manage BluePine Living’s affordable housing portfolio

Pinnacle Group has announced that it has been appointed as the housing management partner for BluePine Living, a new affordable housing platform backed by institutional capital and committed to delivering high-quality homes across England.

BluePine Living is investing in homes for social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership, with a focus on sustainability, customer service and long-term community impact.

Pinnacle will provide full-service housing management across the portfolio, ensuring residents benefit from responsive services, well-maintained homes and a seamless customer experience.

Dominik Ciba, Operations Director at BluePine Living, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Pinnacle as our housing management provider. Their proven track record and deep expertise in managing affordable housing customers makes them an ideal partner for our growth ambitions. With strong institutional capital support, this collaboration allows us to accelerate delivery of affordable homes right across the country and give our customers a very high-quality service.”

“We are delighted to be working with BluePine Living on this ambitious programme. We believe that professionally managed homes are the foundation of thriving communities. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable housing and ensuring that residents receive the best possible service.”

Claire Kober
Managing Director, Homes at Pinnacle Group

Pinnacle currently manages homes or provides services to 11 For-Profit Registered Providers (FPRPs) and is set to contract with several more, representing nearly a quarter of all FPRPs registered with the Regulator of Social Housing.

As the market leader, Pinnacle offers institutional-grade services tailored to institutional investors, combining deep sector knowledge, regulatory compliance and high performance with a commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for residents.

The partnership will initially support homes in Worcestershire, Suffolk and Warwickshire with further developments planned across England. Pinnacle’s role will include tenancy management, repairs coordination and community engagement.