The loneliness epidemic in the UK continues to persist, with recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Loneliness Awareness UK revealing that 45% of adults feel lonely all or most of the time. This equates to over 25 million people.This alarming statistic underscores the pressing need for initiatives that foster stronger, more connected communities.
In response to this growing challenge, we are proud to introduce the 2025 Community Engagement Guide, designed to empower residential developments with actionable strategies to promote resident well-being and create thriving, connected neighbourhoods.
Why Loneliness Matters in Residential Communities
For many residents, their home environment is their primary space for social interactions. This is particularly true for individuals who work from home, retirees, or those living alone. However, when community engagement is overlooked, even the most luxurious developments can feel isolating.
The impact of combating loneliness is measurable. Last year across our client developments, we saw outstanding results that showcase the transformative power of Spike Living:
3,000+ new clubs and forums were created, fostering stronger social connections.
Residents actively participated in their communities with 280,000+ comments, and social engagements.
7,500+ events were held, attracting 45,500+ attendees.
Additionally, many of our clients such as Moda, Greystar, VervLife and more who embraced the platform, emerged as top performers on HomeViews’ 2024 rankings of leading developments for resident satisfaction. This recognition underscores the success of Spike’s tools and strategies in enhancing resident experiences, strengthening community ties, and boosting property reputation.
By prioritising initiatives that foster social connections, residential developments can become more than just a place to live – they can become vibrant, inclusive communities that enhance the lives of their residents.
Practical Solutions for Building Connections
Creating a sense of belonging doesn’t happen by chance – it requires thoughtful planning and consistent effort. The 2025 Community Engagement Guide provides practical, innovative ideas to help property managers and operators tackle loneliness head-on.
Here are just a few strategies highlighted in the guide:
Hosting regular community events: From coffee mornings to fitness classes, creating opportunities for residents to interact is key to building connections.
Leveraging shared spaces: How to utilise communal areas such as lounges, gardens, and co-working spaces to encourage organic social interactions.
Using digital platforms to foster engagement: Resident engagement portals, like Spike Living, make it easy to share event information and announcements, start interest groups, and communicate with neighbours – all from one convenient platform.
The Role of Technology in Combating Loneliness
While technology can sometimes be seen as isolating, when used effectively, it can be a powerful tool for connection. Platforms like Spike Living provide residents with a central hub to stay informed, get involved, and feel part of their community. By enabling features such as group messaging, event sign-ups, and feedback forms, Spike Living helps bridge the gap between residents and their communities.
But technology alone isn’t the solution. It works best as part of a broader strategy that includes in-person initiatives and the creation of welcoming physical spaces.
That’s why the 2025 Community Engagement Guide is packed with tips to integrate digital solutions with on-the-ground efforts, ensuring your residents benefit from a holistic approach to community building
Get Your Free Copy of the Guide!
The 2025 Community Engagement Guide is your roadmap to tackling loneliness and building stronger, more connected residential communities. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas for events, advice on optimising communal spaces, or insights into the role of technology, this guide has you covered.
By implementing these strategies, you can not only enhance resident satisfaction but also improve retention rates and strengthen your development’s reputation as a place where people truly feel at home.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
At Spike, we believe that community engagement is at the heart of creating places where people love to live. By prioritising connection, we can collectively address the loneliness pandemic and improve the quality of life for residents across the UK. Whether you’re managing a Build to Rent, Build to Sell, or CoLiving development, the strategies in this guide are tailored to meet your needs and help you foster lasting connections within your communities.
Let’s work together to turn residential spaces into vibrant, connected neighbourhoods – because no one should feel alone at home.
Download the guide today and start transforming your developments into thriving, inclusive communities.
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced significant changes to building safety regulations, aiming to enhance safety standards in residential properties across the UK. For property managers, leaseholders, and residents, understanding the Act’s key terms is crucial for ensuring compliance and improving safety.
This glossary provides clear, accessible explanations of essential terms to help all stakeholders navigate this complex legislation effectively.
Key Terms and Definitions:
Accountable Person
The Accountable Person is the individual or organisation responsible for ensuring the safety of a high-rise residential building. This role typically falls to the building owner or landlord, who must manage fire and structural risks, maintain safety standards, and communicate effectively with residents. The Accountable Person is legally obliged to ensure that the building meets safety regulations and that necessary safety measures are in place and maintained.
Approved Document B (ADB)
Approved Document B is a part of the UK Building Regulations that provides guidelines on fire safety, including design, construction, and management practices. It outlines requirements for fire detection, fire suppression systems, and safe evacuation routes. Property managers must ensure that their buildings comply with ADB to meet legal safety standards.
Awaab’s Law
Awaab’s Law is a key provision in the Building Safety Act 2022 that mandates landlords and property managers to ensure that residential properties are free from hazards that could lead to serious harm, including risks associated with damp and mould. The law emphasises the responsibility of property managers to respond promptly to residents’ complaints about such hazards and to take appropriate action to rectify issues.
This provision aims to enhance the living conditions for tenants, particularly in the context of high-rise buildings, by ensuring that health and safety standards are upheld. Property managers are required to maintain clear communication with residents regarding the identification and resolution of any safety concerns related to damp and mould, thereby prioritising tenant well-being and safeguarding their health.
Building Safety Act 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that overhauls building safety regulations across England. It establishes new safety protocols, defines the roles and responsibilities of those involved in building design, construction, and management, and aims to prevent incidents like the Grenfell Tower fire by enhancing safety measures for high-rise residential buildings.
Building Safety Fund
The Building Safety Fund is a government programme designed to help leaseholders in residential buildings with unsafe cladding. It provides financial assistance to cover the costs of removing and replacing dangerous cladding materials, thereby reducing fire risks. Property managers can guide leaseholders on accessing this fund to ensure necessary safety upgrades are made without financial burden on the residents.
Building Safety Manager
The Building Safety Manager is a qualified professional appointed to oversee and implement safety measures in high-rise buildings. This role involves working closely with the Accountable Person to manage fire and structural safety risks, conduct regular inspections, and ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022. Residential property managers may either assume this role or coordinate with the Building Safety Manager to maintain high safety standards.
Building Safety Regulator
The Building Safety Regulator is a new authority established under the Building Safety Act 2022, responsible for overseeing the safety of high-rise residential buildings. Part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the regulator enforces building safety regulations, provides guidance to stakeholders, and ensures compliance with safety standards. Residential property managers will work with the Building Safety Regulator to ensure that their buildings meet the necessary safety requirements.
Cladding
Cladding refers to the external covering or envelope of a building, which can include panels, tiles, or layers attached to the structure. Some types of cladding, particularly those made of combustible materials, have been found to pose significant fire risks. The Building Safety Act 2022 mandates the replacement of unsafe cladding materials to prevent such hazards. Property managers should be aware of the types of cladding used in their buildings and ensure they meet current safety standards.
Competent Person
A Competent Person is someone with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to carry out specific tasks safely and effectively under the Building Safety Act 2022. This could include carrying out fire risk assessments or installing safety systems. Property managers should ensure that only competent persons are employed for tasks that impact building safety to maintain compliance and safety standards.
Dutyholder
A Dutyholder is any individual or organisation with legal responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022 for ensuring building safety. This includes architects, contractors, owners, and property managers who must ensure that buildings comply with safety regulations. Dutyholders are responsible for managing safety risks and maintaining building safety systems.
EWS1 Form (External Wall Fire Review)
The EWS1 Form is a document used to assess the safety of external wall systems, including cladding, on residential buildings. It is often required by mortgage lenders to ensure that a building’s exterior complies with safety standards. Property managers should facilitate EWS1 assessments and ensure that their buildings meet the necessary criteria to support leaseholders in their financial transactions.
Fire Compartmentation
Fire compartmentation refers to the design and construction features of a building that limit the spread of fire and smoke within separate areas or compartments. This includes walls, floors, and doors designed to contain a fire to a specific section of the building. Property managers should ensure that fire compartmentation measures are in place and maintained to protect residents and comply with safety regulations.
Fire Risk Assessment
A Fire Risk Assessment is a systematic evaluation of a building to identify fire hazards, assess the risk to occupants, and determine the necessary safety measures to mitigate those risks. This assessment is crucial for ensuring that buildings meet fire safety standards. Property managers should conduct regular fire risk assessments and implement any recommended measures to ensure tenant safety.
Golden Thread
The Golden Thread is a term used to describe the collection and management of accurate and up-to-date information about a building throughout its lifecycle. This information includes design, construction, and maintenance details, ensuring that dutyholders can make informed decisions about building safety. Property managers must maintain a comprehensive and accessible Golden Thread to facilitate compliance and ensure effective safety management.
Higher-Risk Building (HRB)
A Higher-Risk Building (HRB) refers to buildings that meet specific criteria set out under the Building Safety Act 2022 due to their potential for increased fire and structural risks. This typically includes residential buildings that are 18 metres or more in height or have 7 or more storeys, and that contain at least two residential units.
These buildings are subject to stricter safety regulations and oversight, including mandatory reporting, safety case reports, and adherence to enhanced fire and structural safety measures. The designation of HRBs ensures that their unique risks are proactively managed to safeguard residents.
For property managers, understanding HRB requirements is crucial for compliance. Implementing tools to track and manage these requirements effectively can help ensure the safety of both the building and its occupants.
Housing Ombudsman Report
The Housing Ombudsman Report is an official publication issued by the Housing Ombudsman, highlighting systemic issues in the housing sector and providing recommendations for improvement.
The report may include case studies, trends, and insights related to complaints, service delivery, and building safety concerns. For property managers, the report serves as a valuable resource to understand tenant grievances and implement proactive measures, such as leveraging technology solutions to improve compliance and engagement.
Leaseholder
A Leaseholder is an individual who holds a lease to occupy a property for a specific period. Under the Building Safety Act 2022, leaseholders have certain rights and responsibilities, particularly concerning safety and the cost of remedial works on unsafe cladding or other hazards. Property managers should communicate clearly with leaseholders about their obligations and assist them with any safety-related issues.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are tailored plans designed to ensure the safe evacuation of individuals with specific needs or disabilities during an emergency. These plans consider the unique requirements of each individual, such as mobility challenges, and outline clear steps for their safe evacuation. Property managers should work with residents to develop and maintain up-to-date PEEPs, ensuring that everyone in the building can evacuate safely in an emergency.
Principal Accountable Person (PAP)
The Principal Accountable Person (PAP) is the primary individual or organisation responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of a building under the Building Safety Act 2022. The PAP oversees the building’s safety management, coordinates with other accountable persons, and ensures all safety measures are implemented and maintained. They are crucial in maintaining a safe environment for all occupants and ensuring compliance with the Act’s requirements.
Principal Contractor
The Principal Contractor is the main contractor responsible for coordinating and managing the construction phase of a project. They ensure that all work is carried out safely and in compliance with building regulations. Property managers must ensure that the Principal Contractor adheres to safety protocols and communicates effectively with all stakeholders involved in the project.
Remediation
Remediation refers to the process of making a building safe by addressing identified hazards or defects. This may involve replacing unsafe cladding, repairing structural issues, or improving fire safety systems. The Building Safety Fund can be utilised to assist with remediation costs. Property managers must ensure that remediation work is carried out promptly and effectively to maintain safety and compliance.
Resident Engagement Strategy (RES)
The Resident Engagement Strategy (RES) is a plan developed by the Accountable Person to communicate effectively with residents about safety matters. It includes mechanisms for gathering feedback from residents, ensuring transparency, and involving them in safety-related decisions and actions. Residential property managers play a key role in developing and implementing these strategies to keep residents informed and engaged in safety matters.
Safety Case Report
The Safety Case Report is a comprehensive document that outlines how a high-rise residential building is managed to ensure safety. It includes details of fire and structural risk assessments, safety measures in place, and plans for ongoing risk management. This report is required to be regularly updated and submitted to the Building Safety Regulator. Property managers should coordinate with safety professionals to prepare and maintain this report to ensure compliance and safety.
Safety Certificate
A Safety Certificate is an official document that confirms a building has met specific safety standards and requirements. It is issued after inspections and assessments have been conducted and is necessary for the legal operation of high-rise residential buildings. Property managers are responsible for obtaining and maintaining up-to-date safety certificates for their buildings.
Safety Management System
A Safety Management System is a formal framework that helps organisations identify, assess, and manage safety risks. It includes policies, procedures, and practices designed to ensure the safety of a building’s occupants and the compliance of the building with relevant legislation. Residential property managers should implement robust safety management systems to protect tenants and comply with the Building Safety Act 2022.
Section 20 Consultation
A Section 20 Consultation is a legal process under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 that requires landlords to consult with leaseholders before undertaking major works or entering into long-term agreements that will cost leaseholders more than a specified amount. This process ensures that leaseholders are informed and can provide feedback on the proposed works. Property managers must facilitate this consultation process and ensure compliance with the relevant legal requirements.
Temporary Safety Measures
Temporary Safety Measures are interim actions taken to ensure the safety of a building and its occupants while permanent solutions are being implemented. This may include installing fire alarms, implementing evacuation plans, or conducting regular safety checks. Property managers should assess and implement necessary temporary safety measures to protect residents and comply with safety regulations.
Summary
Staying ahead of the curve is essential for residential property managers, leaseholders, and residents to ensure safety and compliance under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Book a Demo Today!
With powerful communication features, document management, reporting, automated task scheduling and more, Spike’s solutions are designed to simplify compliance, streamline safety management, and ensure you meet all legal obligations.
Get in touch with our team today to learn how our solutions can help you become more compliant and confident in your building safety practices.
Your journey to compliance and enhanced building safety begins with Spike.
Property operators today face increasing pressure to juggle building safety, sustainability, and resident satisfaction – all while staying compliant and managing admin-heavy processes. With 2025 bringing new regulations and rising resident expectations, the need for smart, streamlined solutions has never been greater. Staying competitive in a rapidly changing market means adopting technology that not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances resident satisfaction and engagement.
Fortunately, innovative platforms like Spike are transforming the way operators manage properties, easing admin burdens and driving stronger engagement.
Here are the key property trends to watch in 2025 and how Spike can help future-proof your developments:
1.) Focus on Building Safety and Compliance
Safety and compliance will remain a top priority, especially with evolving regulations. Property managers must ensure buildings meet updated health, fire, and safety standards. New regulations under the UK Building Safety Act 2022 will become mandatory in 2025, requiring property managers to provide regular building safety reports and resident communication regarding safety measures. According to Property Wire, landlords in 2025 will also need to maintain robust risk assessments and ensure that emergency procedures are clearly communicated to all residents, highlighting the increasing responsibility placed on landlords to proactively manage building safety.
The HomeViews Build-to-Rent Report 2024 revealed that resident satisfaction reached its highest level in 2024, marking a strong rebound from the dip experienced in 2022. Management ratings saw the greatest improvement, with 46% of reviews for the top 10 communities highlighting ‘quick,’ ‘prompt,’ or ‘efficient’ responses. This underscores the vital role of professional and responsive management teams in boosting resident satisfaction. Investing in platforms like Spike not only streamlines building safety and compliance but also enhances communication and overall resident experience – key factors in maintaining high satisfaction levels.
How to Adapt: Staying on top of safety audits is essential, and leveraging Spike’s maintenance management feature to schedule and automate routine maintenance tasks ensures that essential checks, such as fire alarm testing and emergency lighting inspections, are never overlooked. By automating regular safety checks and workflows, Spike can reduce admin time by up to 30%, freeing up your team to focus on resident experience and property growth.
Leveraging Spike’s maintenance management feature also allows residents to easily log maintenance requests through the app, ensuring these are sent directly to property management. Critical tasks can be prioritised, preventing essential issues from being overlooked or lost in communication. This streamlined process enhances operational efficiency while improving resident satisfaction.
Property managers can also share building safety updates and necessary documentation with residents fosters transparency and trust. Additionally, scheduling regular safety training for both residents and staff can create a culture of awareness and preparedness, further strengthening building safety protocols.
Imagine this: A resident reports a leaking tap through their resident app, and the request is automatically assigned to the nearest available technician. The resident receives real-time updates, and the issue is resolved within 24 hours. No phone calls, no follow-ups. This level of seamless interaction enhances satisfaction and reduces the admin burden on your team.
2.) Sustainability as a Standard
Sustainability is no longer a differentiator; it’s an expectation. In 2025, residents will demand eco-friendly living spaces that minimise environmental impact. This includes energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and waste reduction initiatives.
According to a 2024 survey by JLL, 74% of tenants are willing to pay a premium for properties with sustainable features, and 65% expect landlords to implement green initiatives. Additionally, new legislation such as the UK’s Future Homes Standard, set to take effect in 2025, will require new builds to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than current homes.
The energy bills surge and the cost-of-living crisis, which continues into 2025, has increased awareness of energy efficiency, with one in five tenants stating it will be a major factor when choosing a home.
How to Adapt: Going green isn’t just about meeting regulations – it’s what your residents want. With Spike, you can drive sustainability initiatives that get your community involved, reduce energy use, and boost property value. Spike can promote community recycling events and share sustainability tips, fostering a culture of green living. Having a green culture in place can enable property management to apply for certifications such as BREEAM or LEED further solidify a property’s commitment to sustainability, increasing property value and appeal.
2.) Community-Driven Engagement
Residents are increasingly valuing connection and community within their living environments. Engaged communities lead to higher retention rates and improved resident satisfaction. A recent study by NMHC found that 83% of residents are more likely to renew their lease if they feel a sense of community in their building. This trend is driven by the increasing desire for social interaction post-pandemic and a growing demand for curated community experiences.
To inspire engagement and build a stronger sense of community, consider organising events, fitness classes, or communal projects. Property managers have seen great success by hosting ‘meet your neighbour’ nights, themed holiday events, and interactive workshops, such as cooking or DIY classes, all of which foster interaction and create lasting relationships among residents.
How to Adapt: Spike’s award-winning resident engagement platform makes it easy to foster communication and build connections. By organising events, conducting resident surveys, and facilitating community feedback, Spike helps property managers strengthen bonds and create vibrant living environments. Developing wellness programs, shared interest groups, and networking events further cultivates a thriving, connected community that residents want to be part of.
3.) Tech-Enhanced Living
Smart home integrations and app-based resident portals will continue to redefine convenience and security in 2025.
A recent survey by NMHC found that 73% of residents express a strong preference for buildings with resident apps, citing convenience and communication as key benefits, and this number is expected to rise.
As demand for seamless digital interactions grows, property managers are recognising the importance of investing in resident-facing technology to attract and retain tenants.
How to Adapt: With Spike, property managers can offer a fully digitalised living experience, encompassing keyless entry systems, parcel management solutions, digital concierge services and more. Our integration with Utopi smart meters also allows for real-time energy tracking, empowering residents to monitor and optimise their consumption. This seamless, app-based approach not only enhances convenience but also strengthens security and operational efficiency across the property.
4.) Flexible and Hybrid Spaces
As remote working continues, residents seek developments with adaptable spaces for work and leisure. Multi-use communal areas and co-working spaces will rise in demand. A Knight Frank report highlights that 67% of renters are looking for properties with dedicated co-working spaces, and 59% consider flexible amenities a deciding factor when choosing a property.
What’s more, according to the HomeViews Build-to-Rent Report 2024, the most common amenities in top-rated communities include co-working spaces, resident lounges, and multi-use communal areas. These spaces not only enhance day-to-day living but also provide the versatility residents crave – allowing for quiet work environments during the day and social gatherings in the evening. Properties that offer these features consistently receive higher satisfaction ratings and experience better retention rates.
How to Adapt: Spike simplifies the management of communal spaces by facilitating digital bookings and tracking availability, ensuring fair access for all residents. Repurposing underutilised areas into co-working or relaxation spaces can cater to evolving needs, while modular designs allow for easy reconfiguration to suit different purposes. This adaptability creates a more vibrant living experience, enhancing property appeal to modern renters.
Make 2025 Your Year of Transformation with Spike
As we move into 2025, the property sector will be driven by sustainability, building safety, and tech-enabled community engagement. Embracing these trends will be crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and resident satisfaction.
At Spike, we’ve empowered our clients to stay ahead of the curve, transforming their developments year after year. Now, it’s your turn.
Book a demo today and discover how Spike can help you navigate the future of property management in 2025 and beyond!
The Role of Technology in Combating Loneliness
