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Why did your factoring fees go up?

By Synclair · Updated 8 October 2026

Set last year's account beside this year's and compare them line by line, checking first that the categories match: a category split in two, two merged into one, or a cost moved between periods can each make a line look bigger or smaller than it is. Then ask about the factor's own fee, common repairs and how your share of them was worked out, insurance if the factor arranges it, and the float. Your factor's Written Statement of Services is the document that says what it has agreed to do.

Which document shows why the account went up?

Put last year's account beside this year's. An apparent rise can turn out to be one of three things: a category that split in two, two that merged into one, or a cost that moved between periods. Only what survives those is a real increase.

Which lines are worth a question?

The factor's management fee, stated apart from contractor costs. Two different things, frequently shown as one.

Common repairs, and whether your share was calculated as your title deeds provide.

Insurance, if the factor arranges it — one line, easily compared.

The float. Money held is not money spent, and the two should not blur.

For the register, the Code and the Written Statement of Services, see your property factor.

What figures are published for Scotland?

We know of no published figures for what private property factors charge in Scotland alone; The Property Institute's Service Charge Index 2026 covers professionally managed developments in England, Wales and Scotland together. The Scottish Housing Regulator reports only on social landlords that factor owners' homes. In 2025/26, their average annual management fee rose 2.7% to £122.13 — a management fee alone, not a whole account — and 57% of the owners they factor were satisfied with the service: the fourth fall in a row and, for the third year running, the lowest level since the Scottish Social Housing Charter was introduced.

Where does a complaint about a factor begin?

In Scotland, your factor is on a public register, is bound by a statutory Code of Conduct, and must give you a Written Statement of Services.

Complaints go to the factor first. If that does not resolve matters, a homeowner may apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland, Housing and Property Chamber, which is designed to be used without a lawyer.

So writing to your factor is not only sound practice. It is the first step of that route.

Should you stop paying while you query a charge?

Do not stop paying while you query a charge.

Questioning whether a charge is fair and withholding payment are two different things. A property factor can pursue unpaid charges as a debt, and can register that debt against your title — and the sums involved do not have to be large. Keep paying, and put your questions in writing.

What does Synclair do?

Synclair explains each line of your factoring account that your documents show, and compares it with published figures where they exist, such as The Property Institute's index, which covers England, Wales and Scotland. The Scottish Housing Regulator's figures cover social landlords only, and Synclair does not use them. Add last year's account and Synclair shows what changed between the two years. Anything you report about the development stays on record with its date, so next year you have a history rather than a memory. When you report something about the development, Synclair can draft a letter about it for you to check and send in your own name. In Scotland, a letter is the first step of the tribunal route only if it tells your factor why you consider it has failed to carry out its duties or to comply with the Code (Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011, section 17). If that route is what you have in mind, check that yours does before you send it.

Only owners pay for Synclair: never managers, insurers or suppliers.

One document is enough to start. It is free for three months, and the three months begin when your first analysis is ready — not when you sign up. There is one free period for each email address.

Analyse my statement

One document is enough to start: a budget, a charge demand, a statement or year-end accounts.

Sources

Figures checked 8 October 2026.