If you live on a large estate that’s still under construction, you might be wondering who makes the decisions and how you can get your voice heard. The answer is straightforward — and actually more inclusive than you might think.
Why the developer is still running the RMC
When you buy a home on a development that’s still being built, the Residents’ Management Company (RMC) is usually still controlled by the developer. That’s because the estate is still being finished, and decisions often affect parts of the site where no one lives yet.
This setup is standard and temporary. It ensures:
- A joined-up approach during construction
- Oversight of infrastructure works and estate completion
- Decisions that are consistent across all phases
- And importantly, it means there’s someone in place — the developer as Director — to sign any legal documents required for the estate while it’s still under development
But that doesn’t mean residents have no say
Just because the developer might be the ultimate decision maker — as the Directors of your RMC — doesn’t mean you’re powerless. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
From early on, we help residents set up residents committees or steering groups. These are made up of homeowners on your estate who meet regularly to discuss priorities, budgets, maintenance and future plans.
At Preim, we manage the day-to-day upkeep on behalf of the RMC. We work closely with these resident committees, treating them much like we would a board of resident directors.
In practice, developers almost always support what resident groups want — unless there’s a strong reason not to — because they want happy communities and a successful development too.
Looking ahead
Later on, once construction is complete and all communal areas are formally handed over, control of the RMC passes to residents. This means homeowners elect their own directors to make the key decisions for the estate.
But until then, your voice still matters. Through steering groups, direct feedback, and close work with Preim, you help shape how your estate looks and runs right from the start.
Want to get involved?
If you’d like to join your residents committee or simply learn more about how the estate is managed, please get in touch. We’re always happy to help and would love to hear from you.
Find out more in this guide
We have produced a comprehensive FAQ-style guide to handovers. Please click here to download a pdf version. The guide explains:
- How communal spaces are handed over from the developer to your RMC
- When and how residents take over direct control of the RMC
- What responsibilities come with this
- And how Preim helps every step of the way
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