Block Management Software Compared: Blocks Online, Blockman, MRI, INOX & CommonCouncil
A side-by-side comparison of UK block management software — Blocks Online, Blockman, MRI Software, INOX Living and CommonCouncil — and which fits self-managed blocks.
| Blocks Online | Blockman | MRI Software | INOX Living | CommonCouncil | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary user | Managing agents | Agents / accountants | Enterprise & portfolios | Agents & accountants | Self-managed blocks & RMCs |
| Accounting | Yes | Yes (core) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Communication | Portal | Add-on portal | Tenant portals | App & messaging | Core — announcements |
| Recorded votes | — | — | — | — | Yes |
| Resident access | Portal | Portal add-on | Portal | iOS & Android app | Browser, no app |
| Pricing | Quote / monthly | PAYG + setup | Enterprise | By units (demo) | Free (early access) |
| Setup | Provider onboarding | Migration support | Implementation project | Sales onboarding | Minutes, self-serve |
| Best for | Pro agents | Block accounting | Large operators | Invoice-heavy agents | Volunteer directors |
Most UK block management software is built for professional managing agents and accounts teams: accounting suites, credit control, invoice automation and portals, sold through demos and onboarding. That is the right tool if managing property is your job. It is the wrong tool if you are a volunteer director trying to run your own building.
The accounting-led platforms
Blocks Online, Blockman, MRI Software and INOX Living are all, at their core, financial and administrative platforms. Blocks Online and Blockman are deep service charge accounting suites for agents. MRI Software is enterprise proptech for large portfolios. INOX Living leads with AI invoice processing and bank reconciliation. They differ in scale and polish, but they share an assumption: the user is a professional handling the money.
Where that leaves self-managed blocks
- You usually already have an accountant for the service charge books.
- You do not need credit control or BACS workflows for one building.
- You do not want residents forced to download yet another app.
- You cannot justify enterprise pricing, setup fees or a sales process.
The communication-first alternative
CommonCouncil deliberately leaves accounting to your accountant and focuses on what a self-managed block actually struggles with: getting residents to read announcements, recording decisions properly, and keeping documents findable. It works in any browser, needs no app, sets up in minutes and is free during early access. If you are an agent, an accounting platform may suit you better. If you run your own block, start with the calm communication layer first.