CommonCouncil vs Blocks Online for Your Block
Blocks Online is full accounting software built for professional managing agents. CommonCouncil is communication-first software for self-managed blocks. Here is an honest comparison.
| Blocks Online | CommonCouncil | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Managing agents & property management companies | Self-managed blocks, RMCs & RTM companies |
| Core focus | Accounting, credit control & property portal | Announcements, votes & documents |
| Service charge accounting | Yes — full integrated suite | No — your accountant keeps the books |
| Recorded votes | Not a core feature | Core feature with deadline & tally |
| Resident access | Property portal | Browser, no app, email-code sign-in |
| Pricing | Monthly, quote-based | Free during early access |
| Setup | Onboarding with the provider | Self-serve in minutes |
| Best for | Agents managing many blocks | Volunteer directors running one block |
Blocks Online is an established, award-winning UK block management suite built by residential managing agents, for residential managing agents and property management companies. It is comprehensive — service charges, ground rent demands, credit control, supplier invoices, financial reporting, a property portal and ticketing. If you run a portfolio professionally, that depth is the point.
Where Blocks Online is strong
- Full service charge and ground rent accounting in one place.
- Credit control and supplier invoice tracking for managing agents.
- A property portal so leaseholders can see account information.
- Cloud-based with industry partnerships (The Property Institute, RICS).
Where it is more than a self-managed block needs
If you are a volunteer director of a 20–60 flat block, most of Blocks Online is built for someone else's job. You probably already have an accountant for the books, and you do not need credit control workflows designed for an agent chasing hundreds of leaseholders. What you actually need is for residents to read the scaffolding notice and vote on the hallway paint.
Where CommonCouncil fits
CommonCouncil is the communication and governance layer, not the accounting suite. Announcements every resident sees, recorded votes with a permanent tally, a document library for insurance and minutes, and AI that turns a forwarded contractor email into a draft update. It is free during early access and set up in minutes — no sales call, no onboarding project. Keep your accountant for the books; use CommonCouncil for everything residents need to see and decide.