Landlord
by nick shaw | Nov 4, 2026 | News, Landlord
A practical guide to rental property inspections, notice periods and what landlords should check in England. If you own a rental property, regular inspections are an important part of looking after your investment. They can help identify maintenance problems early,...
by nick shaw | Oct 14, 2026 | News, Landlord
A practical guide to the new rental property registration requirements in England, including the deadline for landlords in Hastings, Bexhill-on-Sea and Eastbourne. Landlords in England are preparing for another significant change under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025:...
by nick shaw | Sep 16, 2026 | News, Landlord
When a property comes to market for sale, owners quite rightly expect their estate agent to make it shine. Good photography, carefully written property particulars, room measurements, a floorplan where appropriate, useful information about the location and the...
by nick shaw | Sep 7, 2026 | News, Landlord
Fire safety is one of the most important responsibilities involved in managing a residential apartment block. For freeholders, Residents’ Management Company (RMC) directors and others responsible for a building, that means understanding not only when a fire risk...
by nick shaw | Sep 2, 2026 | News, Landlord
For many people across Hastings, Bexhill-on-Sea, Eastbourne and the wider East Sussex area, renting is not simply a short-term stopgap. A rented property may be home for several years, so it is understandable that tenants want to make the space feel comfortable,...
by KerryOAK | Aug 14, 2026 | Seller, Landlord, Block Management, News, Buyer
At Oakfield, we’ve always believed that great estate agency isn’t about selling someone a property. It’s about understanding people, giving honest advice and helping them make the right decision for them. It’s why our philosophy is simple: people, not property. The...
by KerryOAK | Aug 13, 2026 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
For landlords, finding a tenant has traditionally involved a familiar process: an application, proof of income, references, identification and affordability checks. But tenancy fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and what looks genuine on paper may no longer...
by KerryOAK | Aug 5, 2026 | Seller, Landlord, Block Management, News
Your block managing agent plays a vital role in protecting your property’s value, maintaining communal areas, ensuring legal compliance, and keeping residents informed. But what happens when the service you’re receiving falls short? If you’ve been...
by KerryOAK | Jul 30, 2026 | News, Landlord, Tenant
Whether you’re a landlord letting out your first property or a tenant moving into a new home, inventories, inspections and check-outs are essential parts of every tenancy. While they may seem like routine paperwork, they play a vital role in protecting both...
by KerryOAK | Jul 20, 2026 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
If you’ve been following the news, you may have heard claims that the property market has slowed to a standstill. Headlines about interest rates, affordability and economic uncertainty can make it seem as though selling a home is more difficult than ever. But here’s...
by KerryOAK | Jul 15, 2026 | Block Management, News, Seller, Landlord
For many leaseholders living in buildings under 11 metres, the cladding crisis has felt like an impossible situation. While larger buildings have benefited from government funding for several years, thousands of residents in lower-rise developments have been left...
by KerryOAK | Jul 1, 2026 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant
The Renters’ Rights Act is bringing the biggest changes to the private rented sector in decades. While many landlords have successfully managed their own properties for years, the increasing volume of legislation, compliance requirements and tougher enforcement...
by KerryOAK | Jun 24, 2026 | Seller, Landlord, Tenant, News
The rental market is changing, and one of the most important developments for landlords is the increased notice period tenants are now required to provide when ending a tenancy. With tenants generally expected to give two months’ notice before moving out,...
by KerryOAK | May 27, 2026 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
Fire safety in residential blocks has never been more important. Following changes in legislation and increased scrutiny across the property sector, leaseholders, directors of Resident Management Companies (RMCs), and freeholders all have greater responsibilities when...
by KerryOAK | May 8, 2026 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
With the upcoming changes under the Renters Rights Act, many landlords will already be aware of the wider legislation changes following our previous updates and blogs. However, one key requirement that cannot be overlooked is the need to provide tenants with the...
by KerryOAK | May 5, 2026 | Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord
The homebuying journey is often seen as an exciting milestone—but for many buyers and sellers, it can quickly become a test of patience. Recent reports have highlighted that conveyancing is now considered the slowest part of the entire process, causing delays that can...
by KerryOAK | May 5, 2026 | News, Landlord, Block Management
As of last month, there has been an important change in building safety legislation that directly impacts the management of certain mid-rise residential buildings. Previously, the requirement to implement Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) was focused on...
by KerryOAK | Apr 27, 2026 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
This week marks a major turning point for the UK rental market, as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force from 1 May 2026—bringing the biggest shake-up to lettings in decades. For landlords, the legislation introduces real, immediate changes. The question is no...
by KerryOAK | Apr 19, 2026 | News, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
When searching for a rental property, tenants are not just choosing a home—they’re choosing an experience. Increasingly, tenants are favouring properties that are fully managed by professional letting agents rather than those offered on a “let only” basis. But why is...
by KerryOAK | Mar 27, 2026 | Seller, Landlord, Block Management, News, Buyer
The UK property market is on the brink of one of its most significant transformations in decades. With the introduction of the Future Homes Standard, the government is setting a clear direction toward more sustainable, energy-efficient housing. But what does this...
by KerryOAK | Mar 19, 2026 | News, Seller, Landlord, Tenant
It’s hard to believe that it has now been five years since the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations came into force. Introduced in 2020, the legislation made it a legal requirement for landlords to ensure that the electrical...
by KerryOAK | Feb 17, 2026 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
Leasehold properties often have a reputation for being slower and more complicated to sell. Between management packs, service charge accounts, insurance documentation and solicitor enquiries, delays can quickly build up. However, with the right preparation and a...
by KerryOAK | Feb 7, 2026 | Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord
Recent industry news has once again highlighted the importance of competent, compliant and knowledgeable block and property management. Articles such as Property Industry Eye’s report on firms being expelled from The Property Ombudsman have understandably raised...
by KerryOAK | Jan 28, 2026 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
The UK Government has now formally confirmed that all private rented homes must achieve at least an EPC C rating by 1 October 2030, or hold a valid exemption in order to continue letting legally. This announcement forms part of the new Warm Homes Plan and represents a...
by KerryOAK | Jan 20, 2026 | News, Landlord, Tenant
When a property sits on the market longer than expected, it can be frustrating for landlords — especially when you’re keen to avoid void periods and secure a reliable tenant quickly. At Oakfield, we see a few common reasons why some properties take longer to let than...
by KerryOAK | Jan 7, 2026 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
With rising costs and increased scrutiny on service charges, it’s understandable that some leaseholders consider managing their block themselves. On the surface, self-management can appear straightforward — after all, how hard can it be to arrange insurance, collect...
by KerryOAK | Jan 5, 2026 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
When major works or long-term contracts are required in a leasehold building, the landlord or managing agent must follow a formal consultation process known as Section 20. This is a legal requirement designed to protect leaseholders by ensuring transparency, value for...
by KerryOAK | Dec 30, 2025 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
After the quiet pause of the Christmas season, January brings a wave of fresh motivation — and the property market is no exception. Every year, we see a surge of buyers who start searching for their next home as soon as the new year begins. Whether driven by personal...
by KerryOAK | Dec 15, 2025 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
As the temperatures drop and the nights draw in, winter can be tough on our homes. Cold weather, heavy rain, and strong winds all add extra pressure to the structure and systems we rely on every day. A little preparation now can prevent costly repairs later — and...
by KerryOAK | Dec 12, 2025 | News, Seller, Landlord, Tenant
For landlords, few things are more frustrating than a property sitting empty. A void period can feel like a brief inconvenience, but even a short gap between tenancies can have a significant financial impact. In a market where costs are rising and regulations are...
by KerryOAK | Dec 1, 2025 | Landlord, Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller
Over the past few years, the rules around building safety have changed dramatically—yet many blocks still aren’t sure whether they actually count as a “high-rise” under the law. And that’s a serious problem, because once a building meets the high-rise threshold, very...
by KerryOAK | Nov 26, 2025 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord
In the run-up to the Autumn Budget, you’ve probably heard plenty of speculation:“Wait until the Budget — there might be changes to property tax…”“Don’t list your home yet — something big could happen…” Many homeowners paused their plans based on what might be...
by KerryOAK | Nov 18, 2025 | News, Landlord, Tenant
When a new tenancy begins, there’s a lot to think about — keys, deposits, meter readings, and of course, that all-important property inventory. It might sound like just another bit of paperwork, but in reality, a good inventory is one of the most important documents...
by KerryOAK | Nov 4, 2025 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
Managing a block of flats can be complex — from maintenance and insurance to service charges and legal obligations. Many leaseholders are unaware that they have a powerful legal right to take more control over how their building is managed. This is known as the Right...
by KerryOAK | Nov 4, 2025 | Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant
On 27 October 2025, the Renters’ Rights Bill officially became law when it received Royal Assent, thus becoming the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. This marks what the government calls “the most significant increase to renter rights in a generation”. The Act is designed to...
by KerryOAK | Oct 27, 2025 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
Energy efficiency has become one of the most important factors in the property market — not just for tenants and buyers, but for landlords too. With government targets to make the UK’s housing stock greener and more efficient, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)...
by KerryOAK | Oct 16, 2025 | Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord
If you own a flat in a managed building, you’ve probably heard the term “Section 20” mentioned at some point — often when larger repair or maintenance projects are being planned. It can sound technical, but understanding what Section 20 means (and why it matters) is...
by KerryOAK | Oct 13, 2025 | News, Landlord, Tenant
For many tenants, choosing where to live isn’t just about finding the right property — it’s about finding a home where everything runs smoothly. From clear communication to quick maintenance responses, the experience you have during your tenancy can make all the...
by KerryOAK | Sep 30, 2025 | News, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
Across the UK, the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector has been expanding at pace. These purpose-built rental developments are reshaping the way people rent, offering high-quality homes with professional management and community-focused amenities. But what does this mean for...
by KerryOAK | Sep 29, 2025 | Landlord, Tenant, Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for autumn. Taking a few simple steps now can help keep your property warm, safe, and efficient throughout the colder months. Here’s a quick checklist to guide you: 1....
by KerryOAK | Sep 16, 2025 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord
A recent survey revealed that just one in three vendors would recommend their estate agent. For an industry built on trust and reputation, that figure is far too low. But here’s the important part: it doesn’t have to be this way. The frustrations sellers report are...
by KerryOAK | Sep 16, 2025 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
When you own a flat in a block or serve as a freeholder, the role of your managing agent is critical. A proactive managing agent doesn’t just “keep things ticking over” — they actively protect and enhance the value of your property. From compliance to communication,...
by KerryOAK | Sep 11, 2025 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
Across England today, there are more than 260,000 long-term empty homes—properties that have stood vacant for over six months. When you add in all those that are temporarily vacant, second homes, or awaiting sale, the figure rises to almost one million. At a time when...
by KerryOAK | Sep 3, 2025 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
When it comes to block management, nothing is more important than the health, safety, and wellbeing of the people who live in and visit your building. That’s why The Property Institute (TPI) sets strict professional standards for its members, ensuring that vital...
by KerryOAK | Aug 27, 2025 | Landlord, Tenant, Block Management, News
Back in our earlier blog, we outlined the proposed changes under the Renters’ Rights Bill. At that stage, the legislation was still making its way through the early stages of Parliament. Fast forward to now: the Bill has passed through the House of Lords and is...
by KerryOAK | Aug 26, 2025 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord
When it comes to selling or letting your home, photographs are often the first thing people see — and sometimes the only thing they look at before deciding whether to book a viewing. That’s why great photography is essential. Too many agents simply turn up, point the...
by KerryOAK | Aug 19, 2025 | Tenant, News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord
The mortgage world is always evolving — and right now, there are some exciting changes creating real opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Thanks to our close working relationship with Connect Mortgage Services, we’re able to share the latest insights and explain...
by KerryOAK | Aug 18, 2025 | Landlord, News
For many landlords, the idea of a tenant not paying rent is one of the biggest worries — and unfortunately, it’s a situation that can happen to anyone. But with the right protection in place, what could be a financial nightmare can quickly become a manageable...
by KerryOAK | Aug 12, 2025 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
The property industry in England — encompassing estate agents, lettings agents, and managing agents — remains notably unregulated. In contrast to professions like law or healthcare, anyone can operate in this sector without formal qualifications. This lack of...
by KerryOAK | Aug 6, 2025 | News, Buyer, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
Let’s face it — being a landlord isn’t always smooth sailing.Void periods, tricky tenancies, rising compliance demands, unexpected maintenance issues… it can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle, especially in a shifting rental market. But the right letting agent...