Landlord
by KerryOAK | Jul 31, 2025 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
In recent years, the topic of service charges has come under increasing scrutiny from both leaseholders and regulatory bodies. With the cost of living still impacting many households and growing expectations around transparency and value for money, there’s a clear...
by KerryOAK | Jul 28, 2025 | Landlord, News, Seller
Awaab’s Law, introduced under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, follows the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould. The legislation enforces strict new timeframes for tackling serious hazards in social housing, but...
by KerryOAK | Jul 14, 2025 | News, Landlord, Block Management
If you live in a leasehold flat within a block of flats, you may have heard about the Right to Manage (RTM)—a legal process that allows leaseholders to take control of the management of their building, without having to prove any fault with the current managing agent...
by KerryOAK | Jul 11, 2025 | News, Landlord
When a tenant reports a problem, the instinct for many agents or landlords might be to pick up the phone and call a contractor straight away. But the best letting agents know that not every issue requires immediate professional intervention — and sometimes a little...
by KerryOAK | Jul 7, 2025 | News, Seller, Landlord, Tenant
The Renters’ Rights Bill has passed its Committee Stage in the House of Lords and has had a number of recent report stage debates and is set to return for a further debate on 15th. While it’s unlikely the Bill will pass before Parliament’s summer recess (22 July – 1...
by KerryOAK | Jul 3, 2025 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
In residential block management, regular site inspections are essential — yet they’re often overlooked or reduced to a quick tick-box exercise. Inspections that are well-planned and actually happen can make all the difference when it comes to the safety, upkeep, and...
by KerryOAK | Jun 25, 2025 | News, Seller, Landlord
A major change is coming for landlords across the UK. From April 2026, HMRC will begin rolling out a requirement for landlords to report their income and expenses every three months. This forms part of the government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative, which...
by KerryOAK | Jun 23, 2025 | Seller, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management, News, Buyer
When it comes to property, there’s one phrase that never goes out of style: location, location, location. But why does it matter so much? In East Sussex, it’s not just about where you live — it’s about how you live. Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, or...
by KerryOAK | Jun 20, 2025 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
For leaseholders and property managers alike, major works and Section 20 consultations are important but often misunderstood parts of block management. Whether it’s a roof replacement, external decoration, or structural repairs, knowing your rights and...
by KerryOAK | Jun 17, 2025 | News, Landlord, Tenant
Letting a property can be a rewarding investment, but like any investment, it comes with its risks. Whether you’re a new landlord or have an established portfolio, protecting your income and legal position is crucial—and that’s where Rent and Legal Cover comes in....
by KerryOAK | May 30, 2025 | Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant
We’re excited to bring you the latest news on one of Hastings’ most talked-about new developments — Station Plaza. Situated in a prime location right next to Hastings train station and just a short walk from the seafront, this project has been attracting attention...
by KerryOAK | May 29, 2025 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
Whether you’re selling, letting, or managing a property, you’ve likely come across the term EPC—but what exactly is it, and why does it matter so much? At Oakfield Estate Agents, we work with landlords, sellers, and buyers across East Sussex, and EPCs (Energy...
by KerryOAK | May 14, 2025 | Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord
Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, the government has introduced tougher regulations to ensure buildings—especially high-rise and multi-occupancy blocks—meet the highest fire safety standards. The Building Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety (England)...
by KerryOAK | May 14, 2025 | News, Landlord
The Government is preparing to extend the Decent Homes Standard to the private rental sector—and that means landlords need to start preparing now. At Oakfield Estate Agents, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the changes and protect your investment. What Is the...
by KerryOAK | Apr 30, 2025 | News, Landlord, Tenant
Exciting news for Hastings residents and prospective tenants: the first phase of the Station Plaza development is approaching completion, with many tenants set to move in next week. Managed by Oakfield Estate Agents, this project promises to enhance the town’s...
by KerryOAK | Apr 22, 2025 | Landlord, Tenant, News
Having a pet is one of life’s greatest joys! Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you have to live without your furry (or unfurry) companions. With more people renting long-term, finding a pet-friendly rental is a top priority for many tenants. In this article,...
by KerryOAK | Apr 15, 2025 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant
If you’re considering buying a home or remortgaging in 2025, there’s some good news. According to the latest Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report, the number of mortgage deals available—particularly for those with smaller deposits—is the highest...
by KerryOAK | Mar 21, 2025 | News, Landlord
As a landlord, you may have considered managing your rental property yourself to avoid the cost of property management fees. On the surface, self-management can seem like an ideal way to save money and maintain direct control over your investment. However, before you...
by KerryOAK | Mar 13, 2025 | Landlord, Block Management, News, Seller
When it comes to property investment, one of the most important factors in ensuring long-term returns is maintaining or even increasing property value. While individual property owners can focus on maintaining their own units, the communal areas and overall upkeep of...
by KerryOAK | Feb 27, 2025 | News, Buyer, Landlord
As a landlord, it’s essential to understand the tax implications of renting out property. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or an experienced investor, taxes can be complex and affect your overall profitability. Understanding what you need to pay, how to save on...
by KerryOAK | Feb 11, 2025 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
You’ve decided to move and you know you need a mortgage. Sounds simple. But is it? Is your credit score going to stop you from moving to the house of your dreams? Do you even know what your credit score is and why it’s important? In this article, we take a look at...
by KerryOAK | Feb 5, 2025 | Landlord, News
Being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent it’s about maximising the potential of your property portfolio. Whether you’re just starting or already managing multiple properties, there are key strategies to boost profitability, reduce risks, and ensure your...
by KerryOAK | Jan 29, 2025 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
The UK government has announced an ambitious plan to overhaul the planning system in a bid to address the housing crisis and meet the growing demand for affordable homes. With a target to build 1.5 million new homes over the next several years, this initiative is set...
by KerryOAK | Jan 20, 2025 | News, Landlord, Tenant
The Renters Rights Bill has been a topic of much debate, signalling significant changes for the private rental sector. If you’re a tenant or a landlord, it’s crucial to understand how these reforms could impact you. Here’s a breakdown of what the proposed changes...
by KerryOAK | Jan 14, 2025 | Landlord, Tenant, News, Seller
As the colder weather is now upon us and energy costs are higher than ever before, it’s never been more important to know how to keep your home warm this winter. Whether you own your property or whether you’re renting, finding ways to reduce your costs couldn’t be...
by KerryOAK | Dec 30, 2024 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
Oakfield Estate Agents Appointed by Developers Purple Pepper Partnership to Let and Manage Station Plaza Development in Hastings with 103 units. Oakfield Estate Agents is excited to announce its recent appointment by developers Purple Pepper Partnership Limited as the...
by KerryOAK | Dec 30, 2024 | Landlord, Block Management, News
The government has taken a significant step forward by setting out new targets to address the issue of unsafe buildings in England through its Remediation Acceleration Plan, which was published at the beginning of this month. This plan is a direct response to the...
by KerryOAK | Dec 23, 2024 | News, Seller, Landlord
If you haven’t rented out your home before, then it can be difficult to know where to start. From ensuring the property adheres to the electrical safety regulations set for landlords to finding the right tenant to getting a handle on the tax implications, the vast...
by KerryOAK | Dec 16, 2024 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
At Oakfield we understand that the holiday season is often filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful traditions. However, it can also bring along its fair share of stress and busyness. This year, why not embrace an approach that enhances your experience and helps you...
by KerryOAK | Nov 21, 2024 | Block Management, News, Seller, Landlord
The government has announced plans to consult on its new Decent Homes Standard, stressing that it will launch this “as soon as possible”. Ultimately, the new standard will apply across both privately rented properties and social housing. What’s the background? In a...
by KerryOAK | Nov 13, 2024 | News, Landlord, Tenant
Inventories might seem like just another checklist when it comes to renting, but they are in fact essential for both landlords and tenants. An inventory is a detailed record of the condition and contents of a rental property at the start of a tenancy. It’s not...
by KerryOAK | Nov 6, 2024 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
Now that the dust is settling from Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Budget last week, Labour’s first for 14 years, it seems a good time to assess its implications for the UK’s housing market, and how it might affect you if you’re looking to buy or sell a home. So what are...
by KerryOAK | Oct 31, 2024 | News, Buyer, Landlord
You’ll probably know this already if you are a landlord, but if you don’t yet, you should get to know it – because rental yield is important! But, what is rental yield and what do you, as a landlord you need to know about it? Put simply, rental yield is a way to...
by KerryOAK | Oct 15, 2024 | News, Landlord, Tenant
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has vowed to pass the Renters’ Rights Bill ‘as soon as possible’ – as the legislation has now returned to Parliament for its second reading. The bill, which has been welcomed by organisations such as the housing charity Shelter, was...
by KerryOAK | Oct 3, 2024 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
Last month, the six-year Grenfell Inquiry, led by retired judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick, released its final, 1,700-page report into the 2017 fire at the west London tower block which cost 72 lives. (Victims’ aged ranged from six to 84.) Cladding had already been...
by KerryOAK | Sep 5, 2024 | News, Landlord
There are a whole host of things every landlord should know, yet many opt to set up their rental property as quickly as possible, disregarding this essential knowledge. So, when questions start getting asked about unpaid rent payments, legal responsibilities, and...
by KerryOAK | Aug 2, 2024 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant
At Oakfield we work closely with Connect Mortgage Services who are a proactive, local broker who have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to what is happening in the world of mortgages and they will be providing us with regular updates to share with our...
by KerryOAK | Jul 11, 2024 | Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant, News
Last week’s general election provided plenty of jaw-dropping moments throughout the small hours and beyond. But now that the dust has settled following Labour’s widely expected landslide, and as hundreds of freshly minted MPs take up their seats in the House of...
by KerryOAK | Jul 1, 2024 | News, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
When the Leasehold and Reform Act (LFRA) 2024 received Royal assent towards the end of May, it marked a milestone. It was the last Bill to be passed in the current parliament, as part of the final flurry of business or ‘wash up’ ahead of the general election – and not...
by KerryOAK | Jun 22, 2024 | News, Landlord
You may already know us as a leading East Sussex estate agent which has had a presence in our part of the world since the mid-1990s. You might also understand that we’re experts in sales, lettings and block management, with offices across Lewes, Heathfield, Uckfield,...
by KerryOAK | Jun 11, 2024 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord
It may have taken some by surprise but, following, the calling of the general election towards the end of last month, most of us are resigned to weeks of intense political coverage, and, love it or loathe it, to the fact that we’re going to the polls on July 4. If...
by KerryOAK | May 1, 2024 | News, Landlord
As of last year, nearly a fifth of UK homes were privately rented, with just over two-thirds (67%) of landlords reporting a rise in tenant demand during the second quarter of 2023, according to comparison website Uswitch, which also reported that the average price of...
by KerryOAK | Mar 11, 2024 | News, Landlord
One thing you learn quite quickly as a new landlord is the steps you need to take to protect yourself, your property and your tenants. Insurance is clearly one such measure. But standard home policies won’t cover rental activities, and your mortgage lender will...
by KerryOAK | Feb 13, 2024 | News, Landlord, Tenant
Deposits can often feel like barriers to taking on a tenancy. In the UK, tenants typically pay up to five weeks’ rent as downpayment, plus a month rent upfront. Initially you will charged a holding deposit of up to a week’s rent, payable in advance, to secure a...