News
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 28, 2026 | News, Block Management
A practical guide to Right to Manage (RTM), eligibility, the legal process and what happens when leaseholders take over the management of their building. If you own a leasehold flat and are unhappy with how your building is managed, you may feel that important...
by nick shaw | Oct 21, 2026 | News, Buyer, Seller
A property coming back onto the market doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem. Here’s why house sales fall through, what buyers should ask and when a second opportunity could be worth exploring. You’ve spotted a house you really like....
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 | Oct 7, 2026 | News
We are incredibly proud to share that the Oakfield team has been Highly Commended in the Customer Service Award category at the 2026 Uckfield Business Awards. Having been delighted to be named as a finalist, members of our team attended the awards evening alongside...
by nick shaw | Oct 7, 2026 | News, Block Management
If you own a leasehold flat, you may see a contribution towards a reserve fund or sinking fund included within your service charge. It can sometimes feel like you’re being asked to pay today for work that might not happen for several years, but there is an...
by nick shaw | Sep 22, 2026 | News, Seller
Choosing an estate agent is one of the first important decisions you’ll make when selling your home. It can be tempting to choose the agent who gives you the highest valuation or quotes the lowest fee, but neither tells you everything you need to know about the...
by nick shaw | Sep 16, 2026 | Landlord, News
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 nick shaw | Aug 27, 2026 | News, Block Management
When people think about block management, their first thoughts are often maintenance, repairs, communal cleaning and keeping the building compliant. But behind all of these responsibilities sits something equally important: good financial management. Managing the...
by KerryOAK | Aug 14, 2026 | Landlord, Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller
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 | Landlord, Block Management, News, Seller
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 30, 2026 | News
When it comes to managing a residential block, regular inspections are one of the most effective ways to keep the building safe, well maintained and running smoothly. Yet many directors and residents ask the same question: how often should a block actually be...
by KerryOAK | Jun 24, 2026 | Tenant, News, Seller, Landlord
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 | Jun 1, 2026 | News, Buyer, Seller
As we move into the summer months, there’s a common misconception that the property market begins to slow down. While many people are thinking about holidays, barbecues and enjoying the sunshine, the reality is that summer remains one of the most active and...
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 | Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant
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 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
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 | Landlord, Tenant, Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller
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 | Tenant, Block Management, News, Landlord
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 | Apr 8, 2026 | News, Buyer, Seller
Spring is traditionally one of the busiest and most successful times of the year for property sales. With longer days, better weather, and more buyers actively searching, it’s often when the market really begins to pick up. But for many homeowners who listed their...
by KerryOAK | Mar 27, 2026 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
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 | Tenant, News, Seller, Landlord
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 | Mar 16, 2026 | News, Buyer, Seller
Spring is one of the busiest times of year in the property market. With longer days, brighter light and gardens starting to bloom, it’s the perfect time to present your home at its best. If you’re thinking of selling this season, a few simple steps can make a big...
by KerryOAK | Mar 9, 2026 | News
Service charges are one of the most common areas of dispute within leasehold property — and often, the issue comes down to one key document: the lease. No two leases are identical. The lease will clearly set out how and when service charges must be demanded, and it is...
by KerryOAK | Feb 24, 2026 | News
After years of consultation and discussion, the Renters’ Rights Act is now moving from proposal to implementation. With key dates confirmed for 2026 and further phases to follow, landlords should now be actively preparing. Here is what has been confirmed — and what it...
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 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
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 | Seller, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management, News, Buyer
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 23, 2026 | News
January always brings a familiar rhythm to the property market. The festive slowdown is over, portals are buzzing again, and there’s a noticeable surge of fresh buyers eager to start the year with a new home. Motivation is high, enquiries increase, and diaries quickly...
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 | Block Management, News, Seller, Landlord
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 | Landlord, Block Management, News, Buyer, Seller
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 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Block Management
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 | Buyer, Seller, Landlord, News
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 12, 2025 | Buyer, Seller, News
Let’s face it — estate agents don’t always have the best reputation. We’ve all seen the cliché: the fast-talking, sharp-suited salesperson who’s more interested in commission than connection. Someone who shows you properties that aren’t quite right, rushes you to make...
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 | News, Buyer, Seller, Landlord, Tenant, Block Management
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
It might still be autumn, but for anyone hoping to be settled into a new home before Christmas, the time to act is now. With buyer demand remaining strong and transaction times improving, there’s still a realistic window to move before the festive season — provided...