BLOCK MANAGEMENT CASE STUDY · ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA
Carmel Heights, St Leonards-on-Sea
From a run-down block to one its owners are proud of.
Carmel Heights is a substantial detached, late Victorian building, designed with cantilevered square turrets extending over the main entrance. It sits proudly on the corner of Bulverhythe Road in St Leonards-on-Sea.
- CLIENT
- Freehold company board
- BUILDING
- Late Victorian, detached
- SERVICES
- Block and property management
- MANAGED SINCE
- 2021
It’s been very satisfying turning it from a run down, scruffy block into something which we are proud to own a part of.
GEORGIA BEDDING, FREEHOLD COMPANY DIRECTOR
CONSIDERING A CHANGE?
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01
Background
During the acquisition of Andrews Sales and Lettings by Oakfield in 2021, our Block Management team was contacted by the Chair of the Board to consider taking over management of the building, as well as the individual flats, following a number of issues arising from the exterior redecorations at the time.
02
Redecoration and fire safety
One of the first items to be addressed was a review of the external redecoration, and of the upgrades required under the fire safety legislation at the time.
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External redecoration and repairs
Renewing all external redecoration and repairs to the building.
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Fire alarm system
Installing a mixed fire alarm system.
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Fire door upgrades
Upgrading the fire doors, working closely with the Chair of the Board.
03 · SOLVING THE DAMP
An issue found mid-project, fixed for good
During the external redecoration, an issue was found within the cavity wall structure that was causing excessive damp in a number of the flats. Oakfield worked quickly with the Chair and the appointed surveyor to agree a solution.
Elevations opened up
Several openings were created in the elevations.
Cavities cleared
The cavities were excavated on two elevations of the building.
Vented brickwork and paint
New vented brickwork was installed and the paintwork renewed.
04 · MANAGING THE FLATS TOO
A closer relationship with the shareholders
As a fully tenanted property, Oakfield has also renewed tenancy agreements through our dedicated Property Management team, managing many of the individual flats.
That has allowed a closer working relationship with a significant number of the shareholders at Carmel Heights, which is a fairly unique opportunity among the agents in the area.
Carmel Heights today
THE OUTCOME
Up to current regulations, and looking fresh
The full project is now complete, bringing the building up to current regulations and leaving the external elevations fresh and renewed. It has been a pleasure to work with the Board and we look forward to continuing management in the future.
- Fire safety upgrades complete
- Cavity damp resolved
- External elevations renewed
05 · CLIENT FEEDBACK
A few words from our client, but says so much
“As a collective group of owners, we decided to move management of Carmel Heights to Oakfield in 2022 after buying the freehold. The property had suffered from years of underinvestment and mismanagement (and fraud) with the previous management company, and we urgently needed a company who was able to work with us to bring the block back up to standard – both aesthetically and from a safety point of view, especially in light of Grenfell. The team at Oakfield have been excellent – knowledgeable, helpful and with excellent communication (I don’t think that I’ve ever waited more than 12 hours for a response to an email). They are proactive and as enthusiastic about the block as we are, it’s been very satisfying turning it from a run down, scruffy block into something which we are proud to own a part of.
Rents have increased, as has the value of the properties and we are now attracting a much higher quality tenant. I cannot recommend Oakfield enough – and especially Hannah.”
THINKING OF CHANGING AGENT?
Considering a change of managing agent?
Whether you’re an RMC director, freeholder, RTM company or developer, we can take the time to understand your building, current arrangements and priorities before recommending the right approach.
HEAD OFFICE
4 Hayland Industrial ParkMaunsell Road
Castleham Industrial Estate
St Leonards-on-Sea
East Sussex TN38 9NN