BLOCK MANAGEMENT CASE STUDY · HAILSHAM
Summercourt, Hailsham
How a change of managing agent put a resident-run estate back on a firm footing.
Oakfield was appointed as managing agent for Summercourt Ltd in March 2025, after three new resident directors found the estate had not been professionally run. A year on, maintenance standards are higher, the finances are clear and there is a plan for what comes next.
- CLIENT
- Summercourt Ltd
- APPOINTED
- March 2025
- LOCATION
- Hailsham, East Sussex
- SERVICE
- Change of managing agent
We, the directors, are now confident that, with the help of Oakfield, the running of the estate is under control.
THE DIRECTORS, SUMMERCOURT LTD
CONSIDERING A CHANGE?
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01
Background
Oakfield Estate Agents were appointed as managing agents for Summercourt Ltd in March 2025. This followed the appointment of three new directors of Summercourt Ltd, all of them residents of the estate.
The new directors found that the administration of the estate had not been professionally handled by the previous managing agent, and they had experienced ongoing dissatisfaction with the service.
What leaseholders had experienced
- Poor communication
- Concerns over unnecessary works being carried out
- A lack of financial transparency
02
The challenge
The directors were looking for a managing agent who would listen to their concerns, provide clear and accurate financial oversight, and take a proactive approach to managing the development. There were also existing challenges around arrears, and a number of historic maintenance issues that needed attention.
- An agent who listens
- Clear, accurate financial oversight
- Proactive management
- Arrears and historic repairs
03
Our approach
From the outset, we focused on understanding the residents’ concerns and putting a clear plan in place to address both the immediate and the long-term issues.
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Reviewing the financial records
Getting to grips with the estate’s accounts and records, which were left in a difficult state by the previous agent.
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Improving transparency
Keeping the directors informed at every stage, so they can see clearly where the estate stands.
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A structured approach to arrears
Putting a clear, consistent process in place to recover outstanding service charges.
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Prioritising the right maintenance
Tackling key maintenance matters across the development, making sure works were necessary, properly managed and clearly communicated.
04 · KEY IMPROVEMENTS
What has changed in the first year
Over the past year, we have addressed a range of ongoing and historic issues across the estate.
Cracked pavements
Repairs to cracking pavements across the estate.
External cleaning
External cleaning to improve the overall appearance of the block.
Neighbouring trees
Supporting the management of issues relating to neighbouring trees.
Roofing concerns
Investigating and progressing concerns about the roofs.
Sunken flooring
Coordinating works to resolve significant sunken flooring in one of the flats.
ALONGSIDE THE WORKS
Clearer finances and a structured approach to arrears recovery.
Summercourt today
Photographed spring 2026
05 · THE OUTCOME
A much stronger position, and a clear plan forward
It has been a busy and hands-on year, but the development is now in a much stronger position.
We have built a strong working relationship with the directors, based on trust, communication and responsiveness, and continue to support them in the ongoing improvement of Summercourt.
- Improved maintenance standards
- Better financial clarity
- A clear plan moving forward
06 · DIRECTORS’ FEEDBACK
In the directors’ own words
“When the three new directors took up their positions they found that the running of Summercourt Ltd had lacked many of the records that should have been easily accessible. We decided that a new managing agent was required and, after a review of alternatives, chose Oakfield.
Oakfield found the handover process to be very difficult, because of the state of records left by their predecessor, but handled all these difficulties with a professional approach, keeping the directors informed at every stage.
We, the directors, are now confident that, with the help of Oakfield, the running of the estate is under control.”
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.
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