Neil Newstead, CEO of Oakfield Estate Agents

Who are you?

Neil Newstead

What does it say on your business card?

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, sounds pretty important, but if I am honest really not one for titles!

What is Oakfield Estate Agents?

We are an experienced team with a proven track record, excellent reputation that was established in 1996, with a great passion to help people move home. 

How do you help landlords and property investors?

Primarily we are experts, and have great knowledge and experience with legislation and also local knowledge and market conditions, but more importantly it has always been our aim to build long term relationships with all our investors and landlords, I suppose the best way we help our clients is honesty and transparency and delivering on our promises while providing exceptional customer service.

What services do you provide?

We have three core areas to our business being Residential Sales, Letting and Estate and Block Management.

Does Oakfield Estate Agents benefit tenants, too?

Yes without a doubt.  We are a professional company, we are members of ARLA Propertymark, The Property Ombudsman, Safe Agent, our staff hold professional qualifications, but more important than all of this we are a company built on our reputation with core values and really wanting to help people find their next home, and then ensure they are looked after while remaining safe at all times.

Why is it important for tenants to have rental payments contribute towards their credit score?

Primarily I would suggest this is really important as will demonstrate to any future landlords a good payment history, and will certainly assist in building a good trustworthy picture of them.  In addition, if the tenant decides to buy a property in the future this will show stability to any potential lenders.

What is your greatest achievement in your current role and what made it so special?

Growth of the company and the team around me, I started Oakfield in 1996, from a small office in Hastings with my business partner Steve with no portfolio or income, but with lots of hard work and determination we are a leading agent in this area.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Success and seeing my team motivated and succeed in their roles

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing landlords at the moment?

Legislation and not being aware of it.  It amazes me how many people are not fully compliant and are at risk.

What is your property prediction for the remainder of 2020?

For letting it will still remain buoyant, even with all the legislation and effects on tax property remains a great investment, and demand outweighs supply. 

For sales that’s a bit more difficult, but would hope the government steps in after this difficult period we are in with Coronavirus and perhaps reviews stamp duty for not only people moving home, but also the additional duty for landlords and investors, with this I would imagine we would see more buyers coming to the market, and would see the growth we have seen this year continue.

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