Residential Block Management in Sussex
Trusted by RMCs, freeholders and leaseholders to manage Sussex’s most complex, high-rise and high-profile residential blocks.
Efficient, Transparent and Reliable Management for Residential Blocks
We specialise in managing medium-to-large residential developments across Sussex — from new-build handovers to long-established blocks. Based at our Brighton head office, we oversee buildings from Portslade and Lewes to Eastbourne, Burgess Hill and Uckfield.
Whether your block is coastal, town-centre, semi-rural or high-rise, our team applies the same proactive, compliance-led approach to keep buildings running smoothly and residents fully informed. We understand the nuances of Sussex living, from heritage conversions in Hove to modern high-rise developments on the coast, and tailor our service to each building’s unique character and operational demands.
Sussex’s residential landscape is diverse. That variety comes with different legal, operational and environmental challenges, from fire safety and lease compliance to weatherproofing and planned maintenance. We understand these complexities inside out and build management strategies that protect both the building and the people who live in it.
Why RMCs and Freeholders Choose Oakley
Residential block management isn’t just about keeping things ticking over — it’s about legal protection, financial stewardship and daily accountability. RMC directors and freeholders carry real responsibility, which makes choosing the right managing agent critical.
Our service is entirely in-house, meaning no outsourced finance and no hidden handovers. Directors have full visibility over every penny collected, every inspection completed, and every legal obligation met.
With more than 30 years of Sussex property expertise, including specialist oversight of high-rise and complex residential schemes, we bring structure, transparency and local insight to every building we manage.
The results: less operational pressure for directors and greater trust for leaseholders.
What you can expect:
A named property manager with specialist block experience
Transparent service charge reporting and arrears oversight
Proactive maintenance and risk management
Sussex-based support teams who know your building and community
A proven, compliance-led management framework
Unlike many managing agents, Oakley keeps every element of your building’s management under one roof: finance, compliance, operations and communication. No chasing third parties. No delays. No gaps in accountability.
We’re regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Propertymark, giving directors and leaseholders assurance that their building is managed to the highest professional standards.
The Oakley Approach
Every residential block is different, but our core principles remain the same. We structure our management around three pillars designed to create stability, trust and long-term value for every building we manage.
Financial Clarity
Transparent service charge accounting, clear budgeting and full director oversight so leaseholders always know where their money is going.
Operational Consistency
Planned maintenance, routine inspections and structured reporting keep standards high and problems low.
Legal Assurance
Regulatory and safety responsibilities aren’t a box-ticking exercise. They’re built into every decision we make, protecting directors and leaseholders alike.
This framework allows us to manage schemes from converted Victorian houses to large, mixed-tenure and high-rise estates with the same precision and accountability. It’s a smarter, steadier way to run buildings — and it’s why so many RMCs and freeholders across Sussex trust Oakley to get it right.
Our approach isn’t just about meeting today’s obligations — it anticipates tomorrow’s. With legislation evolving rapidly for high-rise and complex schemes, we provide directors and leaseholders with the confidence that their building is compliant now and resilient in the future.
Our Residential Services
Block management is about more than collecting service charges and arranging repairs. It’s about coordinating legal responsibilities, maintaining safe and functional buildings, and ensuring leaseholders feel informed and protected. Our service covers the entire operational lifecycle of your building — financial, legal and physical — delivered by an experienced in-house team.
Service charge collection \u2013 Accurate, timely collection with clear financial reporting.
Section 42 trust accounts and arrears management – Robust financial control that protects your building’s reserves.
Budgeting and planned maintenance \u2013 Forecasting that minimises surprises and smooths costs over time.
AGMs and directors’ meetings – Structured support that helps your board make informed decisions.
Leaseholder communication \u2013 Clear, proactive updates that reduce friction and build trust.
Section 20 major works administration \u2013 Full statutory compliance with minimal disruption to residents.
Insurance renewals and claims support \u2013 Competitive cover, fully managed to save time and reduce risk.
Fire safety, health & safety and high-rise compliance \u2013 Full oversight under the Building Safety Act 2022 and Fire Safety Act 2021 to keep your building compliant and your directors protected.
Looking to Form an RTM?
Many leaseholders come to us because they want more control over how their building is run. If you’re considering taking over management from your freeholder or a current agent, we can guide you through the entire Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 Right to Manage process — from the initial eligibility checks to handover.
Thinking of Changing Management Agent?
Switching managing agents doesn’t have to be complicated. Our team manages the full transition process — from gathering documentation and TUPE to notifying leaseholders and ensuring a smooth operational handover.
If your current agent isn’t delivering the service your building deserves, we can help you make the switch with minimal disruption.
Case Studies
We manage residential schemes across Sussex, ranging from 15-unit conversions to large, complex estates.
Our portfolio shows how we have improved financial transparency, reduced arrears and delivered long-term operational stability for RMCs and freeholders.
Meet the Team
Our residential team combines professional oversight with approachable, Sussex-based service.
Every building we manage has a named property manager, backed by experienced financial and operational support. Our property managers are local experts with specialist block management experience, supported by dedicated accounts and compliance teams. This structure ensures every building we manage receives both hands-on support and professional oversight — never a call centre approach.
Alison Snell
Accounts
Baiba Smeltere
Head of Block Management
Charlotte McMahon
Property Manager
Donna Rose
Property Manager