Stepping Stones

Our Fully Managed Service covers all aspects of property management, from tenant acquisition to maintenance coordination. Landlords benefit from dedicated support, ensuring compliance with regulations and prompt issue resolution. This service guarantees peace of mind, allowing property owners to maximise returns without day-to-day involvement.

The Rent Collection Service ensures timely and secure rental payments, with proactive follow-ups for arrears. We manage financial transactions through protected client accounts, providing transparency and safeguarding funds. This service simplifies cash flow management for landlords with minimal administrative effort.

Our Property Management service includes regular inspections, tenant communication, and maintenance coordination. Experienced managers handle day-to-day operations, ensuring properties remain compliant and well-maintained. This tailored approach preserves asset value and tenant satisfaction across residential portfolios.

The Lettings service focuses on securing qualified tenants through targeted marketing and rigorous referencing. We streamline the leasing process, from viewings to contract signing, ensuring swift occupancy and minimising void periods. This service prioritises matching properties with reliable tenants for long-term success.

Tailored support for overseas landlords includes remote management, compliance with UK regulations, and transparent reporting. We handle all local requirements, from tax considerations to property maintenance, enabling international clients to invest confidently without geographical barriers.

Ben co-founded Stepping Stones in 2006 with over 35 years of property lettings experience. He leads client relations and leverages his deep local market knowledge to provide independent investment advice. His customer-centric ethos drives the company's growth.

Ali co-founded Stepping Stones in 2006, combining 35 years of industry expertise with a commitment to customer service. She has cultivated a loyal client base through a personal approach and extensive knowledge of the local property market.

Ruth has managed accounts at Stepping Stones for 20 years, ensuring compliance with legislation and overseeing financial operations. Her organisational skills and industry knowledge support seamless management of client funds and regulatory requirements.

Lauren joined Stepping Stones in 2015, progressing to Office Manager. She leads staff development and operational oversight, maintaining high service standards. Her enthusiasm and structured approach ensure efficient team coordination and client satisfaction.

Sam, a Senior Property Manager since 2020, holds NFOPP Level 3 qualifications. He ensures tenant and landlord satisfaction through diligent property oversight, combining technical expertise with a personable approach to resolve issues promptly.

We provide fully managed lettings, rent collection, property management, and tailored support for overseas landlords, ensuring comprehensive solutions for all property needs.

Yes, we charge a flat commission rate with no hidden fees, ensuring clarity and predictability for our clients.

Maintenance requests are addressed promptly by our dedicated team, ensuring swift resolution to minimise disruption for tenants and property owners.

We operate primarily in Banbury, Oxfordshire, and surrounding areas including Chipping Norton, Culworth, and Bloxham.

Yes, we are members of The Property Ombudsman, Propertymark, and ARLA, adhering to strict professional and regulatory standards.

Yes, we offer specialised support for international clients, managing compliance, reporting, and local requirements remotely.

Stepping stones ( especially Lauren) made my transition to Banbury with ease, especially it was during the height of the pandemic. Staff were always available to help with any query or concern, very welcoming and hospitable as well, all in a professional manner. So grateful that it was with them that I first found my very own space in such a big place. Thank you Stepping Stones.

When you were their client, things were quite smooth. But my bad experience occurred when they notified my deposit deduction. At first, they claimed that they would deduct almost half of my deposit due to allegedly 8 broken panels and fee for professional cleaning to be done. For these claims, I asked for photographic evidence. At the end, they decided to only deduct my deposit for the cleaning fee, but it raised the question if they did their job accurately or not.

And the professional cleaning claim was quite funny. When I moved in (this was during lockdown), the amount of cleaning I had to do myself wasn't a good indication that the flat was professionally cleaned. So, being charged to get the flat professionally cleaned for the next tenant seems unfair. Hopefully this review will be helpful for future clients and for Stepping Stones to review its client and tenant management.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS, especially if you're not from the UK. We had a disgusting experience with the agent who showed us a property to rent in Banbury. Before even showing the house, he accused us money laundering, as the rent payer is paid in his home country - even though he lives in the UK, pays his taxes in the UK, has the right documentation (and could prove his foreign salary). We didn't even want to carry on with the viewing, but we had driven over two hours to get there because we're moving cities.

The current tentant, also a foreigner, was inside and had asked for no photos (so values his privacy). The agent started pestering him with personal questions (where are you moving to? Why are you leaving the UK? Have you had enough of it here?). Apparently they didn't even let him know that a previous viewing was cancelled. This experience made clear that Stepping Stones is extremely unprofessional and the complete opposite of the values they claim to have on their website.

We didn't actually end up letting a property with Stepping Stones, but they were far and away the most efficient agency we dealt with, especially Glen. They were easy to contact and you always received a confirmation of your viewing straight away (this might sound like a given, but it really wasn't from our experience with other agents who we repeatedly had to chase). Glen had the EPC certificates to hand and went through all the details regarding money and deposit. We saw two properties with Stepping Stones, which sadly weren't quite what we were looking for, but we were impressed with the viewing process both times.

Since May I have informed the agency that the boiler has a strange noise and I have to restart to start working again. The property manager has confirmed to me that he will send an engineer to investigate. In December the boiler just stopped, an engineer arrived who specified that in 2 weeks he will solve the problem and let the boiler go for another 2 weeks. I haven't had heat in the house for 2 weeks now (15 ° C). I want to specify that from May 2021 I also await the breakdown of a sliding door (confirmed repair to be carried out). What is clear is that the property manager manager is not doing his duty.

Stepping Stones have always been extremely efficient and supportive with my lettings over the years. Even though I managed the property myself, Lauren, the Office Manager, would always take time to advise and help me during my tenancies. Would definitely recommend them.

Rented through Stepping Stones for the past 2 1/2 years and they have always been professional and courteous with any queries that I've had. Would recommend them as an agent.

I have used Stepping Stones to let both my properties over the last 10 or so years. They are professional and courteous at all times. They are always on top of the legalities, reminding me when electrical checks etc. were due and have a 'bank' of contractors to carry out any necessary works. If you are planning to let a property in this area, then I can thoroughly recommend them.

I have rented a property through Stepping Stones for over a year and I cannot fault their service, whenever I have experienced a maintenance issue they have always been extremely quick with getting it resolved. Unfortunately I am having to leave the property and I needed it re let ASAP and within 3 hours of me handing in my notice, the team at Stepping Stones had relet the property. Both Lauren and Kieran have been amazing at managing the property and if you are looking for a lettings agent which provide the best service and who are accommodating and understanding of your needs then look no further- the best agents around!

Honestly the best letting agent I have dealt with in the 6 years or so I've been renting in Oxfordshire and really couldn't recommend Stepping Stones highly enough. The process of setting up the tenancy was really straightforward and the contact during the tenancy was minimal (in a good way - a few inspections, nothing intrusive at all). They were always responsive via phone and email, generally getting at least an acknowledgement of the query on the same day and the check out process was really simple and very fair in terms of deposit return.

Wouldn't even give them a 1 star. Called to arrange a viewing on a property minutes after it was posted online. and we were given the "first available viewing". We've now been emailed today and informed that the property has been taken. Nice work Basically. don't waste your time trying to secure a property as you'll be badly informed and mislead!

I had a fantastic experience with Stepping Stones Letting Agency. I rented my first flat with the agency out if university as a new graduate. Heather and the team made the process of renting so easy for me. Everything was clear, well explained and the level of support and customers service was fantastic. Even though I am a young renter I felt that I received respect, support and transparency throughout the whole of my tenancy.

The agency has also been extremely supportive and communicative throughout the whole of the pandemic. They made sure to put the safety and well-being of tenants above all else. I would highly recommend using stepping stones lettings - in these uncertain times you can be sure that you will be taken care of throughout the rental process at every step. Thanks so much!

Exceptional service received by Lauren. I have been renting from Stepping Stones for 4 years and Lauren which was our property manager was always very responsive and dealing with all matters promptly and efficiently. We were given very useful tips for the cleanliness of the property which we followed and managed to get our full deposit back. Everyone from the team was very nice and helped us to find another property which we currently live in so I am pleased with the service that we have received over these years and owe a huge thank you to Lauren for her assistance.

NOT RESPECTING PRIVACY!! I rented a property from Stepping Stones for 5 years, only could say very good words about Kieran and Emma they are very nice, helpful and professional with the customers, if we had problem with the boiler or anything else has been sorted quickly.

BUT i give you only 2 stars because:

Agency has a ill-mannered property manager, very unprofessional, couple of time he was coming for visit the property and came in without knock the door, just used his key.

NOT RESPECTING PRIVACY!!

Always been rude, grumpy and arrogant, except when we renew the contract. Last time he had appointment with the new tenant for visit the property . They didnt email/text/phoned to us. When I asked him about it:

Why didnt you let us know we have visitors? He said, he did. I said, No you didnt. He then called me a liar and left in a tantrum.

NOT RESPECTING PRIVACY!! I strongly recommend to avoid using....

Very professional, efficient and highly recommended if you are an international worker who needs to look for your next move from abroad. I couldn't be there in person and Glen organized me an apartment view through a video call all in the same Saturday morning !!! They also accepted a view by a person on my behalf ! Very quick also with the referencing process. These people clearly know how to make business out of the local community and they do everything they can to simplify your life and save real money.

On a comparison Stambra Powell asked me to book a plane for the second time, to be there in person to view the property (after having recently rented an apartment with them and receiving the deposit back in full !?)... Luckily in the era of 4-5G internet with the decent people I met at Stepping Stones I was able this time to make a smart move. I cannot recommend enough Stepping Stones Letting particularly if you're looking into Banbury. Thanks again Glen!

I rented a flat through Stepping Stones from Aug 18 to Dec 19. During that time if I had any queries (which were few and far between), they were dealt with quickly and efficiently. 'Check out' was also seamless and promptly sorted. Huge thanks to Kieran and Emma who were my contacts - both a credit to the company and very personable to work with. I would not hesitate in using Stepping Stones again or recommending them.

I have used Stepping Stones for nearly 2 years, it was a big move in for myself and my partner as it was our first place together and moving into a different area, these guys made it easy and Lauren our rental manager was fab and I would definitely use them again should I need to rent a house, very professional and personable team. We had to move on fairly quick due to change in circumstances and they helped us and made the leave easy.

I wasnt particularly impressed with the guy who showed me the flat but Emma at the agency was wonderful. She saw I was unsure and suggested I take longer to consider if the property was right for me. It was exactly what I needed.

Very happy with Stepping Stones, I would definitely recommend them. They are up front with all costs, they care about both tenant and landlord being fairly treated, and did an excellent job for us. Good to deal with, responsive and well organised.

I have used Stepping Stones during the last 2 years to let out 2 properties. Everyone in the office were extremely helpful, they made the process from marketing my properties to my tenants moving so easy. I have recommended them on many occasions with excellent feedback.

Stepping Stones have been our letting agent for ~9 years and in all that time we have found them to offer a very good level of service, both in terms of letting and ensuring the property is properly maintained. When property issues occur, they are quick to respond and resolve those issues quickly and fairly. They ensure that they provide a total solution that helps both anyone letting our property and peace of mind for ourselves. Thank you Stepping Stones

Amazing Agency! I've been using Stepping Stones to look after and administer my property in Banbury for 10 years now and the service that they've provided throughout this period has been nothing short of outstanding in every respect. I've been completely impressed with all of the support and communication that has been given to me and I would highly highly recommend them. Many thanks Stepping Stones; first class

I've been with Stepping Stones for 2 years and never had a problem with them. If anything was wrong, they promptly delt with it. There were no issues with getting my deposit back.

Kieran as my Property Manager was very helpfull and fair. I would recomend this Letting Agency.

A great agency! I am extremely satisfied with the communication and help in many aspects. Trustworthy and serious people.

I am not one to ever write a review for anything, but I rented from Stepping Stones for 3 years and I do not have a single complaint about anything. All of my dealings with the office personnel were nothing but professional and they were always extremely helpful and dealt with any issues in a timely manner. If any maintenance issues arose during my tenancy, they were always repaired as soon as possible. I would recommend this agency to anyone and would not hesitate to rent from them again in the future.