Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Property Sales and Lettings
Established in 2003, Gatekeeper has built a reputation as a trusted independent property agency serving Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and Buckinghamshire. Our team combines over two decades of local market expertise with a centralised collaborative approach, ensuring clients benefit from both regional knowledge and streamlined processes. As a team of shareholders, we are personally invested in delivering exceptional service, with a proven track record of successful property transactions and long-term client relationships. Our unique structure allows daily collaboration in a central Witney office, followed by local property visits and client meetings, creating a balanced approach to property management. We prioritise transparency, evidenced by our proactive customer feedback system and membership in key regulatory bodies, including authorisation by the Financial Conduct Authority. With offices in Banbury, Aylesbury, Swindon, and Bicester, we offer comprehensive sales, lettings, and investment services tailored to individual client needs. Our 'Customer for Life' ethos ensures ongoing support throughout every property journey, supported by innovative tools for investment calculations and market analysis. Recognised for industry excellence, we maintain a strong focus on colleague development through profit-sharing schemes and career progression opportunities. This combination of local expertise, technological innovation, and personal accountability has earned us over 2,450 customer reviews, reflecting our commitment to property market excellence.
Services
Property Sales
Property Lettings
Investment Management
Property Valuations
Property Management
Served areas
- Oxfordshire,Wiltshire and Buckinghamshire
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of combined property market experience across our leadership team
- Our central office collaboration model ensures access to collective local expertise
- All team members are shareholders, aligning our interests with client satisfaction
- Proven track record with 2,456 customer reviews and industry recognition awards
- We offer transparent service metrics including average completion success rates
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
What people say
Excellent service
Dedicated team
Successful transactions
Local expertise
Transparent feedback
Services
Property Sales
Our property sales service combines local market expertise with collaborative strategy sessions in our central Witney office. We leverage 20+ years of regional experience to achieve optimal sale prices, supported by advanced marketing techniques and a proven track record of 96% completion success rates. Our team provides regular market updates and tailored advice to ensure smooth transactions from valuation to completion.
Property Lettings
Our lettings service offers comprehensive property management with a focus on tenant quality and property protection. We provide 24-hour emergency support for tenants, rigorous vetting processes, and dedicated property managers who ensure landlords receive regular updates and maximise rental returns. With average void periods below industry standards, we maintain strong tenant relationships for long-term success.
Investment Management
We specialise in helping clients build wealth through strategic property investments. Our service includes market analysis, yield calculations, and portfolio growth strategies based on 20+ years of market data. We offer smart calculators for return projections and provide ongoing management to maximise both rental income and capital appreciation across Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and Buckinghamshire markets.
Property Valuations
Our valuation service provides accurate property assessments based on current market conditions and historical data. Available across all service areas, this service includes expert advice on pricing strategy and market positioning. The process involves a comprehensive property inspection followed by a detailed report with recommendations to optimise sale or rental potential.
Property Management
Our property management service ensures hassle-free ownership through proactive maintenance, tenant relations, and regular financial reporting. We implement regular rental reviews and property inspections to maintain asset value while providing landlords with dedicated support for all property-related matters. This service is designed to maximise returns while minimising owner involvement.
People
Vanessa Mclean
Director and Co Founder
Vanessa co-founded Gatekeeper in 2003 and established the Property Care Team in 2006. She oversees finance and leads IT and recruitment initiatives while maintaining part-time involvement in business operations.
Phil Kendall
Sales and Letting Director and Co Founder
Phil co-founded Gatekeeper in 2003 with retail sector experience. He focuses on long-term relationships and has held multiple roles within the business, maintaining an early-morning presence in the office.
Lucy Forde
Property Care Director
Lucy joined Gatekeeper in 2012 with banking experience. She develops business processes and ethos while leading the Property Care team to maintain our core values and service standards.
Dan Thorne
Sales & Letting Director
Dan joined in 2018 and became Sales Director in 2020. He leads the sales team and promotes customer-first culture while highlighting team achievements to maintain positive morale.
Sam Mawson
Senior Sales and Lettings Manager
Sam joined in 2020 with 10 years of sales experience. His supportive approach and attention to detail have driven sales expansion and team development across our service areas.
Questions
What makes Gatekeeper different from other property agencies?
Our unique combination of local expertise and central collaboration ensures comprehensive market knowledge. As a team of shareholders, we maintain personal accountability for every transaction while offering innovative tools for investment analysis and market insights.
Which areas do you cover for property services?
We provide property services across Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and Buckinghamshire, with offices in Witney, Banbury, Aylesbury, Swindon, and Bicester to serve local markets effectively.
How does your property management process work?
Our management service includes 24-hour tenant support, rigorous tenant vetting, and dedicated property managers. We focus on protecting your investment through regular maintenance and proactive communication.
What valuation services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive property valuations with market analysis and pricing strategy advice. The process includes property inspection, market comparison, and detailed recommendations for optimal sale outcomes.
How do you ensure customer satisfaction?
We send surveys to every customer and publish results transparently. Our shareholder team structure ensures personal investment in every transaction, supported by our 'Customer for Life' relationship-building approach.
What investment tools do you provide?
We offer smart calculators for yield calculations, capital growth projections, and return on investment analysis. These tools help investors make informed decisions based on current market data and historical trends.
Videos
Reviews (51)
Sally-Anne Barnes
Jun 11, 2022
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Gatekeeper are very professional letting and estate agents. We rented our property via them and then sold it. Their sales process was superb and very slick especially through their recommended conveyancing team. Such a smooth sale, great service. Highly recommend the whole team.
Iain Grierson
May 27, 2022
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Very good agency. Everything you need to know explained, very efficient and easy to work with. Communication is very good. Pricing is very competitive to others on the market, worth using and would definitely suggest others use their services. Recently I had some issues with the tenant, which required a little diplomacy to resolve; gatekeeper went out of their way to resolve the issue with the tenant which was a relief to both the landlord and tenant.
Viktoria
May 11, 2022
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PLENTY OF FAKE REVIEWS! Avoid at all cost or it will literally be your cost. Check out the real independent reviews as well they generally score VERY badly (I wish I'd checked), if you ignore the blatantly fake reviews. In my case I found a property to rent and put the money down to take it off the market and secure it (as they described it). I got a phone call less than an hour later to say they wanted more money and this put it outside my budget.
They said the money I put down was non-refundable and tried to push me in to another property or lose my 150. I have lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman and Office of Fair Trading and passed the issue to a solicitor friend to deal with. Try Finders keepers or Chancellors. They have been much better to deal with and more professional and not welched on the deal.
They said the money I put down was non-refundable and tried to push me in to another property or lose my 150. I have lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman and Office of Fair Trading and passed the issue to a solicitor friend to deal with. Try Finders keepers or Chancellors. They have been much better to deal with and more professional and not welched on the deal.
Simon Bradleypoi
Mar 24, 2022
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A really brilliant lesson in customer service, both Phil and Harriet have been so helpful and have got the job done in just a couple of days. Can't speak highly enough of the team at Gatekeeper!
Sarah-Louise Miller
Mar 23, 2022
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Gatekeeper were wonderful when my husband and I were looking for somewhere to buy in Oxfordshire. Very efficient, kept us updated with text and email confirmations for viewings, and Hazel was wonderful when showing us around. Very friendly team, very nice people, and smooth and efficient to deal with. One of the best experiences we have had in our house-buying journey.
Sophie Taylor
Mar 22, 2022
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Hazel was more than willing to help me and my partner find a property, she went above and beyond to ensure we got a viewing. Thank you!
Bb Mansell
Feb 22, 2022
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The people at Gatekeeper have been nothing but attentive and lovely throughout the process of enquiring and viewing properties. Hazel especially has been wonderful at keeping us informed each step, and we have appreciated her honesty with us.
Indy-B.
Dec 24, 2021
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Gatekeeper are an exception to the norm, in their high standards of customer relations, integrity and reliability. Refreshingly polite, courteous and thoroughly knowledgeable of the property market in all its disciplines, including sales, letting and management services etc.
Kayleigh Franklin
Nov 06, 2021
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Hazel was very professional, very responsive to any email I sent over. She was very friendly, ensured everything went as smoothly as possible. Would recommend to anyone looking to buy/rent.
Victoria Phelan
Oct 31, 2021
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The lettings manager was prompt, professional, and approachable. Hazel stands out from the average estate agent. Thank you for a pleasant experience. Would use gatekeeper again.
Rhayanne Carvalho
Sep 18, 2021
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Great communication and no hassle. Everything was well explained and the steps were very straight forward. Would highly recommend it.
Karen Down
Aug 07, 2021
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Fully recommend Gatekeeper Witney. Harriet and the team managed my house purchase wonderfully, returning phone calls and answering emails quickly, which took a lot of stress out of the processes. Very much a personal service, done with care.
Josh Bennett
May 25, 2021
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Having bought through Gatekeeper for the first time recently, we were very impressed and grateful for their hard work, professionalism and approach. Phil at gatekeeper came recommended to us and we can see exactly why. If we ever sell he will be the first man we speak to. Very efficient in his work, his work ethic was impeccable and just an all round nice person. We have been on the property ladder for ten years changing houses on three occasions and without question Phil and Gatekeeper are the best we've experienced. Thank you all very much.
Gilly E
Mar 21, 2020
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I have to say I am very impressed with the service the team has offered. I seldom leave reviews but credit where it is due. The local sales team have been fantastic in arranging viewings and sorting answers to questions and the central team have been great sorting paperwork and check in.
Questions about rent payments and maintenance have also been dealt with seamlessly. Well done all
Questions about rent payments and maintenance have also been dealt with seamlessly. Well done all
Ali
Mar 21, 2020
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Phil was really helpful and polite. Felt that he listened to my comments and the feed back I have had since has been really pleasing
Alex
Mar 13, 2020
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We were exceptionally pleased with our flat inspection with Asheley. She was extremely positive and helpful in every way and made sure we were happy with everything within the flat. It was great to meet Asheley and put a face to the name. Issues were doubt with straight away and updates from the landlord were really great to receive. Thank you.
Denise Taylor
Mar 13, 2020
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I have been extremely impressed by the support offered by Lucy and her team. I have received honest and constructive feedback about the propertyand that helps build my confidence. Thank you for your support and guidance
Paul Odell
Feb 09, 2020
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Hannah has been great and very friendly. Any questions that I have had, she has been able to answer or point me in the right direction and has been very easy to contact. There has been a lot of problems with the property that we have moved into but Hannah has ensured us that it will be all sorted.
Robertson, G
Feb 06, 2020
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As expected Lucy always reaches the high standards of service I have come to expect and rely upon. Once again many thanks for all your hard work.
Carpenter
Feb 01, 2020
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Dan was very thorough and even took us back to a property after ours so we could make our final choice.
Jane Andrews
Jan 29, 2020
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My husband & I were previous Tenants of Gatekeeper and were exceptionally impressed. We have now just bought our first property through them and they offered us the same high level of service and dedication we have come to expect over the years. Your efforts and support are very much appreciated
Roberts
Jan 29, 2020
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I have 2 properties in different towns with Gatekeeper which I rent out. Both the local teams and central office team are exceptionally customer focused. They always have answers to questions and take the time to explain details and make recommendations. My tenants are also really happy with the service and support they receive.
Miguel Santos
Jan 29, 2020
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Came out at a moments notice and also listened to or requirements and sent only info for properties within our remit. Thank you
Richard B
Jan 28, 2020
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We were exceptionally pleased with our flat inspection with Asheley. She was extremely positive and helpful in every way and made sure we were happy with everything within the flat. It was great to meet Asheley and put a face to the name. Issues were doubt with straight away and updates from the landlord were really great to receive. Thank you.
Meena B
Jan 26, 2020
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I've had some horrible times dealing with agents before, but everyone I have dealt with here has been helpful and happy to try and look after me. What a refreshing change. Thanks
Gilly Hunt
Jan 26, 2020
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Lucy is efficient and friendly; everything has been very smooth for us, which is just perfect for us. Always on point with the detail and supportive when we need help.
Carl Grimes
Jan 23, 2020
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As a first time landlord I have been very happy with all the support and advice the team have given me.
Made renting an easy experience. Special mention to Phil for all his help.
Made renting an easy experience. Special mention to Phil for all his help.
James
Jan 22, 2020
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My partner and I have just moved into a property managed by Gatekeeper and I have to say we are both blown away by how simple and easy they have made the whole process.
Having rented before it can be a painful experience but this was a dream... well done guys keep up the good work.
Having rented before it can be a painful experience but this was a dream... well done guys keep up the good work.
Gillian wright
Jan 22, 2020
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I have rented 2 propert with GATEKEEPER over the past 2 years and they have been excellent to deal with
Any reported issues dealt with swiftly
Great support at check in and when moving out
Any reported issues dealt with swiftly
Great support at check in and when moving out
Julie French
Jan 22, 2020
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I have used gatekeeper to rent out my property for many years now and always been very impressed by the proactive nature of the team and the support they give me and my tenants
Very happy
Very happy
Ms D
Jan 22, 2020
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The whole team at Gatekeeper have been fantastic. Always friendly service on the phone and when I was shown around my new flat. The property care team kept me up to date at every stage of my application and have been nothing but a pleasure to deal with. I would highly recommend this agency, the whole team are friendly and down to earth, if there has ever been an issue they are quick to resolve and always happy to go above and beyond. Thank you!
Poppy
Jan 22, 2020
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Being a dab hand at renting properties, and over my time dealing with several agents. Gatekeeper have by far raised the bar in my standards. Fantastic communication, great customer service, they always listen to what we have to say and always deal with our queries immediately. Very friendly and professional. 5 stars always.
Tim Hitchcox
Jan 22, 2020
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I have rented through Gatekeeper for 5 years now. Unfortunately, due to relocating for work I have to move out but I would like to thank the property Care team for being brilliant over my time in the property. I wish I could take them and my house with me when I have to move. Thanks again for the hard work
Charlie state
Jan 22, 2020
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I have just rented with Gatekeeper and been blown away by the service. From the initial viewing through application and check-in. Every member of the team has been so inform active and friendly. Can't praise enough. Mad a potentially stressful time super easy. A huge thank you
Stuart
Jan 22, 2020
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so glad my landlord has switched to Gatekeeper,.. Gatekeeper was in FULL contact with me from day1, i have had a full inspection and they have taken notes of the problems. Tom done the inspection and took the notes, within the week he has arranged to get 2 of them looked at by contractors. always communicating by phone or email to keep me up dated.
A+++++++ Service
A+++++++ Service
Phil Hingus
May 16, 2018
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We rented a house in Swindon through Gatekeeper. We have just bought our first home and we just wanted to say thanks because the team couldn't have been more helpful during a stressful time! They made sure we knew what we had to do throughout the whole process of checking out and while we were in the house (just over a year), we only had a couple of things that needed work and Gatekeeper got maintenance people out quickly to fix them for us.
When they needed to come to the house for viewings, we always got a text and an email to let us know what was happening and when we had friends over they understood and rearranged viewings around us. We would definitely recommend them - we've rented through lots of agents in the Area and we both felt that Gatekeeper has the best service and has thought about what tenants need.
When they needed to come to the house for viewings, we always got a text and an email to let us know what was happening and when we had friends over they understood and rearranged viewings around us. We would definitely recommend them - we've rented through lots of agents in the Area and we both felt that Gatekeeper has the best service and has thought about what tenants need.
Natalie
May 16, 2018
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Thank you as always to the team at Gatekeeper, and in this instance especially Phil and Alex. Both worked very hard to make sure the transition to new tenants was as quick as possible, yet making sure that both new tenants and landlord get the best agreement
James
May 16, 2018
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Very helpful with our purchase and have always been easy to talk to and to clarify our queries. I would recommend the service to anyone.
David
May 02, 2018
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I've now bought twice and sold once through Gatekeeper and I am constantly impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the whole team. Can recommend to anyone thinking of buying or selling.
Callum
May 01, 2018
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As a Landlord I cant speak highly enough of both the Swindon Team and the Head Office. I mange my property myself but they always give me great advice about the market and pricing for rent reviews etc and its easy to get deposits returned etc. The online Log In for Landlords lets me see the status of everything 24-7 which is great as I work shifts.
Tom
Apr 27, 2018
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Dan was absolutely amazing. He was very thorough even though he was up against it with many appointments. He answered all my questions. Made the experience very easy and I would definitely recommend to anybody.
Andrew
Apr 27, 2018
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The service and advice I have received has been excellent from start to finish.
Mat was always available to answer my questions even at weekends. I was a bit worried about selling my mothers property but it has been very simple and easy. I would definitely recommend Gatekeeper. I could not be more happy with the service I've received.
Mat was always available to answer my questions even at weekends. I was a bit worried about selling my mothers property but it has been very simple and easy. I would definitely recommend Gatekeeper. I could not be more happy with the service I've received.
Sally
Apr 27, 2018
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The team did an excellent job. My partner wasn't quite sure of the first property they showed us. But they quickly took us to another property in which was great! Altogether, they are very friendly, helpful and did an excellent job. I would recommend any day. Thank you for your help.
James Roberts
Mar 15, 2018
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Excellent service, marketing was second to none, property sold within 21 days, Team are professional and approachable, offering a service that is second to none. Kept up to date every step of the way with practical and helpful advice, would highly recommend to any would be seller
Bobby Paradise
Feb 18, 2015
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Gatekeeper are full of totally inadequate staff that operate like their job is to make you as dissatisfied as possible. Could never get a decent answer from any queries (always being made to an 0845 number so you are charged to chase up every time). Had 3 different Property Managers equally as useless as the last, never having any communication between each other or an idea at what goes on. Also be warned, we received information from another letting agency that Gatekeeper only allow you 6 month leases so that you can 'work out if you want to stay long term' but this is actually common practice so that they can charge renewal fees. You have been warned!!
Matt Kite
I have used gatekeeper to handle the sale of my property on two different occasions. Both times I have been very pleased with the service provided. Highly recommended.
Stuart Johnson
The entire team from top to bottom were professional helpful and friendly. We were kept informed at all stages right through and everything went as planned. Thank you.
Paul Hunt
I have never rented a property before and the team at gatekeeper are amazing! Really helpful and nothing is ever an issue! I have had a couple of queries which was dealt with straight away! The fact you are kept upto date with all the progress of the move is a real gem as you know where you are with stuff.
Charles Martin
Phil is the ideal person to promote a property for rent or for sale. I had tenants moving in within a week of Phil taking it on. And all hassle free. He is totally non- pushy which I like too. His articulate positive marketing did the job. Because of Phil I would recommend Gatekeeper to anyone wanting to let a property..or indeed sell. Many thanks Phil for a job superbly well done
Craig Younger
We have dealt with the team at Gatekeeper for the last 2 years and in that period they have been nothing less than excellent. Whatever you're looking for, be it as a landlord, or a tenant, or a potential buyer I really cannot recommend them enough. Please give them a try.
Graham Jones
I am very impressed by the service given to me by Gatekeeper. The team have been very detailed in the explanations and answers to my questions. As a new Landlord this has been really important to me building trust and giving me confidence I feel I need in my Letting Agent. Thanks to you all.