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    Welcome to Stepping Stones.

    We are a property letting and management company built on the idea, of a personal, friendly and professional approach and are 100% dedicated to lettings and management.

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    At Stepping Stones we direct all energy and resources towards giving clients an expert letting and management service. This means that when you choose our property management service, you can rest assured that we know all the problems that can arise. So if you want to let your property, sit back and relax whilst we take care of it for you.

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Stepping Stones Landlord Services
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    Why us?

     

    At Stepping Stones, we understand that choosing a managing agent for your house, whether it is your home or an investment property, is as important as instructing any other professional.  You need to be sure that the property will be well looked after and that your managing agent has your best interests at heart.

    We have over 50 years experience in the letting and management of residential property and we believe it is better to do one thing really well than several things adequately. At Stepping Stones we direct all energy and resources towards giving clients an expert letting and management service. Our attentions are not diverted towards other activities and we are only dedicated to lettings and management.

    Renting a property can provide one of the most stable forms of investment. Whilst the property is let and managed the value appreciates in line with property prices and also provides you with a regular monthly income. This can ensure that your property is both paid for and looked after whilst you are abroad or working away. When you choose our property management service, you can rest assured that we know all the problems that can arise. So if you want to let your property, sit back and relax whilst we take care of it for you.

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    The Services.

     

    Tenant Find Service.

    For the more experienced landlord who is comfortable with the day to day management of their property we also provide a tenant find and install service that allows you to take advantage of our advertising and marketing but then to manage the property yourself once the tenants have moved into the property.

    We can tailor this service to your individual needs and our charges for this service are quoted on an individual basis.

    The Full Management Service.

    The best that you can find! This is an all encompassing service for those who want to sit back and relax! If you instruct Stepping Stones on a full management basis then we will handle all aspects of the letting including finding you tenants, collecting the rent, regular inspections and organising any maintenance etc.  This is by far the most popular service and can be tailored to suit your individual needs.

    For more information about what we do and how we can help you please give us a call on 01295 275909 today.

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    Fees.

     

    You will find that we at Stepping Stones offer the best rates and the best service to ensure that your property is let quickly to the best tenants. This enables you to maximise the return on your investment. In addition, our straight forward pricing policy means that there are absolutely no hidden fees. We only charge a flat commission rate with an initial set up fee. We do not charge for a tenancy renewal or extra work which means that you know in advance exactly what our charges will be.

    Renting out property is far easier and cheaper than you expect and we pride ourselves on giving a personal, professional service to help you every step of the way. We can visit you in the comfort of your home and talk through the procedures of renting and answer any questions you have regarding our services and how we can help you. You will find that we can tailor our service to your needs and being a family run company we are far more flexible and approachable than our corporate competition!

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Not all agents are the same...
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    Stepping Stones are proud of the properties we have to rent!

    Tenants should not make the mistake of assuming all rental properties are of the same standard. Our properties are always professionally cleaned and if furnished always to a high quality standard.

    We are in the fortunate position of having tenants who have left our properties and found that other agents just aren't as good as we are and have decided to come back to us. Most of our business comes from having a good and honest reputation.

    We are a small friendly business and tenants can be assured that when you call the office any problem will be dealt with in a quick and professional manner.

    When you first start to look for a home to rent, give us a call and we can discuss which property will best suit your needs. Our expert staff will talk you though all the ins and outs of the properties we have available and arrange for you to view.

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    Questions?

    How short a tenancy can I have?

    The standard is 6 months, in certain circumstances we can offer a 3 month tenancy.

    How long does it take for references to be carried out?

    Approximately 5 - 7 working days

    I have pets, are there any properties which allow pets?

    Most landlord do not allow pets, however, some will and usually ask for an extra pet deposit

    I hate gardening, can you supply a gardener?

    Yes ask the office for further details

    I hate cleaning, can you supply a cleaner?

    Yes ask the office for further details

    Do I need to take out Buildings Insurance?

    No this is the responsibility of the landlord

    Do I need to take out Contents Insurance?

    Yes ask the office for further details

    What if something needs repairing?

    The landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the property. If however the breakdown is due to the tenants misuse of negligence then the tenant will become responsible

    How much will the utilities be?

    This changes for each tenant. The best thing to do is look at the Energy Performance Certificate and this should guide you to how economic the property is.

    What do I do if I have an emergency?

    Please call the office emergency telephone number. For all personal emergencies ie fire or theft call 999

    What happens to my deposit?

    By law your deposit now has to registered with a Government protected scheme. We use the TDS Tenancy Deposit Scheme. This is registered and a certificate drawn up with your registration number and sent to you for your records.

    Who pays for the utilities?

    Payment for any use of utilities is the responsibility of the tenants. Before you move into the property we will take a copy of the meter readings. It is the responsibility of the tenants to also take a copy of the meter readings and contact the relevant suppliers and give them your details. Please remember once you have moved into the property we will not be able to contact the suppliers directly.

    Will you contact the telephone company for us?

    It is the responsibility of the tenants to contact the telephone supplier and can do this by contacting them directly on 150

    Does the landlord pay the Council Tax?

    It is the responsibility of the tenants to pay any council tax. Stepping Stones will notify the local authority that you have moved into the property.

    I would like to move out of the property before the end of the tenancy date?

    If circumstances change your future wishes and you want to move out before the end of the tenancy then there are implications involved. Please contact Stepping Stones and discuss the matter in more detail.

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Meet the Stepping Stones team....
  • Introduction

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    We are a property letting and management company built on the idea, of a personal, friendly and professional approach and are 100% dedicated to lettings and management.

    At Stepping Stones we direct all energy and resources towards giving clients an expert letting and management service. This means that when you choose our property management service, you can rest assured that we know all the problems that can arise. So if you want to let your property, sit back and relax whilst we take care of it for you.

  • Team Member

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    Ben Jones - Owner
    With over thirty years' experience in property lettings Ben is one of the founders of Stepping Stones. Ben heads up the client side of the business and his knowledge of the local market means that he can offer fully independent advice about investment. The continued growth of the company is a testament to his customer service ethos.

    Outside work, you'll mostly find him walking his dog, watching rugby or gardening.


  • Team Member

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    Ali Jones - Owner
    Ali founded Stepping Stones with Ben in 2006 and together they have grown it to be one of the area's leading letting agents. With over thirty years' experience in the industry, Ali has an extensive knowledge of the local property market and coupled with a strong belief in customer service and the delivery of a personal approach, she has built up an established client base with a huge amount of repeat business.

    Away from work Ali loves holidays and handbags!


  • Team Member

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    Lauren Rand - Office Manager
    Lauren joined Stepping Stones in 2015 as a trainee property manager and brought with her masses of enthusiasm and a young, fresh approach to customer service. She quickly passed her Level 3 NFOPP award in Residential Property Management and showed a natural affinity for the industry. Since then she has been promoted to Senior Property Manager and now Office Manager.

    She is currently studying for her level 4 NFOPP and is responsible for our large property management team.

    Outside of work you will find Lauren with her Labrador, Ralph and a Costa coffee.

    Email: lauren@steppingstonesletting.com
  • Team Member

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    Ruth Neczaj - Accounts
    Ruth has worked with Ben and Ali for 20 years. Her ability to juggle many tasks is quite impressive. Ruth has a long history in the industry and her knowledge of current legislation is second to none.

    Outside the office Ruth loves the ballet and spending time with her sons, Archie and Fraser.

    Email: ruth@steppingstonesletting.com
  • Team Member

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    Heather Haymes - Property Manager
    Heather joined the company in 2017 after working in the industry for some years. She is always happy, cheerful and keen to help. With her depth of knowledge, Heather will always be an invaluable member of the team.

    Away from work Heather enjoys spending time with her dog Lilly and travelling.

    Email: heather.haymes@steppingstonesletting.com
  • Team Member

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    Sam Holden - Property Manager
    Sam joined our team back in 2020 and has since passed his Level 3 NFOPP qualification. Having previous experience in an earlier property management role, Sam has shown a great ability to liaise with both tenants and landlords to ensure they receive a great service.

    In his spare time, Sam enjoys a game of darts and watching football.

    Email: sam.holden@steppingstonesletting.com
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    Harriette Raffles - Property Manager
    Harriette joined us in 2020 following a previous role with a local law firm. Harriette has brought a fun, energetic presence to the office and is enjoying her transition in to the property industry.

    Outside of work you will find Harriette holidaying in the sun or online shopping.

    Email: harriette.raffles@steppingstonesletting.com
  • Team Member

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    Glen Monaghan - Lettings Manager
    Glen has been a valued member of the team since Stepping Stones opened in 2006. Working as the companies Letting Manager and with a detailed knowledge of the rental market, he is the first point of contact for all rental enquiries.

    Away from work Glen loves golf, rugby and West Ham.

    Email: glen@steppingstonesletting.com
  • Team Member

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    Laura Stagliano - Lettings Administrator
    Following a career in the hospitality industry, Laura joined us in 2020 and works alongside Glen in our lettings department. Laura is considered a joy to work with by her co-workers and brings a positive, diligent attitude to all that she does.

    In her spare time, Laura enjoys cooking and skiing.

    Email: laura.stagliano@steppingstonesletting.com
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    Emma Read - Property Coordinator
    Emma joined Stepping Stones back in 2016 with several years of knowledge in the industry. One of Emma's roles includes ensuring our large management portfolio remains compliant with safety regulations alongside offering support for other members of the team. Emma is recognised for her humour and diligent attitude towards everything she does.

    Emma has recently completed a degree in English Literature and Language and spends her spare time away from work with her son, Jack.

    Email: emma.barns@steppingstonesletting.com
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    Title

    Client comments...

    • Introduction

      Some nice words from our clients....

    Testimonials from Landlords

    • Landlord Testimonial

      Staff were always available to help with any query
      "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."
    • Landlord Testimonial

      Highly recommended!!
      " Stepping Stones Lettings in Banbury are North Oxfordshires Premier letting agent specialists. Their staff are both friendly and Professional. Highly recommended!!"
    • Landlord Testimonial

      we were impressed with the viewing process
      "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."
    • Landlord Testimonial

      Would definitely recommend them.
      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.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      Would recommend them as an agent.
      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.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      They are professional and courteous at all times.
      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.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      The best agents around!
      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!
    • Landlord Testimonial

      Honestly the best letting agent I have dealt with
      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.
    • Landlord Testimonial

      Great service from start to finish
      Great service from start to finish. Answered questions and responded to messages reall quickly and a fantastic welcome pack. Thanks Glen and Sam and the team for all your help!
    • Landlord Testimonial

      Everyone from the team was very nice
      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. ��

    Testimonials from Tenants

    • Tenant Testimonial

      will most definitely recommend you

      "Hi There, We are sad to say this as we have absolutely loved living here, but we wish to terminate our agreement with you as we are in the process of buying a house. We have been very happy with Stepping Stones and will most definitely recommend you to lots of people!!! We have loved living here and will be sad to leave!"
      Ms T, Marshal Road

    • Tenant Testimonial

      We appreciate all your help

      "Just a quick note to say thank you for organising things so we could live in such a wonderfull property we love it so much, We appreciate all the help your team have offered us over the last month or so."
      Mr & Mrs H Brackley

    • Tenant Testimonial

      we can come back to Stepping Stones!"

      " We wonder if you have any properties for us? After we left you we went to..(another agent)..who we have had problem after problem with! The staff are unhelpful and problems we have had with the house have not been sorted out. Please please please find us a house so that we can come back to Stepping Stones!"
      Mr & Mrs M, Banbury

    • Tenant Testimonial

      service is always second to none

      "I would like to thank you for the way the property has been managed over the last year and a bit, the service has always been second to none."
      Mr S, Marshal Road

    • Tenant Testimonial

      friendly, professional letting agents

      " Both my Wife and I once again express our thanks to you and Glen for all the help and guidance extended to us during the last six months. Stepping Stones is simply one of the most friendly and thoroughly professional letting agents we have come across in the U.K. Thanks for giving us such a wonderful stay in Banbury and we will remember you all for a very long time."
      Mr K, Cherwell Court

    • Tenant Testimonial

      a pleasure doing business

      " It has always been a pleasure doing business with your company"
      Mr A, Banbury

    • Tenant Testimonial

      best and friendliest letting agency

      " Stepping Stones is the best and friendliest letting agency I have ever let with. Myself and my partner wish you all continued success!"
      Mr D, Banbury

    • Tenant Testimonial

      .will recommend you to anyone we know

      "...we would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for the professionalism shown from day one when we first enquired about the property, it has been a pleasure to know you . With your permission we will recommend Stepping Stones to anyone we know looking for rented accommodation and of course we may even need to see you ourselves in the future."
      Mr & Mrs S, Bicester

    • Tenant Testimonial

      will always recommend Stepping Stones

      "May I take this opportunity of thanking you and your colleagues for all your help and will always recommend Steeping Stones to anyone who is looking for a Rental Agency."
      Mr H, Banbury

    • Tenant Testimonial

      it was great having you as our agency

      "Thanks and it was great having you as our real estate agency, easy going, fleixible and efficient."
      Ms F, Bicester

    • Tenant Testimonial

      ..wouldn't hesitate to recommend you.

      "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for such a smooth tenancy and wouldn't hesitate to recommend or use your company in the future."
      Mr W, Cherwell Court

    • Tenant Testimonial

      very impressed with your efficiency..

      "Thanks for your help and assistance with this let, very impressed with your and colleagues efficiency."
      Ms L, Marshal Road

    • Tenant Testimonial

      Good to be back with you once more

      "Many thanks to you and your team for an easy and smooth moving in process. Good to be back with you once more."
      Mr S, Marshal Road

    • Tenant Testimonial

      Many thanks for your assistance...

      "I would like to take this oppertunity to say how impressed I have been with your service and also the standard of the property, Many thanks for your assistance over the past months."
      Ms B, Cherwell Court

    • Tenant Testimonial

      a trustworthy and efficent agency..

      "Thanks for all the help you have given me while being a resident here, I would certainly recommend yourselves as a trustworthy and efficent letting agency"
      Ms A, Cherwell Court

    • Tenant Testimonial

      ...will recommend you to friends.

      "Many thanks for your help with everything- I will certainly use your services in the future should the need arise and I will recommend you to friends."
      Ms B, Bloxham

    • Tenant Testimonial

      Job well done!

      "Hello there. We just wanted to say thanks to Glen for the information about the flat. We had viewed several others but none of the other agents were as clear about prices and policies as he was. Job well done!"
      Mr G & Ms B, Cherwell Court.

    • Tenant Testimonial

      its been a pleasure doing business!

      " I wish all Agents were as Professional as Stepping Stones, its been a pleasure doing business!"
      Mr T, Adderbury

    • Tenant Testimonial

      ..professional, clearly take care..

      "Thanks Ruth for your prompt replies, I do understand that folk are busy, and am happy to deal with any one from Stepping Stones, a company who thus far are very professional and clearly take a care in respect of their clients."
      Mr W, Cherwell Court

    • Tenant Testimonial

      very informative and refreshing

      "Hi Glen,
      Thank you for showing me around yesterday, very informative and refreshing to see such a nice place and pleasant agents."
      Mr L, Banbury

    • Tenant Testimonial

      happy tenant agent relationship

      "I thank you for a happy and professional tenant, letting agent relationship whilst I've been in the property."
      Mr S, Marshal Road

    • Tenant Testimonial

      ..super service..

      "Super flat and super service! Thanks.
      Miss A, Peoples Place

    • Tenant Testimonial

      far more than satisfactory

      "I would not hesitate in using your firm again as the service you have provided has been far more than satisfactory"
      Mr B, Axis

    • Tenant Testimonial

      would recommend you as letting agents

      "I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your services and would recommend you as a letting agent."
      Ms T, Croughton

    • Tenant Testimonial

      thank you!

      "It was a very easy move and everything went exactly as you said, thank you."
      Mr P, Cherwell Court

    • Tenant Testimonial

      wide selection of property

      "...such a wide selection of property to choose from!"
      Miss H, Banbury

    • Tenant Testimonial

      He made it all so simple

      "Please thank Glen for all of his help in finding our perfect house. He made it all so simple."
      Miss B, Hook Norton

    • Tenant Testimonial

      everything you promised...and more!

      "The Flat was everything you promised...and more!"
      Mr D & Ms A, Banbury

    • Tenant Testimonial

      You managed to tick all of our boxes

      " We did not think that we would get the place we wanted as we are a bit fussy! You managed to tick all of our boxes, thank you again."
      Mrs M, Banbury

    • Tenant Testimonial

      Many thanks

      "Many thanks for all you and your team have done"
      Mr B, Aynho

    • Tenant Testimonial

      friendliest and most efficient agent

      " You are the friendliest and most efficient agents we have come across. Your communication is excellent and we will definitely recommend you to others. Thank you!"
      Mr A & Mrs H , Banbury

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