ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED estate agents in Standish, Hook and Bingley

★★★★★ 1/5

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False promises as always.

Our block of flats, like most Anchor properties, have what they term "estate fees". I noticed last year that the fees charged for electricity in relation to communal areas had doubled in price. I was lied to when Anchor explained the estate consumption had doubled as I checked. I should explain that this was prior to the surge in current energy prices so they can't hide behind that excuse.I contacted them back in May 2021 and received a response on 10/06/21 in which they stated they hoped to resolve my complaint within 14 calendar days. It looks good on paper doesn't it ? Well about 3 weeks later I received another response stating that Anchor were sorry they weren't able to resolve my complaint. So that 14 calendar day resolution promise has turned into 8 months and still counting.As is my habit I retain all communications as proof positive should Anchor choose to challenge me. I thought is was just our estate but it seems this sort of attitude exists on most Anchor properties. Just where is that extra thousand pound or so overcharge for just one service across a number of estates going ? It certainly isn't benefitting the tenants.I wait in anticipation for the usual smarmy reply from Anchor asking me to provide more detail to look into my case. Anchor, just don't bother. You know who I am and you've already had 8 months to resolve this. For once get off your corporate rumps and do what your paid for and what you promise the public you do.Re the response from Lynsey:This goes to prove that Anchor either can't be bothered to revisit my complaint or don't keep a copy on their systems. Try reading the emails exchanged between Anchor and myself. Considering my complaint has been open for over 8 months and they've not confirmed a resolution or a date, it speaks volumes.

Nige · 21 February 2022 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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AVOID

Please dont make the same mistake we made,avoid these cowboys like the plague,they will not let you improve your property and will happily watch the communal areas deteriorate,they are making our retirement hell

Frank · 19 February 2022 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 5/5

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I am a tenant at Beverley Court in…

I am a tenant at Beverley Court in Gateshead Ne9, I would just like to say it's the best decision I ever made to move to an Anchor property, The staff Christine and Clare make Beverley Court feel warm and welcoming they go above and beyond for all tenant, always happy to help no matter what the issue is. They make Beverley Court a pleasure to live in. It's like one big happy family the community spirit is second to none.

Marek · 15 February 2022 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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AVOID at all costs, diabolical company!!

In one sentence, the property and company from hell.Avoid at all costs is my only advice!Hubby and I decided that as we were getting older, it would be a good idea to look into somewhere safe and secure to live ready for retirement. We contacted Anchor as they had a couple of sites in our area (Andover), within approx. 5 weeks we had a call to say that a flat had become available, so we went to view. It was admittedly small, but we looked pass this and had a vision as to what we could do. When we viewed the previous tenant still had her belongings in there, so you didn't really get to see what lay underneath!!!! was we in for a surprise. It was absolutely filthy and the entire place needed decorating, there was a huge damp area in the bedroom and some guy was sent out and he just painted a white substance over the top of it and within 12 weeks it started to rear it's ugly head again.Anyway our main issue with Anchor is there absolute poor customer service, it really is diabolical. We had an abusive neighbour and he just got beyond a joke so we reported him to our site manager, well she was just useless, all she wants to do is sit in her cosy little office all day, eating and video calling people and then when you go to see her regarding issues, she just wants to show you pictures on her phone of her dog and grandchild, which quiet frankly is the last thing I want to see when a neighbour is using foul language and verbally abusing us. Also all she did was complain about the job and say how she wants to retire as too much is being put on her, well if that is the case then pack up and go and get someone on site who will help and care about things. I can honestly say that everyone I spoke to on the site had not one positive thing to say about her and many of them were afraid to approach her, which is indeed a very sad situation. So thought it would be better to go directly to Head Office customer services, well don't bother because they are just as bad, they don't respond to emails and if you call them they say they will call you back, which as you can guess never happens. I do believe that they just think that the older generation do not have a voice, hence their ignorance!Fortunately for us a flat became available at where we used to live and we jumped at the chance of going back to our previous area and landlord as they really go above and beyond to look after their tenants, something Anchor most certainly DO NOT do!!So in total we lived at Bracher Close Andover for 7 months, for us the most miserable time of our lives. I wish I could say that was the end of the situation, but oh no. We overpaid on our rent so were owed money by Anchor, we completed and mailed back to them the form to claim our rent back and after 4 weeks heard or received nothing back, after sending 5 emails to 5 different departments I finally got a response from the finance team, they informed me I would have to wait up to another 21 days, well you can imagine my disgust and horror to this and I emailed them back and said simply that was not acceptable as would be then 7 weeks wait for the refund, yes I did have a lot to say in the email and guess what it obviously worked as got the refund the next day.I would just like to point out that Anchor say in their glossy leaflets, that they offer a safe and secure way of living, this for us was oh so untrue. The main door to our block of 6 flats had the spring mechanism removed so 9 times out 10 the main door stayed opened. About 4 to 6 weeks before we moved out our elderly neighbour downstairs, who is in her 90's, was woken up by a man getting into her bed, we were absolutely furious when we heard about it from her carer and to top it all do you think that the oh so fabulous (NOT) site manager did anything about the door, NO of course not, when we moved out the spring was still missing and the door being left open or ajar, absolutely shocking and disgraceful, Shame on you Anchor.So to all you readers out there, please think long and hard before committing to living with Anchor and especially if you are thinking off moving an elderly relative into one of their properties, do you research and read all the other reviews out there for Anchor, you may be surprised at what you read.Additional updateI have to laugh I leave my review as above and Anchor now get in touch!! As I stated to them it's a bit late now, would of liked help and support during the time of issues, not some months later. They have caused us nothing but a headache, unnecessary costs from having to decorate, clean and have new carpets in their flat. Then on top of that 2 actual moves in the space of 7 months because of the lack of support, we had no option other than to move because they just didn't care about anyone's welfare there. A total and utter shambles and uncaring company, so glad to off moved on.

Sarah · 9 February 2022 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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With Anchor (charitable not for profit company) it is quite clear that charity begins at home (but not our homes). the only

My last review of De Havilland Way, Abbots Langley, was in September. Not much has changed since then. We are now approaching 2 years since the last Resident Estate Manager left before the first Covid lockdown. Anchor are still charging in full for a 22 hour per day resident manager, while only providing a 4 hour per week . Contractors are unsupervised. Complaints about overcharging are ignored. Promises of a new manager are regularly made but not fulfilled. Other residents have moved away or died and will never be recompensed for the continued overcharging. The only improvement has been since the management structure changed. We now have a much more pleasant and approachable Area Manager and Temporary (4 h/week) visiting site manager. Unfortunately they seem powerless to influence the Anchor culture of taking residents money for services not provided. Anyone might think Anchor is strapped for cash. That is rubbish. Annual turnover is £522 million, Annual Operating costs are £460 million, Annual operating surplus is £60 million. Here's where the charity is - Directors'emoluments are £2+ million of which the CEO's take home pay, including bonuses (for doing a great job???- I doubt it!) and perks like private healthcare and car allowance total £430,000. Meanwhile, residents of his estate have in the last 2 years been overcharged by almost £1,000 and this looks set to continue at about £42 per month. So clearly charity begins at the homes of the CEO and directors. The company is just a money grubbing machine. Emails written by its employees (if you can get a response) all come with a disclaimer which says in effect that the are the views of individuals whose views may not represent the company views and Anchor does not accept any responsibility for what they say. So why do they bother replying at all instead of weasel words which mean nothing. The Custome Services Manager, Jonathan Earnshaw, has a smiley face and writes on his page ion the website, "We pride ourselves in delivering a high standard of service, though realise that things can go wrong ... our aim is to resolve your complaint as quickly as possible". What planet is Bradford on? I always thought it was in Yorkshire, where the really understood the meaning of "brass"!!!Anchor rubbish - steer clear if you can.

Ken · 1 February 2022 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 3/5

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Car parking

Please can you let me know if my wife works and I have hospital appointments three times a week and we have 2 cars can we park both cars on the estates flats carpark as there is always at least 5 parking spaces available

Ken · 24 January 2022 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 5/5

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Excellent service and quality bungalows…

Excellent service and quality bungalows very pleased with all round service

Customerkenneth · 19 January 2022 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 5/5

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Bilton Court in Wellingborough have an…

Bilton Court in Wellingborough have an outstanding team. From management, care staff, cleaners and chefs. They go way above and beyond what is expected and nothing is too much trouble. These angels are 100% the people I would like to care for me if I were to be in need of a care home.

Christine · 11 January 2022 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 5/5

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James Merdith and Moorfield Court

Just a quick note to say how pleased we are with the up grading work that's been carried out at Moorfield Court. The lighting, flooring and furniture have made a real difference. We'd also like to say that James Meredith our new manager has had a huge impact on the whole place. He's done a fantastic job of getting the daily activities and meetings going and has gone out of his way to look out for peoples interests. Thank you James.Jean, Bev and Vance Owen. No.17

Vance · 23 December 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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Avoid this company

On the waiting list since 2017. This is an appalling company I elected to opt for a one bed property made about six calls to find out where I was on the list at one point I was told that I was no longer on the list for not responding to an email they supposedly sent. However a recent call to their offices they state that one bed flats are not allowed for single applicants which is the first I heard of it. Despite sending a few emails which have simply gone unanswered I no longer have any faith in this organisation a feel that I have wasted four years when I could have chosen a more reputable housing association. This is one to avoid.Update: 20/12/21After another long drawn out email from a faceless operative nothing further by way of a resolution has been tendered except the usual plain vanilla apologies which amount to nothing. Quite frankly this company simply doesn't stand by it's word, which doesn't appear to mean very much. The poor Trustpilot ratings would seem to bear that out.

Franklin · 20 December 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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Yet again Anchor's representative

Yet again Anchor's representative, Joseph, replies to my reviews with exactly the same quotes! Not once have I seen an explanation, or apology to any negative, reviews, mine or any other persons concerns. This is extremely troubling, for every resident, past, present or future.......when Anchor cannot be transparent. I accept that some establishments work well, and the residents are satisfied, but the overall dissatisfaction has been covered up, by the removal of so very many negative comments. It would be very nice, if Joseph, would give a reason why??

Marion · 11 November 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 5/5

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Normanton Lodge.

Hi.I have been lucky enough to move into Normanton Lodge one of Anchors prooerties, I must say how happy I am to the staff are extremely proffesional and cannot do enough for you to make you feel welcome .I would have no hesitation in recommending Anchor to Anyone. Thankyou you have made little jeffrey Happy and content.

Mr · 3 November 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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Thank you I trust that you will pass on…

Thank you I trust that you will pass on my comment's to the right place. On this sad day that there has been a covid death at cherry tree court Standish Wigan! May you also pass on the facebook page of cherry tree court, so that you can view the party's and gathering's there see the lack of mask wearing, the lack of open window's and door's! It is a sad day to hear that a gentleman has past today because of covid! He and his Widow are in the video so sad! Lack of meeting the goverment guide lines here. Anchor you should have at least tried to enforse the govetment guide lines here! But instead you allow free for all maskless party's! And that is in independant liveing! GOD ONLY KNOW'S HOW YOU CARRY ON IN YOUR CARE HOME'S? IT DOSE NOT BEAR THINKING ABOUT! So so so Sad. Please make sure that you make this known! So so so WRONG! ANCHOR DO THE RIGHT THING PLEASE!

Maria · 30 October 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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Thank you for your reply

Thank you for your reply. You are correct in saying that I spoke with the area manager in august! How ever, I feel that the neglect by that area manager is shocking! My complaint's over the lack of covid care were alway's dismissed! I.E once lockdown ended and the Goverment changed law's to guildlines NONE OF THEM WERE MET! You only have to go onto cherry tree court Standish Wigan facebook page, there you will see vidieos and photo's with a heading of cherry tree court in full swing! Party's no mask wearing (NO GUILD LINES MET) Coffee morning's (No mask wearing) Bingo afternoons (No mask wearing) These people are the most high risk in our country! I tried to talk sence into the area manager to no avial! The Goverment guide lines were not met! Ok I agree we can not lock up our erderly. ( I am one of them) but come on here anchor, more could have been done. Keep the gathering small I say, rotate it each week so all get a turn. Wear a mask I say. I was dismissed with the answer that you are breaking no laws! Over the country (and I know many in sheltered housing not only anchor) very few have taken up such social gatherings like cherry tree court did! It made me so afraid for every one and for my self as I have a lung illness! So I had to move out, I knew what would happen! You now have 6 comfirmed cases inculding the manager ( oh my God he mixes with them all! ) So now you have shut all the bingo ect down! Told everyone to wear a mask. It is no good shutting the stable door once the horse has boltted! I pray that there are no more case's in cherry tree court to come! 6 is far to many in such a huge building 43 flat's 10 of which are double and one 3 bed house! May I add here anyone with a notion of common sence could see what was going to happen there! So I packed my bag's that was hard for me with my ill health, and it cost me my saving's to move! But I did it to get away from you! Did you learn nothing from the first wave? Our erlderly (yes I am one also) they were neglected and a lot died from that! These are ladies and Gent's whom fought for us in WW2.Ladies whom were hard working land girl's Ladies whom worked in factory's! Gent's whom fought in the air and on the sea also on land. They are at your Mercy now! Treat them right I say! And for God sake follow the Goverment guild lines! That way we all may stand a better chance. Anchor cherry tree court you in my humble opinion are a disgrace! Anchor you are in my opnion are not fit to house our elderly folk just read the reviews not just mine! I hope and pray ( and will point many reporter's your way) praying that you get exsposed sooner rather than many out break's and bad housing up keep later. Regard's M Lane (ex cherry tree court Standish Wigan)

Maria · 27 October 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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Read up online how many deaths Anchor…

Read up online how many deaths Anchor have had to admit liability for.As regards where I am in rented accomodation, there were 3 flats here that failed their electrical tests, mine included. That was a couple of years ago. I have an email here from our area manager stating they have up to 5 years to effect repairs (Yes you read that correctly and the manager is wrong). However I will hold them to their reply. I’m properly insured and I don’t care if this place does catch fire so 5 years it will be.Even better than that are the corridor windows here. They are standard double-glazed windows. That is apart from the fact that Anchor now insists on calling them “smoke vents” and they are electrically locked to prevent tenants opening them for ventillation etc. They will only open electrically in the event of a fire. Far from ventillating the smoke they will provide an ample influx of oxygen which will fan the fire. I am trying to get our local Council involved on that score.Any tenant knows there are estate fees covering services such as common utilities etc. So when I found out Anchor were not utilising they cheapest utility companies (despite claiming to) they were none too happy and tried to bury that. Even better was when our estate electric comsumption suddenly doubled (according to Anchor anyway) and the tenants were faced with a much larger bill. I asked if the meters were fault tested and I was told no. Common sense means they should be investigating the issue. Raised as a complaint I got a response after quite some wait from their illustrious “customers services” stating they were sorry they hadn’t complied within the allotted timescale. That was it. Not an inkling of when or if they are going to even attempt to investigate the issue.Other people posting here are correct. Anchor responses on here are nothing more than attempt to save face. And Anchor, if you go down the route of trying to have this truthful review removed, I will publish everything I have including email responses from your organisation as well as the emails I have from our local Council.The best advice I can offer (like a lot of people have expressed already) is if people are looking for accomodation, give Anchor a seriously wide berth.

Nige · 26 October 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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Thank you for replying asking me for my…

Thank you for replying asking me for my new details. It is far to little or two late. Nothing got done then and it will not now. So no I am not giving them to you. I am just glad to be ridd of you and out of my life. Once again I beleive you only replied to save your self face in public, you want to be seen as doing some thing, hog wash! If you look at all these reviews the only good one's that you got are for selling people's home's so they can move into your care home's you are quick to do that! Once again I will warm the public to steer clear of you. So many one star's .

Maria · 26 October 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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Want to be treated as a 2nd class citizen

I have been a resident for 5 months in rented retirement flat. My tenancy agreement has been broken over and over again by this company. I have been forced to live next door to a man with dementia ( these flats are not a care home, only for independent living) The man turns common areas into open toilets. Turns common area heating on full while the outside temperature is 27c. I have been subject to him throwing things at me and trying to hit me. He bangs his door 24/7. It was not disclosed when I moved in that he had dementia. No amount of complaining produces any results for myself or other residents. Also it is the law that to gain access to your rented property for maintenance, 24 hours notice should be given. This is not the case at this property. There was a knock on my door, within seconds my front door was opened and they walked in to test the pull cord alarms! It doesn't matter about the tenant, whatever the circumstances the tenant must endure. In 5 months of living here I am now being treated by a doctor for extreme stress

Linda · 15 October 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 3/5

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A resident is desperate to have her…

A resident is desperate to have her bath removed and a shower fitted. The same contractor who they contacted has already fitted twelve showers in our rented scheme. He came to look and the resident was happy with the quote. However he was then asked about his public liability insurance which he advised that it provided cover up to two million pound. He was then informed it had to be five million pound as it had increased since the last time he had worked here. This means that once again residents are being penalised as only large companies and local authorities can handle such a large amount of cover. They have since had another quote by social services which was almost two thousand pound dearer.Please advise.

Steve · 9 October 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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OFFICIAL COMPLAINT MADE TO NO AVAIL

I have been very happy since moving into my studio flat in 2017. However, several weeks ago it was reported to you that there was a problem with water leaking from my shower wall into the communal corridor. Since then i have had visits from various contractors, surveyors etc and they agreed that my shower needed extensive rebuild etc. I have been very patient in waiting in vain for any news or action and that patience is wearing thin. I am now seriously considering withholding rent payment until action is taken.

ALAN · 5 October 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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Bed bugs

I am one of 7 flats who are infested with bed bugs, all due to Anchor not dealing with the problem speedily.A neighbour reported them in her flat in March and nothing was done for months, by the time treatment was arranged in June they had spread to other flats including mine. I have complained to Head Office, the local Area Manager and the CEO and my local MP.I rang environmental health and they told me the entire block needs fumigating, but this has not been done. There are some extremely vulnerable people living here and it is only a matter of time before someone else gets them.I have had to have three treatments and had get rid of my bed and sofa which I cannot afford to replace, I am on a state pension and am now in considerable debt due to buying my own sprays, a steamer and a new bed and bedding etc.After my complaints, the wardens came to my flat and accused me if hoarding ( I have a lot of hobbies) to explain why the treatment didn't work. It didn't work on the other flats either, so that was unnecessary and cruel and reduced me to tears. I have had 3 treatments and still have bugs.I am already on anti depressants and this whole episode has pushed me to the brink of a breakdown. I had to stay in a hotel for three nights at the start as I couldn't cope with the idea of things crawling over me while I slept. The bites are awful, itch for days. Sniffer dogs were finally sent in this week and discovered my neighbour had them too, he got treatment within 2 days, I had to wait a week!I have had no sympathy or help from the wardens, thankfully I have lovely friends and family who have supported me. I am pursuing Anchor for damages.I am appalled at how I and other residents have been treated and am moving to another sheltered housing flat as I cannot stay in such an unsupportive environment.Yours

Julia · 5 August 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 1/5

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poor communication yet again

poor communication yet again. get a letter today 31 July dated 29th July inviting me to attend. the July zoom meeting of the focus group

Sheila · 31 July 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 5/5

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Staff and Resales Team, Bishopstoke Park

I would like to thank the staff at Anchor Bishopstoke Park, Eastleigh, for their very kind support while I lived there. In particular, I thank Stephen Hardy, Regional Resales Manager, for his help and advice in my planned, and unplanned, moves. Shirley Stephenson

Shirley · 5 July 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 5/5

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Using Anchor for our sale

We went with Anchor for our sale as we felt they would be best able to convey all the great benefits of life at DGV. This proved to be the right decision as Stephen and his team were on hand to show all the facilities and helped secure a sale. Once the sale was agreed Stephen was always helpful and his knowledge was extremely beneficial in helping the sale through and being able to respond quickly to any questions or requests for help with services. Thank you Stephen, highly recommended,

Paul · 28 June 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook

★★★★★ 5/5

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Denham Garden village purchase

Just last week the sale of my mothers house and the purchase of a property at Denham Garden village for her was finally completed. We had a very difficult sale on my mothers house due to a very difficult buyer and we hit a few bumps in the road with the purchase of the property at Denham Garden village with probate etc. However, Stephen Hardy, who is the Regional Resales Manager for Anchor was indispensable at keeping this property transaction together. He has a very approachable manner and has a calming way of dealing with very stressful hurdles that always seem to happen during property sales and definitely happened during this one. I cannot thank him enough for his professionalism during this sale.I also have to mention a lovely lady named Anna Dempsey (Head of conveyancing), who dealt with myself and my mother in a very pleasant and patient way.The village itself seems so friendly, everybody says hello and I am sure my mother is going to be very happy there.

Julie · 28 June 2021 · ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Hook