Trusted Agent profile Β· County Durham

Dowen estate agents in Durham City, Bishop Auckland and Sedgefield

4.7

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… Excellent

621 reviews across 3 offices and 3 platforms

Dowen has three offices, in Durham City, Bishop Auckland and Sedgefield (County Durham). Together they have 621 reviews on three platforms, rated 4.7 out of 5 overall.

Google logo

4.8 / 5

566

Reviews on Google

All 3 offices

The Trusted Agent logo

5.0 / 5

2

Reviews on The Trusted Agent

All 3 offices

Trustpilot logo

53

Reviews on Trustpilot

Business-wide

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Reviews by type

What sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants say, where the review tells us who wrote it.

Our offices

Dowen's three offices, most reviewed first. Each has its own page.

Awards

The Trusted Agent 2026 results for Dowen, ranked against 18,569 UK estate agent offices. Each award is assessed separately from the review sites.

Latest reviews from every Dowen office

Newest first, from every platform, with the office each review is about. First names only.

5/5

Google

Caroline Ryan is the best & highly recommended. She was thorough and professional and great to work with. When I rent house in Bowburn, she was always available to answer my questions, whether it was via phone, email(Really flexible and responded to our needs immediately to fix any issues). Their responsiveness and willingness to go the extra mile made me feel like a top priority.

Mukesh Β· 17 October 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a glowing 5-star review! I am absolutely thrilled to hear about your outstanding experience with Caroline Ryan and our team. Caroline's dedication to providing thorough and professional service is truly commendable, and I am delighted to have her as part of our team. We believe that excellent communication and responsiveness are key to ensuring our clients' satisfaction, and it's wonderful to hear that Caroline was always available to answer your questions and address any issues promptly. Making you feel like a top priority is our goal, and we're delighted that you experienced this with us. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we greatly appreciate your trust in our services. If you ever require assistance in the future or have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with top-notch service. Warmest Regards John Nicholson Managing Director

5/5

Google

Caroline Ryan is the best & highly recommended. She was thorough and professional and great to work with. When I rent house in Bowburn, she was always available to answer my questions, whether it was via phone, email(Really flexible and responded to our needs immediately to fix any issues). Their responsiveness and willingness to go the extra mile made me feel like a top priority.

Mukesh Β· 30 September 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 25 August 2024

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a glowing 5-star review! I am absolutely thrilled to hear about your outstanding experience with Caroline Ryan and our team. Caroline's dedication to providing thorough and professional service is truly commendable, and I am delighted to have her as part of our team. We believe that excellent communication and responsiveness are key to ensuring our clients' satisfaction, and it's wonderful to hear that Caroline was always available to answer your questions and address any issues promptly. Making you feel like a top priority is our goal, and we're delighted that you experienced this with us. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we greatly appreciate your trust in our services. If you ever require assistance in the future or have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with top-notch service. Warmest Regards John Nicholson Managing Director

5/5

Trustpilot

I do not have the perfect word to…

I do not have the perfect word to describe your excellence, it’s up notch

IFEOMA Β· 25 September 2023 Β· Dowen Bishop Auckland

4/5

Trustpilot

Excellent

The are great..was satisfied with their services.. most especially jean pool she is such a nice woman .

Saheed Β· 21 September 2023 Β· Dowen Bishop Auckland

5/5

Google

Lovely service, Helen was friendly and approachable. She kept me updated throughout the process

Harvinder Β· 17 September 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Dear H Sull Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a fantastic 5-star review! We truly appreciate your kind words and feedback. We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with Helen. Our team takes great pride in being friendly and approachable while providing top-notch service to our clients. It's wonderful to know that Helen kept you well-informed throughout the entire process. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we're here for you whenever you need any further assistance. If you ever have more questions or feedback in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for choosing our services, and we look forward to serving you again in the future! Warm regards John Nicholson Managing Director

5/5

Google

Dowens have been letting our property in Coxhoe, Durham for a number of years and we have been more than satisfied. A Special mention must go to agent Caroline Ryan who has shown a true professionalism in the day to day handling of the property and providing us with excellent inspection reports Thank you Dowens and thank you Caroline Bill and Rita Anderson

Bill Β· 17 September 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Dear Bill and Rita Anderson, I was absolutely delighted to read your glowing 5-star review of Dowen Durham and especially your kind words about our dedicated agent, Caroline Ryan. It's truly heartwarming to know that you have been more than satisfied with our property management services over the years. Caroline takes immense pride in her work, and your appreciation for her professionalism and excellent inspection reports means a lot to us. I will make sure to pass on your commendations to Caroline and the entire team. Your continued trust and support as valued clients mean the world to us, and we are committed to maintaining the high standards that you have come to expect from Dowens. Once again, thank you, Bill and Rita, for taking the time to share your positive experience with us. If you ever have any questions or need assistance with anything in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out. We're here to help! Warm regards John Nicholson Managing Director

5/5

Google

Dowen sold our mothers property above the asking price three times within weeks of prior sales failing, no fault of Dowen. Helen at the Durham office was efficient, friendly and represented us very well. 10 out of 10 to Helen for her persistence!

Andrew Β· 17 September 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Hello Andrew Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience with us! I am thrilled to hear about the successful sale of your mother's property and the exceptional service provided by Helen at the Durham office. Helen's efficiency, friendliness, and persistence are truly commendable. We're delighted that she was able to represent you so well and contribute to the successful sale, even in the face of previous challenges. Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we're grateful for the opportunity to assist you. If you ever need further support or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for choosing Dowen, and a special round of applause for Helen's dedication! Best regards John Nicholson Managing Director

5/5

Google

I received 1st class service from Helen at Dowen Estate & Letting Agents. She was so knowledgable, helpful, friendly and proactive, going above and beyond to make the process as slick as possible. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dowen to anyone! Thank you HelenπŸ˜€ …

Nina Β· 17 September 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Hello Nina Thank you very much for sharing your fantastic experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that Helen from Dowen Estate & Letting Agents provided you with exceptional service. Helen's dedication to being knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, and proactive is a true testament to the high standards we strive to maintain. We're delighted that she was able to go above and beyond to ensure a seamless process for you. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're grateful for the opportunity to assist you. If you ever need further assistance or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for choosing Dowen, and a special thank you to Helen for her outstanding efforts! Best regards, John Nicholson Managing Director

5/5

Google

I chose Dowen after reading reviews of the business and was not disappointed. Caroline proved to be worth her weight in gold - a thorough professional, helpful, knowledgeable and prompt at updating me on developments and on the requirements of my move to my new rented home in Durham. Wonderful service, and much appreciated. Thank-you! Paul Allonby.

Beat Β· 17 September 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Hello Paul Allonby, Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with us! We're thrilled that you chose Dowen based on reviews and that Caroline exceeded your expectations. Caroline's professionalism, helpfulness, knowledge, and prompt communication truly exemplify the level of service we aim to provide. We're delighted that we could play a role in your smooth transition to your new rented home in Durham. Your gratitude means a lot to us, and we're honored to have been a part of your journey. If you ever need further assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for choosing Dowen, and we wish you all the best in your new home! Warm regards, John Nicholson Managing Director

1/5

Trustpilot

Had a viewing with Dowens I showed…

Had a viewing with Dowens I showed interest in the property to rent and was advised I would be emailed an application form. This was 3 weeks ago with no application form even though I had chased them for it and still nothing would not recommend at all like to pick and chose who they want to deal with

Consumer Β· 7 September 2023 Β· Dowen Bishop Auckland

1/5

Google

Terrible estate agents. Keep giving misinformation to people. Been trying to see a property for days. Only to find it's already been sold. Aweful

Mark Β· 18 August 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Dear Mark Coates We are writing to express our deepest apologies for the disappointing experience you had while trying to view the property. We understand your frustration, and we want to assure you that we take your feedback seriously. Please allow us to address the concerns you've raised. Regarding the property you were interested in, we want to clarify that it was indeed sold. Unfortunately, the situation became more complex as the client had limited availability for viewings, which made it challenging to schedule an appointment promptly. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused by this situation and understand how frustrating it must have been for you. At our agency, providing excellent customer service is our top priority, and we deeply regret that we fell short of your expectations. We genuinely appreciate your feedback, as it helps us identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to enhance our services. While we cannot undo the past, we would like to offer our assistance in finding other suitable properties that meet your requirements. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us again, and we will do our utmost to accommodate your schedule and provide you with accurate information. Once again, we extend our sincere apologies for the inconvenience you experienced, and we hope for the opportunity to restore your faith in our services. Should you have any further concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me direct. John Nicholson Managing Director

5/5

Google

I can't thank all the staff at Dowens enough especially Helen Milner for the excellent customer service I have received in selling my uncles property. Helen was attentive, helpful, keeping me updated along the way and made the whole process hassle free. Thank you very much. Marie Davison

Louise Β· 18 August 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Dear Marie Davison, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with Dowen Durham! We greatly appreciate your kind words and the five-star review. We're thrilled to hear that Helen Milner and the rest of our staff provided you with excellent customer service throughout the process of selling your uncle's property. Helen is truly dedicated to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for our clients, and we're glad she was attentive, helpful, and kept you updated every step of the way. At Dowens, we strive to go above and beyond to meet our clients' needs, and your satisfaction is our ultimate reward. We'll be sure to pass along your appreciation to Helen and the entire team. Thank you once again for choosing Dowens. If there's anything else we can assist you with in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out. We wish you all the best. Warm regards, John Nicholson Managing Director

5/5

Google

Caroline Ryan made moving in very smooth and made the whole process very simple. She is also very prompt in replying to queries and updates; and she was very helpful throughout our tenancy. Very professional and great service. Highly recommend.

Eliezer Β· 18 August 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Dear Eliezer Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that Caroline Ryan played a significant role in ensuring your moving-in process was seamless and hassle-free. Her dedication to making everything simple and her prompt responsiveness truly reflect our commitment to providing top-notch service. We're delighted that Caroline's helpfulness extended throughout your tenancy, showcasing her professionalism and genuine care for your experience. Your high recommendation means a lot to us, and we're grateful for your trust in our services. Should you ever require assistance or have any questions in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to continue providing excellent service and support. Warm regards, John Nicholson Managing Director

1/5

Google

Our experience with Caroline was absolutely dreadful as we embarked on our search for our first rental house in a highly competitive market. We came across a charming apartment located above Dowen's office, which had surprisingly been on the market for an extended period compared to other properties. Little did we know that our encounter with the property manager, Caroline, would shed light on the reasons behind its prolonged availability. Right from the beginning, it became apparent that Caroline was determined to discourage us from considering the property solely because we were students. She employed various tactics, such as claiming that our income would disqualify us from purchasing the property even before it had been assessed. In an attempt to prove our commitment, we offered to pay the rent upfront, but her response was nothing short of sassy, with a dismissive remark that "money does not solve everything." At that point, it became evident that no matter what we did, securing the property would be an uphill battle. After persistent efforts, we managed to convince Caroline to grant us a viewing, although it took numerous phone calls, around seven, to be precise. During the viewing, we inquired about the next steps for purchasing the property, only to be met with the same negative attitude. Caroline bluntly retorted, "You can't just say you want it and then get it." Frustrated by her response, we requested that she provide us with the necessary referencing details via email. However, despite providing our email addresses, we received no communication from Caroline. When we reached out to her regarding the missing information, she responded in a condescending manner, implying that it was our fault for not receiving the email. I attempted to rectify the situation by suggesting that we provide our email addresses again, but she refused. Surprisingly, within five minutes, the email suddenly appeared, suggesting that she had not even made an effort to send it initially. Out of respect for ourselves and the treatment we had received, we made the decision to explore other properties through different estate agents. Caroline's unprofessionalism and unfavorable attitude left us with no desire to continue pursuing the property she represented

Mateusz Β· 18 August 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We sincerely apologize for the unpleasant encounter you had with Dowen during your search for a rental house. We value feedback from our customers, and your comments have not gone unnoticed. At Dowen's, we strive to provide a transparent and positive experience for all our clients, regardless of their situation. It is disheartening to hear that Caroline's behaviour did not align with your expectations. We want to assure you that we have a thorough process in place for every property to ensure fairness and consideration for all applicants. While we do have certain criteria to meet, our goal is to treat each case individually and assess applicants based on their qualifications and commitment. Please accept our sincerest apologies for Caroline's perceived negative conduct during your interactions with her. Your feedback is invaluable to us, as it helps us improve our services and create a more positive experience for our clients. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. We hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future. Sincerely, John Nicholson Managing Director

5/5

Google

Dowen Estate especially Caroline Ryan has been hands-on with our whole tenancy process. She was very helpful, kind and responsive with everything we need since its our first tenancy here in the UK. I greatly recommend her with that job.Thank you!

Mavreen Β· 18 August 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that Caroline Ryan and the Dowen Estate team played a crucial role in making your first tenancy experience in the UK smooth and enjoyable. Caroline's dedication to being helpful, kind, and responsive is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service to all our tenants. We're glad to have been a part of your journey and to have exceeded your expectations. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're grateful for the opportunity to assist you. If you ever need further support or have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Welcome to your new home, and thank you for choosing Dowen Estate Agents! Best regards John Nicholson Managing Director

1/5

Trustpilot

Staff were polite until we got a buyer…

Staff were polite until we got a buyer for our house and then it felt like they were suddenly 'team buyer' and disregarded what was best for us as sellers when it came to negotiations, I think this was because buyers wanted to complete earlier than we did and Dowens just want their commission asap. Also found the call handlers to be quite patronising at times. Wouldn't recommend from a Sellers' perspective.

Lizzie Β· 11 August 2023 Β· Dowen Bishop Auckland

5/5

Google

Totally professional service from start to finish. Special thanks to Helen who kept us informed throughout and was both pleasant and efficient. Fully recommended.

Val Β· 19 July 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Dear Val On behalf of the entire team at Dowen, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for leaving us a wonderful 5-star review. We are thrilled to hear that you had a completely professional experience with us from start to finish. Helen, in particular, deserves special recognition for her outstanding service. It brings us great joy to know that she kept you well-informed throughout the process, ensuring that you were always up to date with the progress of your transaction. Her pleasant demeanor and efficient approach are qualities we value greatly in our team members. Thank you for recommending our services wholeheartedly. Your trust and support mean a lot to us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have served you. Should you ever require assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to provide the same level of professionalism and care that you experienced. Once again, thank you for choosing Dowen. We truly appreciate your feedback and recommendation. Best regards, John Nicholson Managing Director, Dowen

5/5

Google

Speedy, super helpful and fast, Dowen acted sharply and helped my partner and I secure a property in under 2 weeks,highly recommended. (Caroline in particular is a superstar)

James Β· 19 July 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Wow! Thank you, James for this wonderful review and 5 stars. I agree Caroline is a superstar, enjoy your new home and thank you again! Warmest Regards - John Nicholson - Managing Director.

5/5

Google

Caroline has been amazing through the whole process very helpful, kind and understanding. Always replies to emails promptly and very good at her job. We would definitely recommend. Also worth mentioning that she made sure we were updated as soon as she had relevant information for us. Would give more stars if possible.Thank you!

Katie Β· 19 July 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Katie, thank you for the your lovely words, 5 PLUS STARS and fantastic review! On behalf of Caroline and I we wish you the very best in your new home. Warmest Regards - John Nicholson - Managing Director.

5/5

Google

Fantastic from initial enquiry to completed purchase. We could not be happier with the experience Dowen and Helen, in particular, provided us throughout the purchase of our first home! Happy to answer any queries and were very timely in their responses.

Kieran Β· 19 July 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Dear, Kieran Thank you so much for taking the time to share your fantastic 5-star review! As the Managing Director of our company, I am thrilled to hear about your exceptional experience from the initial enquiry to the completion of your first home purchase. I am so pleased Helen have been instrumental in ensuring your satisfaction, and I couldn't be prouder of her dedication and commitment to providing outstanding customer service. At Dowen, we strive to make the home-buying process as smooth and enjoyable as possible for our clients, and your glowing feedback reassures us that we are on the right track. We understand that purchasing a home is a significant milestone, and we are honored to have played a part in making your dream a reality. If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you even beyond the completion of your purchase. Once again, thank you for choosing Dowen, and we wish you many wonderful memories in your new home. Warm regards John Nicholson Managing Director Dowen

5/5

Google

After changing agents due to what seemed like lack of experience and enthusiasm in our house sale, both Sarah and Helen managed to take control and find the buyers we needed. When you think about selling your house, you tend to forget that finding a buyer is just the start of the process. The amount of stress and anguish you go through pushing the sale through to completion can be unrelenting and frustrating. For us, Helen did an amazing job keeping both us and our buyers informed of the progress (or lack of in some cases) of the sale and was able to push both sets of solicitors when needed. She acted as a buffer between parties on some quite challenging conversations which I know took a lot of self control and professionalism to handle. I can not see our previous agent being able to manage this to the extent that Helen did! So if you are looking to sell your property, I would certainly recommend the team at Dowen.

Steve Β· 19 July 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Dear Steve Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and leave us a fantastic 5-star review! We greatly appreciate your feedback and are thrilled to hear that our team, specifically Sarah and Helen, exceeded your expectations. We understand that finding the right buyer for your house is just the beginning of the selling process. It can indeed be a challenging and often stressful journey to see the sale through to completion. We are delighted that Helen was able to take control and effectively manage the entire process, ensuring that both you and your buyers were well-informed and the sale progressed smoothly. Helen's dedication to keeping everyone updated on the progress, even during the more challenging moments, showcases her outstanding professionalism and commitment. We are proud to have her on our team, and your recognition of her efforts means a great deal to us. We are also grateful that Helen acted as a buffer during difficult conversations, displaying self-control and maintaining a high level of professionalism. Handling such situations requires skill and tact, and we are thrilled that she was able to navigate these discussions with finesse. Your kind words and recommendation are a true testament to the hard work and expertise of our team at Dowen. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you, and we are here to assist you whenever you need our services in the future. Thank you once again for choosing Dowen. We truly value your support and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service to you and our valued clients. John Nicholson Managing Director, Dowen

3/5

Google

Rating only, no written review.

James Β· 14 June 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Thank you for taking the time to award Dowen Durham 3 stars. Please could you provide me some feedback what we could of done better to obtain 5 stars. Warmest Regards - John Nicholson - Managing Director.

5/5

Google

Rating only, no written review.

Begari Β· 14 June 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Thank you for taking the time to recommend and award Dowen Durham with 5 stars. Warmest Regards - John Nicholson - Managing Director.

5/5

Google

Rating only, no written review.

Harrison Β· 14 June 2023 Β· Dowen Durham City

Agent replied Β· 13 June 2024

Thank you for taking the time to award Dowen Durham 5 Stars. Warmest Regards - John Nicholson - Managing Director.

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Questions about Dowen

Which Dowen office has the most reviews?

Durham City has the most, with 446 reviews rated 4.7 out of 5, followed by Bishop Auckland with 226.

Where are the Dowen offices?

The three Dowen offices, by town:

Has Dowen won any awards?

Yes. In The Trusted Agent 2026 awards: Dowen, Durham City won Gold.

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