Dowen estate agents in Durham City, Bishop Auckland and Sedgefield

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

The whole team at Dowens were amazing (specifically Charlotte and Darren), during a very stressful purchase with lots of speed bumps, they were always reassuring, happy to chase and find answers. Worked hard to help us secure our new home. Thank you all again.

Ryan · 12 April 2026 · Dowen Bishop Auckland

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Great service from Helen and the team. Collaborative and informative throughout. Looking forward to working with you again in future!

Ben · 12 April 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 4/5

Google

Dowens managed my rental property and Caroline was always very professional, very knowledgable and quick to respond to any questions. I then sold the same property through Dowens. The sale was quick, without any problems and managed well by Jodi. If I have a criticism, it would only be the initial carelessness with the sales brochure. I asked for certain things to be mentioned in the details, and most of them weren't. This was put right, but maybe a little more attention to detail in the written particulars would go a long way.

Clive · 10 April 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I found the service first rate. Always helpful. Queries always followed up. Very happy with the service received, professional and very approachable with answering all sorts of questions. I felt very supported in the house buying process and able to ask anything I was concerned about.

Ruth · 10 April 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Love these people, dealt with them for many years. Got to know Denis himself (RIP) and the new management is as good as ever. Great team to work with.

Timon · 2 April 2026 · Dowen Bishop Auckland

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Great service! Buyer found straight away. Communication fantastic, kept up to date with progress of sale and any issues dealt with immediately. Great team especially Helen. Thank you 👍 …

Ann · 2 April 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

To landlords considering management services, please read: I hadn’t initially planned to leave a review as my properties are still under management with this company, however I feel it’s important to share my experience for other landlords. Unfortunately, my experience has been very disappointing and has raised serious concerns around both competence and compliance. There have been multiple issues across my properties, including: • Tenancy agreements issued with incorrect company details, and in another case no company listed at all • A failed EICR not being resolved within the required timeframe, despite clear instruction to prioritise this • Ongoing poor communication, where updates have to be chased and are often not followed up These are not minor administrative errors, they have potential implications for legal enforcement, insurance validity, and regulatory compliance, all of which ultimately fall back on the landlord. A major concern is that tenancy agreements are being executed without landlord sign-off. I was not provided with the amended agreement following a recent tenancy change and had to request it myself after rent was not paid. Upon review, I found the agreement had been issued under the wrong company entirely. When challenged, I was informed they source details from Companies House and, because my name was linked to a company, they used that entity without verification or consultation. This is unacceptable. The company listed does not own the property and is no longer in use, which could now have serious implications for both legal proceedings and insurance cover. To make matters worse, on another tenancy no company has been listed at all, which directly contradicts their explanation and highlights a clear lack of consistency and due diligence. The handling of compliance has also been concerning. A failed EICR has not been resolved within the required timeframe, despite repeated instructions and follow-ups. Each time I chase, I am told it will be looked into, with little to no meaningful update. I have ultimately had to contact contractors myself to establish what is happening. This is reactive rather than proactive management, and it appears to be a recurring theme. Additionally, if you choose to use your own contractors, be aware that they will not manage the process. You are left coordinating both tenant and tradesperson yourself, while still paying full management fees. I have now reached the point where this arrangement no longer works for me or my tenants and have decided to move my portfolio elsewhere. I work with other managing agents across the UK who operate to a far higher standard, so I am fully aware of how this service should be delivered. Despite the issues outlined above, I am still being held to significant exit fees per property, effectively trapping me in an agreement while not receiving the level of service required, particularly as a remote landlord. Overall, I have been left feeling exposed and unsupported due to poor practices, lack of accountability, and inadequate management of key responsibilities. I would strongly advise any landlord to carry out thorough due diligence and ensure they are fully confident in how compliance, documentation, and communication are handled before proceeding.

Kyle · 2 April 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Caroline has always been a delight to deal with and I have never had any issues, communication is always clear & efficient, would highly recommend to anyone renting or letting a property!

Izzy · 2 April 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 4/5

Google

For my first time becoming a landlord Caroline has been helpful throughout and would recommend Dowen

Nikita · 2 April 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

To landlords considering management…

To landlords considering management services, please read: I hadn’t initially planned to leave a review as my properties are still under management with this company, however I feel it’s important to share my experience for other landlords. Unfortunately, my experience has been very disappointing and has raised serious concerns around both competence and compliance. There have been multiple issues across my properties, including: • Tenancy agreements issued with incorrect company details, and in another case no company listed at all • A failed EICR not being resolved within the required timeframe, despite clear instruction to prioritise this • Ongoing poor communication, where updates have to be chased and are often not followed up These are not minor administrative errors, they have potential implications for legal enforcement, insurance validity, and regulatory compliance, all of which ultimately fall back on the landlord. A major concern is that tenancy agreements are being executed without landlord sign-off. I was not provided with the amended agreement following a recent tenancy change and had to request it myself after rent was not paid. Upon review, I found the agreement had been issued under the wrong company entirely. When challenged, I was informed they source details from Companies House and, because my name was linked to a company, they used that entity without verification or consultation. This is unacceptable. The company listed does not own the property and is no longer in use, which could now have serious implications for both legal proceedings and insurance cover. To make matters worse, on another tenancy no company has been listed at all, which directly contradicts their explanation and highlights a clear lack of consistency and due diligence. The handling of compliance has also been concerning. A failed EICR has not been resolved within the required timeframe, despite repeated instructions and follow-ups. Each time I chase, I am told it will be looked into, with little to no meaningful update. I have ultimately had to contact contractors myself to establish what is happening. This is reactive rather than proactive management, and it appears to be a recurring theme. Additionally, if you choose to use your own contractors, be aware that they will not manage the process. You are left coordinating both tenant and tradesperson yourself, while still paying full management fees. I have now reached the point where this arrangement no longer works for me or my tenants and have decided to move my portfolio elsewhere. I work with other managing agents across the UK who operate to a far higher standard, so I am fully aware of how this service should be delivered. Despite the issues outlined above, I am still being held to significant exit fees per property, effectively trapping me in an agreement while not receiving the level of service required, particularly as a remote landlord. Overall, I have been left feeling exposed and unsupported due to poor practices, lack of accountability, and inadequate management of key responsibilities. I would strongly advise any landlord to carry out thorough due diligence and ensure they are fully confident in how compliance, documentation, and communication are handled before proceeding.

Kyle · 27 March 2026 · Dowen Bishop Auckland

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

"I had a fantastic experience with Dowen Estate Agents during the sale of my house. From the initial valuation done by Jonathan to completion, the team was incredibly professional and kept me updated every step of the way. They made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and straightforward. Their local market knowledge is top-notch, and they managed to secure a great result for me. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and friendly agency!".

Barry · 26 March 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Superb

"I had a fantastic experience with Dowen Estate Agents during the sale of my house. From the initial valuation to completion, the team was incredibly professional and kept me updated every step of the way. They made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and straightforward. Their local market knowledge is top-notch, and they managed to secure a great result for me. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and friendly agency!"

Mr · 23 March 2026 · Dowen Bishop Auckland

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Great communication, everything was sorted really fast. Caroline was massive help, happy to answer all my questions, replied immediately for emails. Cannot recommend enough.

Paulina · 16 March 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I recently rented a property through Dowen and the process was quick and simple. Caroline was fab and very responsive to emails. Highly recommended thank you again.

Sarah · 16 March 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We cannot recommend Dowens highly enough, their professionalism is second to none, their dedication and commitment to their clients is just outstanding. We let a house with them and they are just fabulous, super customer service, friendly knowledgeable and very professional. If you want to buy or let a property we cannot recommend them more highly. We wouldn’t go anywhere else!

Edina · 16 March 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I would like to share my wonderful experience with the agent Caroline who helped me find and rent a house. From the very beginning, she was kind, attentive, and incredibly responsive. She answered all my questions immediately, carefully followed every step of the process, and kept in close contact with me throughout. Thanks to her professionalism and genuine care, everything went smoothly and stress-free. I truly felt supported at all times. I would happily work with this agency again in the future and highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a reliable and dedicated team.

Теодора · 16 March 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Dowens is the best estate agent by far, Jodi and Barbara were so professional, they kept me updated all the way when selling my property, they sold it very quickly at the price I wanted. I have dealt with other estate agents in the past 'Robinsons' who were quite the opposite to Dowens (say no more). I cannot recomend Dowens highly enough, excellent service from start to finish 5* +

Diane · 16 March 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

While it’s been a long and challenging journey to get a sale on dads bungalow through to completion the support from all staff at Dowens has been amazing with a particular shout out to Barbara and Helen for their help navigating a particular sticking point between solicitors that helped get us over the line.

Nicola · 16 March 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I am extremely thankful to all the staff at Dowens. This was a very emotional journey for me as I was so attached to my home, but the team were incredibly supportive throughout the whole process. Jonathan was especially helpful and guided me through putting the house on the market, including taking some amazing photos of my home. They were very hands-on and professional, which made everything feel much easier. Helen was very hands-on and professional throughout, and made the entire experience smooth and straightforward. It was a bit of a whirlwind as the house sold within just two days, it was full on in the beginning however Helen kept me fully informed at all times. I’m so grateful that Dowens found the perfect buyers for my beautiful home. Thank you again to the whole team for your help and support.

Michelle · 16 March 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Excellent customer service Great valuation for our property and sale went through with no issues Regular updates Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them

Loraine · 16 March 2026 · Dowen Durham City

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I had a fantastic experience with Dowen Estate Agents in Spennymoor. There customer service skills are truly exceptional, friendly, professional, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. They kept me fully informed every step of the way, responded quickly to any questions, and made everything feel straightforward and stress-free. There attention to detail and genuine willingness to go above and beyond really stood out. I highly recommend Dowens estate agents to anyone.

Caroline · 12 March 2026 · Dowen Bishop Auckland

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Stay Away

Would give a zero if possible. Unprofessional from the start. Fobbing off any bid I tried to put forward does not serve the interests of the buyer or the vendor and it doesn’t take columbo to work out why. Stuck in the dark ages along with their 1988 style web page.

IK · 20 February 2026 · Dowen Bishop Auckland

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Called regarding a property to rent and spoke to a very rude person who informed me that the property was rented but did not ask me any questions about any other properties I was interested in. Very poor customer service and will not be using this estate agent again. Would give 0 if I could.

Melanie · 16 February 2026 · Dowen Bishop Auckland

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

The team at Dowen Bishop Auckland were brilliant whilst I was selling my house. They vetted viewers, kept me up to date with bookings etc. Their communication all round was very good and the fees were very competitive with other agencies. Thank you Thomas & Lisa, a very professional service.

Caroline · 16 February 2026 · Dowen Bishop Auckland