S J Smith Estate Agents Ashford reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Warning ‼️ My friend Santana had a very bad experience with this letting agency recently. You can see her review below and read her entire horrible experience. As of now this people are pretending to be professionals on a public platform writing a response to her review here but privately they are not responding to her emails and phone calls. If they are not guilty of anything why are they not responding to her emails ??? Don’t trust these people. They take your money for deposit without telling you that it’s not refundable. Holding deposit it taken to secure the property while they keep it advertised on other platforms to take deposits from other people and then out of 5 people they will fail 4 people by saying you failed referencing and pass referencing of 1 person and fool the rest of the people. You will see that a lot of people have experienced the same issues and nobody reported them properly hence they carry on fooling people but this time they will face legal actions. You can’t cheat innocent people and think you will get away all the time. NOT THIS TIME!!!! BE AWARE GUYS DONT BE FOOLED!

Roland · 30 November 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Urgent Warning: Dreadful Experience with S J Smith Lettings Ltd I need to highlight my husband's nightmare dealing with S J Smith Lettings Ltd. After paying a deposit, the property was suddenly unavailable, leading to chaos in finding an alternative. Opting for another property, he faced negligence in addressing contract concerns, unprofessional behavior from staff like Jorden Gillum, and a shocking refund shortfall. The agency's misleading ads added to the frustration. I urgently seek a complete refund and accountability for their conduct. This has caused significant distress, and compensation is warranted. Potential tenants, please beware!

Tayyaba · 30 November 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Great experience with the sales negotiator Louis, ultimate professional with a vast knowledge of the local area as well the sales process. He helped answer many queries myself and my partner had and couldn't have been more helpful. Not a bad word to say about this guy. Credit to his company. Highly recommend Louis and SJ Smith. 5 STARS !

Andy · 29 August 2019

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We have had an outstanding service from Smiths. Their communication has been exemplary- timely, respectful and professional. Really appreciated the feedback after every viewing and the way they listened and responded to any concerns. They showed integrity in the way they dealt with potential buyers and liaised really well with solicitors from start to finish. House sales always have the potential to be fraught with anxiety, but the staff at Smith's did everything they could to minimise this and keep the process straightforward and manageable. I can recommend them unreservedly.

Sue · 2 October 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

I would advise exercising caution when considering engagement with the specified real estate agent. This recommendation is particularly relevant for individuals possessing foreign status with international income sources. Challenges have arisen during interactions with this agent, even following the successful completion of reference assessments and income verifications, which have extended beyond the realm of typical expectations. Additionally, I had to overspent on extra AirBnB lodging due to perceived inefficiencies in the agent's processes. Notably, the survey was not conducted during the same week, and the surveyor assured me that it could have been carried out the week prior, but such demand was not made, leading us to extend our stay for the weekend. It is worth noting that the agent has demonstrated a tendency to request deposit payments prior to the comprehensive review and comprehension of contractual terms and conditions. I had to request the T&Cs multiple times as deposits were requested before their provision. Regrettably, my family and I experienced a sense of bias and prejudice, despite furnishing documentation substantiating a significant six-figure income, demonstrating the capacity to meet rental obligations, and showcasing financial stability. This sentiment was further exacerbated by a perceived lack of equitable treatment, extending even to matters of financial prudence. These circumstances culminated in a disheartening outcome. I received multiple calls from their management inquiring, "How did you pass references?" Furthermore, the agent's proficiency in property management has been less than satisfactory. A recurring pattern has emerged, wherein issues are attributed to the property owner (citing lack of approval or response from the owner), even when fundamental problems are evident. For instance, a fence fell off during adverse weather conditions and remains unrepaired, and the absence of a rear fence poses safety concerns for my children. The inadequacy of water pressure, hindering the use of a bathroom, has been brought to the agent's attention. Their response, "Didn't you notice this before moving in?" was deemed discourteous. Despite my offer to address these concerns myself, the agent's responses have lacked viable solutions or definitive responses. It is noteworthy that these issues persist even six months after the commencement of the lease agreement. In light of the aforementioned observations, I recommend exploring alternative options and refraining from engaging with the aforementioned real estate agent.

Victor · 28 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

First agency experienc worst of my life. They loot the poor people .be aware before you give them ur holiding deposit because they don’t return . in July I saw a property on Zoopla to rent emailed them got a call from JAY HOBBS the next day to view the property . When I clearly told are income is low . As no agency even shows viewing if they already know income is less . We view with Jay Hobbs we speak about my husband income low And he said it will be okay with1 (guarantor and I told clearly he is British citizen has his own house and income is 47000£) , I told him I’m scared we will fail the reference but he said no it will go through because of guarantor . And told us to give answer quick as the property will be seen by another person . So we have to block if we want . I had clearly told Jay we are dealing with agency first time and he said no fees and if landlord does not want to give us property we will get back refund of holding deposit only if we change are mind we would not get refund . Not even one time this agent says if we fail reference we won’t get money back . Total scam . Stay away from this agency . We are a family with 2 young kids wanted to move into 2 bedroom and had been looking for quite a long ,so we said we want to go forward same day I called the agency . He is in hurry to take the holding deposit and says CONGRATULATIONS THIS PROPERTY IS YOURS NOW And we were so happy later he send us the tenancy agree form which we sign and send back not mentions anywhere if fail the reference won’t get money back . We also get forms from RENT4SURE to fill and send back we give all details all documents all done same with the guarantors . I get call saying 1 guarantor is not enough so I said how much they should earn he says 60000£ in told of both guarantor together . The agent tells me the second guarantor should early around 12 000£ to 15000£ and must be working in the uk . Done I trusted this agency and spoke to them calling them before filling up my forms So Jay tells me it will take 3 to 5 days for the process and they will revert back . So I wait patiently .I still find the property is not taken off from the market / deposit is changed / availability showing early I call agency and they say a mistake . Such liars I get call from Jay Hobbs and I say what happening with my reference and he says my guarantor have not submitted documents and he sounded rude that day also he paused for 2 minutes and tells me we failed reference . I said how can we fail if it’s total 60000£ what he wanted in total as income and then comes shocks as he changes all his statements he says no separate 60 /60 .if one person fails all fail as details were taken of myself / my husband and 2 guarantors . So I ask him about my deposit and he says no not refundable because we failed . We paid our hard earned money 380£ to them and we loose it all /I call the referee company and they tell me our reference is still in process I was so Angry and they too were surprised why agency told us we failed .I call agency back saying I won’t to speak to managers but I get told nobody at office So I email heads of leggings Philip Stuart but no reply since a month . and Mrs Laura Vivian takes time to reply and says sorry for what happened and takes bank details and says she will check the possibility of refund so I get some hope in her to get my money back . I wait for days no reply I keep calling agency nobody in office, Busy . I speak to Jay and i question him why we failed he says we gave misleading information that (WE WOULD PASS THE REFERENCE ) He puts false allegations/ earlier the reason of failing was guarantor failed the checks . After days I call agency they say it takes time for refund . I email Laura she then sends me email saying no refund will be given as they paid for check and took the property off market which was not as I have proof with me as they mistakenly have send me email in 3 days, property available even when my reference was still on for property (3 briar wood close feltham tw13 ) Beware people

Cleo · 28 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

I would avoid this estate agent at all cost. They pressured us into giving them a deposit before the tenancy agreement was signed by all parties and made out that we would lose the house if we didn't do it straight away. 5 weeks after the deposit and 6 months rent upfront were paid, we find out that the landlord had never signed the tenancy agreement and that they were actually selling the house (2 weeks before we were supposed to move in). No one apologised for the incident and Laura (the lettings manager) had the audacity to be short with us and was extremely unhelpful. My wife is 7 months pregnant and we have an 18 month old toddler - no one seemed to care that we had nowhere to live. Avoid!

Salim · 28 August 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I would just like to write a review for our local estate agent S J Smith for a job well done and a special thankyou to Rob on the sales team who did all the initial start up, valuation, photos and marketing of the property, Louis for the sale and Nicola and Simon who took care of the after sales and were basically our link between buyer and both solicitors which would have been very stressful if they did not intervene and look after all of that side for us. A special thankyou to Simon who intervened and pushed the sale through in the end and we appreciate all of his hard work this last month and pushing the sale through to the end allowing us to exchange and complete all on the same day. A job well done by all. I would highly recommend using this estate agent from our experience of dealing with them.

Andy · 28 August 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We recently purchased our first home with SJ Smith, we received the best possible service from Louis when beginning the process of looking for a property, and this continued throughout the purchase alongside Nicola who updated us on progress promptly and professionally. You both made the process seem smooth and simple - we appreciated your expertise. Would highly recommend SJ Smith, in particular Louis!!

Emily · 28 August 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Fantastic estate agent from start to finish! We bought a property that they were selling and the service we received was exceptional. We have never worked with a more efficient estate agent before. From start to finish they communicated with us throughout the whole process, would give us advice when we needed it and helped speed up the whole process with our solicitors. If I put my property on the market in the future, I would definitely choose S J Smith. Thank you! (Especially to Chad and Simon!)

Francesca · 28 August 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Recently sold and purchased through SJ Smith. They were brilliant and made the whole process super smooth and got us great deals! Huge thank you to everyone. Rob in sales is fantastic - knowledgable, smart and kind. Simon in after sales has been so great, pushing everything through while remaining super calm, friendly and reassuring. Cannot thank you enough. 100% recommend SJ.

CAT · 21 August 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Exemplary customer service throughout with Rob searching for the perfect home as well as fielding last minute requirements, Simon taking us through the crucial part to completion and Chad getting us over the line. A five star team effort. Would recommend them for the houses they have to offer and the end to end process they provide.

Dan · 18 October 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We are absolutely happy with the service we have received. They followed up with the case way beyond what we have expected, including dealing with solicitors from both the sides and pushing the process to the very end. Our special thanks to Robert Pearce and Nicola Elson who were mainly responsible for our case and made us feel important. Thank you !!!

Sidney · 28 August 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We have recently moved within Ashford and Chad, Rob & Simon did a great job end to end. From the initial video and marketing of our property, recommendations and their experience of the area through to getting the deal completed - their communication, effort and overall service was breath of fresh air. We would througholly recommend Sj smith ashford. Neil & Charlotte

Neil · 28 July 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We are very happy with the way S J Smith Estate Agents dealt with the sale of our property, They where always there to answer all our questions. A big Thank you to Nicola, the sales progressor she did a brilliant job was always prompt in answering email and telephone calls. Was extremly polite and kind when I was sometimes stressed out, We where very lucky to move before the stamp duty returns, and incredibly lucky to move in the middle of a pandemic, S J Smiths made that possible with there care and safty procedures. Thank YouPositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism, Value

Maggie · 28 August 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Chad and the team. Frankie, Nicola, Louis and Robert, are by far the best agents an the area, we chime SJ Smith purely by their all round professional service! We sold and bought through this office and we’re completely looked after, from start to finish with both sale and Purchase, Compared to other agents that we had to deal with chad and his team were complete breath of fresh air fantastic people to work with highly recommend using this agent will not be let down. The proof is when you phone up and actually speak to an agent who is responsive, Many of the competitive agents in the area don’t even return your call or when you do finally speak to someone it’s a CallCenter or is not local, but Sj Smith are from the opposite, Local knowledgeable agents fantastic! Highly recommend

Tom · 28 August 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Finding and purchasing a house is not an easy task, but can sometimes be; when you have amazing people to guide and help you. Being a first time buyer, I had very little knowledge of what all is involved/needed when purchasing a house. Louis is a fantastic person who helped me with the initial stages of viewing, arranging a financial advisor and also negotiating and sealing the deal to obtain my first home. Followed on by Nicola who worked super efficiently and I really appreciated how she kept on top of things and kept me informed every step of the way. Thank you Louis and Nicola. I highly recommend the team in the Ashford office and wish them great success always.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value

Francesca · 28 August 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We have just exchanged on a sale and purchase with SJ Smith. This is the second time we have now bought a property through them and I can not fault their professionalism and service. Louis was outstanding at keeping us informed and finding prospective buyers, he also helped us secure the property we have purchased. Nicola in the after sales team is equally professional and caring and nothing was too much hassle for her. We can't thank everyone enough for finally getting everything through and we would definitely recommend SJ Smith in the future Collette & OscarPositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism

Collette · 28 August 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We have recently sold our house via SJ Smith, Ashford. Our experience has been fantastic. Chad and Nicole have been excellent to work with and my transaction was smooth and quick. Chad’s experience and guidance in pricing the house at the right price-point was invaluable for us given that the market was cooling down at the time. He took good pictures of the property and we were given the opportunity to review the online ad before it went live and amend it later when we realised we had missed a few key points. There were a number of viewings arranged and we received prompt feedback after each one. Nicole was excellent in negotiating the sale for us and setting a completion timeline, which was important for us. Through the sale process, Nicole did regular follow-ups and was polite yet persistent at the same time. She was instrumental in ensuring that the sale progressed as fast as possible, replied to every phone call and email and kept all parties updated on a regular basis. We completed in less than 2 months from offer. Really pleased with the service we received from SJ Smith and definitely recommend them.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value

Arti · 28 August 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

The service we received from Chad & Simon at S.J. Smith was superb from start to finish. They were very professional and accommodating and kept us updated at every step and went above and beyond to iron out any problems that arose and did all they could to achieve a completion date at the earliest opportunity. We would thoroughly recommend them.

Gary · 6 August 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Thank you to Simon and Rob who were always there to help Finally we got our own house Wish you all the best

Lan · 6 June 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I would not hesitate to recommend Chad at S.J.Smith if you are looking to sell a property. He was honest, open and very well-prepared on our first meeting and was equally impressive in subsequent dealings. I trusted his assessment, his setting of a fair price and was rewarded by plenty of viewings, feedback and a quick sale at an excellent price. This company really know the local area and it showed in their assessment and contacts.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value

Clive · 28 August 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Always kept me up to date with progress, pleasure to deal with.

Peter · 16 February 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

S J Smith were amazing throughout the whole process of selling my house. Louie was always on the ball, always happy to take calls and very knowledgeable about the current market and any other questions we had relating to the process. Simon was also great always staying in touch, Very professional and always on hand to help. Would highly recommend!

Adam · 28 August 2023