Connells Great Barr reviews in Birmingham

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

do not go with Connells

I would have liked to say that they were great and that they sold my house but sadly that is not the case. I had my house with them for 4 months (Headingdon branch) and I hardly got any viewers through the door. The team is young and sadly (always in my opinion) they do not get back to you on time, they do not put their out of office when they are away so you never know why they wont respond, or they simply do not email you back for the first couple of days, even though sometimes what you need is urgent. They overpriced my house by £50,000, yes you read right, no wonder why the house never got sold. When I expressed my worries I then got “why did you not tell us that the price was too high”. How am I meant to know this, you are the agency that should be there to support me and guide me through this stressful time. On the very few viewings I did have I had noticed that the agent would either not lock the door behind him or simply not bother getting back to me for feedback unless I called in to check. Finally, they make you sign the contract, tell you what you want to hear of course and then once the property is online you notice that the floorplan is not even there, that you have to pay extra for it, just like the professional photos (which were awful and very bright). I would not recommend them, they only delayed everything for me by 4 months, something I cant get back and caused me and my family a lot of stress and problems. Stay away is what I would advise!

Sara · 11 April 2018

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Connells group mortgage centre

This company let my mortgage offer expire. Simple product switch. Never got back to me on what was going on, took 3 months for them to reply to a simple concern. Believe the reviews and do not use. Complete waste of time.

Joshua · 19 April 2024

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

The worst letting agency ever conceived

If there were awards for the worst letting agency ever operating, they would be winning every single one of them. I have heard some really bad opinions from people who used to deal with them but decided to view a house anyway, as it did seem perfect for me. First meeting - they have got the wrong pair of keys so I was unable to view it - wasted 30 minutes of my life.Second viewing, rescheduled - no one from the agency showed up - waited 15 minutes and went home laughing. Why would they ask 420 British Pounds of administration fee for jokes like this? It's a shame companies like these control so many decent houses in England, blocking the market essentially.

Ulven · 21 March 2018

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Absolutely useless

Absolutely useless. Over-priced our house to get our business then suggested a significant price drop within two or three weeks. Now claiming that they said from the start that an offer £150K less than their suggested asking price would be an extremely good one! The initial prospectus had loads of faults - listing it as a three bed when it's a four bed, for starters - and communication has been terrible. We haven't had a single viewing in the four months that it's been on the market - which is bizarre even if it is over-priced - so I've given up and taken it off. Complete waste of time - do not use this lot even if they promise to chuck in a golden helicopter and a couple of unicorns as part of the deal for selling your house.

Amanda · 16 March 2018

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Avoid wherever possible.....

Appalling communication with their own staff and with prospective buyers. They don't return calls; lie regarding receiving information requested, to the point they don't even bother to cover the fact when forwarding said information, saying they've 'just' received it but it was clearly received 1 week + before; will continue to show prospective buyers around properties and take details of offers After previous offers have been accepted whilst leaving you waiting and hoping that your offer has been accepted and all this will take in excess of a month!! When tackled about this, they will try to bluff their way through conversations, When you manage to speak to someone who usually doesn't have a clue what's going on! They obviously get paid so much commission they don't have to consider customer service for either vendor or buyer!!! If it were possible to give a minus star, I'd recommend that!

Ruth · 13 March 2018

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Dishonest Estate Agent

78 Green Lane, Great Barr, B43. Purchased below market value by Mr. Davinder Sangha (valuer for Connells Great Barr). Currently being marketed by Green & Co. via online auction through SDL Auctions. I believe the previous owners were put under duress to sell there asset below market value to an employee of the estate agent they trusted to get the most for there property. I would advise all owners who are currently marketing through Connells to check if they are selling at the right price and anyone going through the process of sale to check if they are selling to a legitimate buyer and not an employee of Connells. If I could give 0 stars, I would.

Matt · 11 March 2018

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Never ever use Connells, cost us a fortune

Avoid them, selling our house through them, they originally quoted us a high price to get us to sign with them. This is a lie to get your business. Then after waiting and dropping the price 10%, they asked if we would take a cash buyer for £1000 less than the asking price. We accepted as long as it was a quick sale.We ended up waiting months and Connells claimed to have never said it and that it was a mortgage deal. Ended up costing us money, I would never use any of their branches ever again. The sooner these types of cowboys are out of business the better. Take your business elsewhere, you might as well use purple bricks for the little Connells did for the thousands they charged, it was everyone waiting for them that delayed the sale even further.

LJ · 23 February 2018

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

BEWARE the Connells' (Estate Agents) Mortgage Advice Service

Where do I begin? This organisation offers free mortgage "advice" up to a point, after which "lifetime broker" fees are charged: supposedly once you decide to go ahead. But what happens if the member of staff you're dealing with lies to you? In this particular case, one young lad working for Connells decided to tell a few porky pies which resulted in a £499.00 fee being deducted up front, rather than after completion of the mortgage - he said it would be charged at the end. As a result the mortgage application was immediately cancelled (within 7 days of the unexpected fee being deducted from the bank). If you can't trust people to be honest about the simple things, why would you trust them to be honest about the more expensive/complicated things? Strangely, the guy no longer works for Connells having "disappeared" a few months after the first complaint was lodged. However, something weird then happened. Connells admitted that the "broker" fee covered certain works which had NEVER taken place yet refused to reimburse it! This relates to Clacton on Sea branch. The funny thing is - when you ask staff around the country what the "lifetime broker" fee is, and what it covers - you get different answers depending who you ask. How can that be so? HQ refuse to answer the question: "what work does the fee cover"? - so much for complying with MCOBS (the Mortgage Code of Business Sourcebook): MCOB 3A.2.1 Rule: (1) When a firm communicates information to a customer, it must take reasonable steps to do so in a way that is fair, clear and not misleadingMCOB 2.5A.1 Rule:A firm must act honestly, fairly and professionally in accordance with the best interests of its customer. If a firm has caused unnecessary and or avoidable costs, as a direct result of statutory negligence, you have the right to claim compensation pursuant to section 138D of the FSMA 2000. Steer clear of this company if you wish to be treated fairly (in my opinion). If you get caught out: I hope the above info helps x

Simon · 12 February 2018

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

My ABC Rule, Anyone but Connells!!

Having over 20 years of property experience I have seen Connells woeful standard on numerous occasions. I had such reservations that I listed various properties for an Agent to assess then as there was a Connells Valuer with 12 years’ experience in the same building, he cast his eye over the figures, before I relayed the information to my Lender. The result a different Connells Valuer with 3 months experience saw the places and these was a total drop in prices of £800:000!!2 years on and a house was valued at £1.25 million and £1.35 million by Local Estate Agents for Connells to thereafter turn up and say £975K!! 8 months later, a different firm values the untouched property at £1.45 million. Recently 4 and 5 bed flats were valued on the same development at 650K with rents strangely being stated at exactly the same level. As the rents were years out of date, bank statements and AST’s were evidenced to the Lender who subsequently decided to ignore Connells figures who rather than accept them preferred their fiction. To further damn them they valued a further 5 bed near Fulham at £500K again with ludicrous rents. Bored with their ineptness a new firm was commissioned and surprise surprise they accepted bank statements, AST’s and quoted 10 comps in the area. Result - the places valued shot up from £500K to £650K !!So, based on my experience, if you wish people to be unreliable, make up unrealistic rents and values then refuse to change their figures and hide when they are caught out - then I strongly recommend this organisation to you.

Mr · 17 January 2018

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Really bad customer service

Requested some viewings on properties through Right Move with Connells. Promptly got a call back where I was asked about preferences and then suggestions were made in light of this. This was good and did listen to me and what i wanted in a house and made good suggestions. He then asked about mortgages and whether i had a mortgage broker already. I did explain that i already had one and had an appointment and that i had had a bad experience previously with a mortgage broker from Connells so wasn't keen to use them. The guy did get quite pushy and i did feel very uncomfortable and had to firmly say that i wanted to wait until I'd see my other mortgage broker. The next day I drove 25 minutes in bad traffic at rush hour after work to view a property that i had requested a viewing through Right Move. My partner and i got out the car, a few minutes letter, after the guy had finished texting or something he got out the car - not the best first impression. He knocked on the door of the property as apparently the homeowners would be in whilst the viewing took place. No answer. Five minutes later after still no reply, the guy said he didn't have the keys and was surprised the owners weren't in as they had been in on other viewings. You would have thought, to be prepared you that he would have the keys just in case of such occasions or phoning the homeowners the day of the viewing to remind them to be in etc... Quite annoyed as we had driven a long way in bad traffic. Luckily we had another viewing lined up down the road. Arrived there, again the guy stayed in the car a bit longer on his phone before getting out the car. As we approached the property, the guy asked why we weren't using their mortgage broker again being quite blunt, again had to tell him why. Let in the house, no information or details given about the house as we walked round!! We had to ask lots of questions such as where the parking was, price, double glazing, rooms for ourselves. he literally just said nothing at all about the house, he just followed us from room to room, quite honestly looking like he couldn't be bothered. To top it all off, on the way out the guy asked again, about booking an appointment with the mortgage broker at Connells. At this point my partner had to put in a firm word and tell him again about our mortgage broker we had already lined up. I understand they want the sale and customers, it was just the way and the amount of times we are asked - did feel like an ambush and quite uncomfortable. The guy speeded off half saying as he got into is car that he would give us a call with more properties and to re-arrange the first viewing. We have not been called back and this happened a week ago. Really unimpressed, disappointed and will avoid having anything to do with Connells ever again!!

Becky · 16 January 2018

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

It's as bad as it is possible to be

It's as bad as it is possible to be. Just awful in every regard. Do not give them your card details, no matter what they tell you to get the money out of you. I cannot believe they can still operate when they behave in such an appalling manner. All their properties are advertised elsewhere, so if you see their name against a property, just keep on looking and find a proper agent to rent through.

Carter · 30 March 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Absolutely avoid like the plague

Absolutely avoid like the plague! From start to finish, I have never in my experience dealt with such uncouth, absurd and depressingly unprofessional agents. At the beginning of the sale, there was an air of niceness: when I was first shown the property, everything seemed OK. All questions were clarified and answered, brochures were given and information was made available. Or so I thought...The second I offered my selling price, I was immediately hounded for solicitor details. As a first time buyer, the process of buying was incredibly new to me and so I was very miffed at this strange pressure that I was facing. Then for a short while, everything seemed OK...surveys took place, the solicitors completed all the paperwork and the vendor and I (at the time) managed to secure a solid relationship to ease the stressful nature and process of buying...All of a sudden came the day of exchange and completion. This is where things went utterly wrong and woeful. The agent that had initially shown me the property uttered depraved slander about me to my Mother (who had collected the keys on my behalf) which utterly infuriated me. But worst of all was the management. Never have I had to deal with so many lies. It's actually laughable. After nearly 4 weeks after exchange, the "for sale" sign is still outside my door. I have contractors coming in to start work and that to me just spells absolutely disastrous customer service. Throughput this whole process, it has been a trainwreck and a nightmare. The process of buying is never easy and you need an agent that can soothe and ease all your concerns. That has absolutely not been the case for me whatsoever. If there is any final advice I can give to anyone, it's this: run. Run as far away as possible because this estate agent will just use and abuse. Take it from me, if you see a property you like, do not buy through them.

Bhavna · 24 December 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Getting your deposit back is a struggle

11 days after the landlord instructed them to release the deposit with no deductions, I'm still waiting. Apparently they're having IT issues and can't send an email to some team for them to release the funds. Asked what the complaints procedure was and they refused to provide it. Stay clear if you're looking for a rental property. 75% 1 star reviews says it all....

Charl · 26 July 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Look at the star rating...

Look at the star rating... it says so much From the moment I moved in, stains and filth were missed off the inventory and it took them 3 week (post moving in), to take an accurate description of the condition of the flat, baring in mind neighbours had warned me of underhand tactics The lettings management team don’t respond to correspondence, they took 17 weeks to fix a minor issue and then they’re now delaying on further more significant repairs and issuesAvoid at all costs

Jay · 11 December 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Skipton North Yorkshire Under valuing property trying to drive down house prices

Our business buys old run down properties, refurbishes the whole property then sells at the average value given from 3 local estate agents. Connell's were commissioned by the buyer to carry out a valuation and full survey. The survey came back with no problems but the surveyor then decided to undervalue the property by 40k. When we asked him to explain why, even though next door had sold for a higher price and had not been refurbished he would not discuss it with us and simply said its none of your business even though he had put an end to a 360k purchase. So if you have a Mr JOHN BENTLEY booked to come to your property to Survey / value your house then I suggest you cancel and ask for another company to carry out the valuation (which by law you are entitled to do) or you may as well wave goodbye to the sale. Its got to the point that if local estate agents hear he's been appointed by the lender then they cancel his appointment and ask Connells to appoint a different surveyor. Connells by law have no option but to appoint another surveyor from another company at the sellers request or buyers.

Lee · 3 December 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

We didn't appoint Connells and sold our …

We didn't appoint Connells and sold our house through another agent. Despite having sold the house in May and despite telling them that we have sold the house and no longer own it on numerous occasions, they continue to email and phone me and harass me and ask me if they can help me sell it. I have reported them to ARLA and TPOS and will report them to the Information Commissioner for misuse of personal data. Will never use Connells and would advise others to avoid using them in light of this appalling experience.

Laura · 9 November 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Caution should be taken if you end up in Connells

This review is based on my experience with the Weymouth branch. They are only interested in taking your money, nothing more nothing less! I have to say - and it's not often I name names - Tara in the lettings department is an outright liar and deceitful person. Unecessarily causes friction through lying and telling both parties two different stories to up her sales figures. A real shame because at the time she came across as a pleasant and knowledgeable young lady, she turned out to be quite nasty and underhanded in the way she manipulated all concerned. I wouldn't recommend connells to anybody, as a landlord or tenant. Seek your rental properties elsewhere because it will cost you stupid amounts and you will pay premium prices for rentals. Steer particularly clear of the Weymouth branch, not even worth walking through the door

Doyathink · 26 October 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

I rented a flat from these people and was charged £440 in fees before I moved in and to my horror it was a disgusting filthy mess. It took me 2 days to clean it properly and it had to be thoroughly decorated throughout. The previous tenant also left a load of garbage behind which I had to pay the council £69 to come and remove because it was too big to put in the normal bin (old pots and pans and large pieces of wood) etc. To add insult to injury it wasn't long before I discovered I had a skanky drug dealer living below me so you can imagine the riff raff and scum bags coming in and out all hours of the day and night and they used to piss in plastic bottles and put them in my bin dirty bastards. It also took about 3 months for them to pay my deposit back and I had to raise a dispute with TDS in the end to get it back because every time I contacted them about it I would get fobbed off time and time again with tha same old story, so my recommendation is that I would never rent a property with these people ever again.

Sarah · 24 October 2017

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Contacted Connells as recommended by a friend who recently sold thier house. Was promptly greeted by Davi... was very enthusiastic and passionate to get my house on the market and sold, gave me the confidence to go through Connells rather than the other non responsive estate agents I called. Davi got the property marketed in no time, was impressed how he captured every detail of the property... makes the difference! As a result, the property was sold in no time above (over 5k) what I was originally expecting. Strongly recommend Connells, Davi goes that extra mile! Thanks again :)

J · 24 October 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Bad attitude, disgusted by all staff!!! You would think that they would know how to treat customers??? But no davey the lister bullied me into putting my house on the market telling me I had several buyers??? 3 months later no one even bothered to call me regarding viewings were are these buyers?? That I was promised?? As soon as I signed my contract I heard nothing from them!!! It's not the first time they have done this, my cousin was treated the same way!!! Jess who works there shocking tried to ask her what is going on and nothing no call backs I am always calling them!!!! Branch manager not even bothered with my concerns PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT USE, ITS ALL LIES!!!!

Kaye · 24 October 2017

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I was recommended to Davi at Connells through a friend who had marketed her property through him a few months ago. I found Davi to be very responsive and enthusiastic about putting my property on the market. He was realistic about the pricing and the likely time frame for a sale. Most of all I found him to be approachable and honest unlike other valuers/agents in the industry. My property was sold for over the asking price in the end and I'm grateful to Connells (Davi in particular) for making that happen.

Jindy · 24 October 2017

★★★★★ 2/5

Google

2 stars because Sam from repairs is lovely bless her (id give her 5 stars but this is for the whole of Connells so only did 2 stars) house is ok , landlord is below par.. when renting I was under the impression that I would not deal with the land lord at all and all repairs go though Connells but that's not the case .. the land lord sends who he likes and half the time they are not qualified :/ we got told we can rent for as long as we like but we are being evicted after 1 year even though every thing is paid for on time and we are good tenants. wouldn't rent from them again the fees are high and I expected more for my money

Ginnie · 24 October 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Connells Letting Agents

DO NOT use this company. Their referencing process is poor and minimal. In my experience, they lack knowledge and training around landlord/tenancy law and seem to have little capacity to access professional advice about these issues. Their focus is to ensure a steady stream of income rather than offering an expected level of professional integrity. As a result, mistakes are made. As a landlord, this has caused me a good deal of emotional and material distress. There are some good letting agents out there and I reiterate, AVOID this organisation at all costs.

Anne · 23 October 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Connells waste of space

If I could give a lower score I would. They give it all the big potatoes that they are better then anyone else when in fact they just want to take your money and run for the hills hiding behind emails and answer phones. I have reported a problem in the property we are renting and todate nothing, we have no water in the property and are getting no help at all from connells so called support services. If you are reading this think twice before parting with your money totall useless waste of time happy to allow people to struggle and suffer

Karl · 20 October 2017