Every review we hold for the Bootle office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThey went above and beyond, and I really couldn’t have asked for more. I recently purchased a property that was advertised through Whitegates and they kept me updated every step of the way, quite often that meant daily. I dealt mainly with James (who deserves a shout out all of his own!) and Emma and Lewis were also working alongside him and giving me updates. The communication between the three of them was extremely impressive and every time I spoke to them on the phone they had a lovely manner and ensured me that nothing was too much trouble. The bar has been set high by this branch, and they deserve to be commended for their wonderful attitude and work ethic. Thank you!
Emma · 30 March 2020
Agent replied
Thankyou Emma for that lovely review! I have passed your comments onto the team and hopefully we will see you soon!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI would highly recommend Whitegates to anyone looking for an estate agent. We dealt with James Lacken and he was fantastic from start to finish. He was so helpful and went above and beyond for us during the sale of our house. He really put our mind at ease and made everything so simple for us. Thanks so much to James and all the team.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Rosemary · 20 July 2022
Agent replied
Thankyou Rosemary! I have passed your comments onto the team!
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleAbsolutely shocked at the lack of communication from the Whitegates.
As a first time buyer I was looking for properties in the area and had been contacted by Whitegates after initially registering my interest. I eventually found a property listed with them that I wanted to view and so called to arrange this. I was given an approximate time that was subject to change due to the fact that the property was tenanted, however did not receive a confirmation of this or the address via email.
The evening before the viewing I called to check my appointment and request details via email and was assured that I would get this, however this did not happen. Luckily I knew the area and was still able to find the property. The agent with whom I had dealt with on previous communication, was late to the viewing. I made an offer over the phone and asked to receive confirmation of this by email and also to check to ensure they did have the correct email address for me as I had not gotten his previous emails (assuming he had sent them), he assured me that he would call me as soon as he got back to the office. That was the last I heard....
Not only did he not call to check my email address but I never heard what happened to my offer. I can guess that it was not accepted, however this is something you'd expect to hear about rather than being left to guess. I called the office to get some closure however I was told he was not in the office and that he would call me back. Sufficed to say I never got his call.
Quite frankly it's taken the enjoyment out of house hunting and it makes you feel as though you're not appreciated.
Claire · 20 April 2019
Agent replied
Hi Claire,
Firstly I just want to apologise that you have felt a lack of communication with Whitegates, I have checked the system and cant seem to find you on our Whitegates Sefton branch? Are you sure it was this branch you have been dealing with?
One of our promises to all customers here at Whitegates Sefton is our customer service is second to none and it really disappoints me that you have had this lack of service. Would you be able to give me a call on 01512030325 to discuss?
Kind Regards
James Lacken
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleAbsolutely shocked at the lack of communication from the Whitegates. As a first time buyer I was looking for properties in the area and had been contacted by Whitegates after initially registering my interest. I eventually found a property listed with them that I wanted to view and so called to arrange this. I was given an approximate time that was subject to change due to the fact that the property was tenanted, however did not receive a confirmation of this or the address via email. The evening before the viewing I called to check my appointment and request details via email and was assured that I would get this, however this did not happen. Luckily I knew the area and was still able to find the property. The agent with whom I had dealt with on previous communication, was late to the viewing. I made an offer over the phone and asked to receive confirmation of this by email and also to check to ensure they did have the correct email address for me as I had not gotten his previous emails (assuming he had sent them), he assured me that he would call me as soon as he got back to the office. That was the last I heard.... Not only did he not call to check my email address but I never heard what happened to my offer. I can guess that it was not accepted, however this is something you'd expect to hear about rather than being left to guess. I called the office to get some closure however I was told he was not in the office and that he would call me back. Sufficed to say I never got his call. Quite frankly it's taken the enjoyment out of house hunting and it makes you feel as though you're not appreciated.
Claire · 31 March 2019
Agent replied
Hi Claire, Firstly I just want to apologise that you have felt a lack of communication with Whitegates, I have checked the system and cant seem to find you on our Whitegates Sefton branch? Are you sure it was this branch you have been dealing with? One of our promises to all customers here at Whitegates Sefton is our customer service is second to none and it really disappoints me that you have had this lack of service. Would you be able to give me a call on 01512030325 to discuss? Kind Regards James Lacken
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleAwful Experience.! Spoke to Tom who needs to learn how to speak to customer, Rude and condescending, speaks over you. would suggest Training is needed. will not be buying any houses from Whitegates again.
Jan · 6 September 2024
Agent replied · 7 September 2024
Hi Jan,
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been left feeling this way. I’ve tried to reach out but haven’t heard back. I understand that Tom explained our policy, which requires clients to be actively on the market to view properties. This is a common approach in UK estate agencies, as many sellers prefer to show their properties only to clients who are in a position to proceed.
For our sellers, it can be frustrating to prepare for a viewing if there’s no realistic prospect of an offer or a timely sale. Whitegates is the market leader in the areas you’re considering, and we’d regret if one conversation changed your perception of us.
If you’d like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at 0151 203 0235 or email me at james.lacken@whitegates.co.uk. Wishing you all the best with your property search.
Kind regards,
James Lacken
Branch Manager
★★★★★ 4/5
GoogleOverall a good experience and my particular thanks to Tom who effectively ran point on the sale and remained professional throughout. Communication at times was a bit difficult but you also need to consider this against the back drop of a very busy estate agents (understandibly so!) who are working hard to satisy the wants and needs of all their customers.
Carl · 29 November 2022
Agent replied
Hi Carl,
Thankyou for your review! I have passed your comments onto the sales team!
Kind Regards
James Lacken
Branch Manager
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotI recently sold my house with…
I recently sold my house with Whitegates and they were professional and helpful throughout the whole process. I mostly dealt with James and Tom who were both lovely and very supportive. I never had an issue getting through when I needed to speak to them, and they always called back when I left messages. There was always someone to answer the phone, often in fact it was James himself, which I think is rare for a manager to be so hands on but I think it just shows how invested he is. Overall a great experience and I would highly recommend them.
Sue · 15 November 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotHouse sold
My mum has recently sold her house through Whitegates Estate Agents in Bootle. We dealt with James who we cannot praise enough for his knowledge and experience, he was warm and polite and kept us in the loop every step of the way. James also answered any questions that we had so we understood the process and were left reassured. I cannot recommend this company highly enough and should I decide to sell my property I will definitely be calling upon James at Whitegates.
Linda · 15 November 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleJames and the team have gone above and beyond supporting our property sale. Given our circumstances they have been kind, clear and considerate in all their communications to progress our sale.
Michael · 15 October 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWhitegates made buying my first home a fantastic experience from beginning to end. The team were always helpful, responsive and professional, making the whole process easy and hassle-free. I really appreciated their excellent communication and would definitely recommend them to family and friends.
Sarah · 22 July 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleJames and his staff have been excellent. James viewed my property and told me that he would expect to get a buyer for it within 3 weeks at £x amount which was more than I was expecting. . Everything he said happened. We are now at conveyancing stage so fingers crossed it all goes through ok. Shout out for Megan and Tom who have managed the sales negotiations and viewings and kept me fully informed.
James · 1 October 2024
Agent replied · 7 December 2024
Thankyou for your 5* review, I have passed your comments onto the sales team!
Lydia
Customer Success Team
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotJust sold 4 houses with James from…
Just sold 4 houses with James from Whitegates Bootle and found him to be very friendly, professional and knowledgeable and very pro-active. He basically had buyers within a week to 10 days of going on the market higher than the asking price. When it’s time for me to sell some more I will be giving him a call as his expertise and professionalism is second to none. Once again thank to James and his team
Ian · 15 November 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAbsolute amazing service from whitegates, especially James, Christian and Megan. How they kept their cool with my relentless worrying and stressing. Highly recommend 👌 …
Dawn · 23 October 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotWhitegates Sefton
We are using Whitegates Sefton to sell or property James came out and gave us an honest quote that represented the property. He was very friendly and knowledgeable esp about the are were I live, and was confident we would get a sale. 2 months down the line and we did. We are now in the process of dealing with solicitors etc. Thanks to James and the team who were so helpful.
LR · 17 November 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDealt with Tom throughout the purchase of my first property. Really assured
me on may things throughout the process an whole process it was made a lot longer with issues with my own sols but could not fault Tom in anyway.
Josh · 24 October 2023
Agent replied · 19 December 2023
Hi Josh!
Thankyou for your kind words! I will pass this across to Tom in our sales team!
Thanks
James Lacken
Associate Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI use Whitegates to manage my rental properties, they are efficient, professional & always quick to answer any queries I have.
None of my properties are empty as they find me tenants with ease.
Michelle is friendly & always at hand to help.
Thank you Whitegates for helping me progress my property portfolio.PositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism, Value
Pam · 29 June 2022
Agent replied
Hi Pam, Thankyou for your review. I have passed over your comments to Michelle & the team
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotComplicated sale…
I used Whitegates to sell my parents home, which was traumatic and complicated. Our conveyancers (separate company) were not the best and we had countless issues. The team at Whitegates were always available, helpful and did their best to make this sale happen as quickly as possible. James, the manager, often went out of his way to help, you couldn't ask for a nicer person. Thank You James and the team.
Sharon · 15 November 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWhitegates offer a fantastic service to its customers. I sold my property with them a few years ago and the experience was seamless. If I needed to speak to anyone I receive an immediate response. The team are polite, transparent and professional at all times. I wouldn’t hesitate to use their service if I was selling my property again.
I also asked for paperwork regarding another matter, which was unrelated to my previous sale. James (Manager) assisted me and there was no cost for this information. To say I’m pleased is an understatement. Thanks Whitegates for providing an outstanding service 😃
Sharon · 12 July 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleBrilliant communication and support from the team at Whitegates. My Solicitors were not the best at communicating with me so I always emailed/called Emma or Lewis and they always got back to me with answers the same day!! They would contact the sellers and ask them everything I needed to know and I always had answers. Extremely professional and helpful!! Definitely would recommend!!
Danielle · 20 November 2020
Agent replied
Thankyou Danielle! I have passed your comments onto the sales team!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHaving purchased a few properties through Whitegates in Bootle, I must say, James Lacken who heads up the sales team there in Bootle is amazing and has made the purchases stress free and straight forward. James couldn't do enough and was always on hand to answer my questions, in/out of business hours too. Top bloke too. Thank you.
Wesley · 14 November 2021
Agent replied · 7 April 2023
Hi Wes!
Thankyou for your 5* Review!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI bought the house I just sold with Whitegates over 10 years ago. I now live overseas so it was easier for me to use someone I’d had a positive experience with before. I phoned on the off chance and spoke with Tom Simpson. I was up front with him straight away and told him I did not want any b***s*it. I lived overseas so I did not want any hassle. Tom gave a really fair and realistic valuation of the house. I had about 15 viewings within about 2-3 weeks. And I got a realistic offer within about 3 weeks. Unfortunately through absolutely no fault ofTom/Whitegates the sale took the best part of six months. During this time Tom- and I think the manager- James literally could not have done anything more. Tom especially kept me up to date every day/week or whatever it took and I knew he felt as frustrated as I did with the lack of professionalism and contact from the solicitor. About 3/4 moths ago the buyers brought up an issue with the roof. Tom went to the property the day the roofers were there and sent me pics on WhatsApp which I really appreciated. Could not fault Tom at all. When he was on days off James Lacken stepped up and kept me up to date. Throughout this transaction - which took probably 2-3 months longer than it should have. I would never have known this, too. Remained professional, courteous and completely upbeat through Highly recommended
Gill · 29 January 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleGreat experience with whitegates from start to finish ,James is so kind and friendly the best out there and very honest
Julie · 15 October 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleUsed Whitegates Bootle recently for the sale of my house. James and the team made the whole process from start to finish effortless. They were on the ball and kept me updated throughout. Would Highly recommend this estate agents to anyone considering any property transactions. Very satisfied customer.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Scott · 20 July 2022
Agent replied
Hi Scott! Thankyou for your review I have passed your comments onto the team.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI only really dealt with Tom but the lad was spot on keeping me updated with everything that was going on chasing things for me he got the job spot on and got my first home for me and my son really appreciate thanks buddy
Steven · 20 February 2023
Agent replied · 9 August 2023
Hi Steven! Thankyou for your lovely review! I have passed this onto the team for you! - Thanks, James Lacken
Where the same review appears twice we show it once. We leave out reviews that name another agent or another of the brand's offices.