Every review we hold for the Bournemouth office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHighly recommend Whites Estates/Bill Atherton Sales & Lettings. We purchased a house through Lee and he was fantastic from start to finish. The viewings were not rushed, Lee spent time with us showing us around and letting us get a feel for the house. He accommodated further viewings for us happily and couldn’t do enough to help us when we needed it along the way to completion. We have recommended Lee to family and friends and if we ever move again we will definitely be back in touch. Thank you Lee and the team, from The Youngers
Charlotte · 16 October 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Thank you for your 5 star review.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleClaire was so lovely when I phoned initially to get a tenant in my flat that I didn't bother ringing any other estate agents! Her professionalism and knowledge really stood out and the whole team dealt with everything to a high standard. Then when I came to sell my flat Bill was very helpful throughout the whole process, always quick to respond to my questions and making the whole experience much less stressful. Highly recommend
Lois · 16 October 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Thank you for your 5 star review.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleBill Atherton sold our property recently. From the first day until moving in, Bill showed the most dedication, professionalism and commitment and he was at the end of the phone anytime of day & made sure any queries were followed on the day. He had everything in hand, liaising with external contacts involved in the sale to make the process seemless, advising us at each step.
Our sale was looking to be more complex, but was made 100% smoother with Bill’s wealth of experience and calm, supportive manner.
Bill has a genuine passion for ensuring the best for his clients & this shines through in all he does.
I would recommend Bill Atherton at Whites Estates to anyone & everyone looking to buy or sell a property & we would certainly return in the future.
Amie · 16 October 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThankyou very much Bill and Claire for taking us through stage by stage all the buying and selling of both properties in Bournemouth. You guys have made the process very easy for us and weren't just a phone call away but also turned up in person aswell helping with forms and product info etc....
If we were to do this again hopefully we could do business for the second time and find the perfect place as we have now. Many thanks Matt and Alf.
Matthew · 16 October 2025
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleA wholly unpleasant experience having to deal with Whites as tenants in a rental property. It didn't help that they were also trying to sell the property on behalf of the landlord so were always acting in their interests, and never in ours.
We were good, professional tenants that never missed a payment, caused no trouble in 7 years and for the last 18 months had to contend with pigeons living in the roof. The noise and upset this caused us during our son's GCSE exam year was unbearable - not to mention a health hazard (confirmed by a pest controller). Because the landlord was selling the property and we were fed up with the pigeon situation we found another property to live in before we were given notice to leave. This didn't seem to please the landlord or Whites to the degree that despite thoroughly cleaning the property professionally and spending hundreds of pounds in the process, we were offered around £100 of our deposit back and this was after 2 months of chasing it after we moved out. It was claimed we did not clean the carpets, despite the landlord being at the property at the time and meeting the carpet cleaner at the time. (She subsequently phoned him up and verbally abused him but that's another story).
The stress this caused us was horrendous. Presumably a ploy to milk us for all we were worth we eventually decided to hold out and supply evidence to the company that were holding the deposit and eventually got over 50% back just after Christmas - 4 months after we had moved out.
Not once in any correspondance with my wife did Whites refer to her by her name (either a professional tactic to try and undermine and intimidate or just unbelievably rude), not once did they ever acknowledge making a mistake (such as not forwarding the landlord the cleaning receipts until 3 months later, not including attachments in emails and blaming us for not receiving them, not chasing up things at the landlord's end but pressuring us at our end). Judging by the comments by other aggrieved tenants they aren't likely to here either, just ignore the facts, never apologise and apportion blame elsewhere without taking any responsibility for their actions. It's not in their interests to admit any of this in their reply, so they won't.
Reading other reviews I note that some tenants have had a similar unpleasant experience, but unlike them we weren't going to be bullied into just accepting an unfair amount of deposit back. My wife was even advised by Whites that she did not have to be present at the check out viewing which cost us a larger part of the deposit because we were unable to challenge any of the findings. "No evidence of carpet cleaning" was one of the findings which was an outright LIE that both the landlord AND Whites knew was false. "Perhaps you should contact the carpet cleaner to ask why it wasn't cleaned" I didn't have to because I was there.
It was never in Whites' interest to be fair to us as they were not only being paid by the landlord to manage the property but as they were also selling it would've wanted to keep the landlord as happy as possible so they could gain their commission from the sale.
So if you're a tenant (funnily enough not any positive reviews from them) I would avoid.
Life isn't about how much you commission you may earn, or whether you own a house - treat people better. This process was not handled fairly at all - and you know that. We treated you with courtesy and kindness with every house viewing and property valuation you organised as well as every time you came to take photos of the property and yet the way you made my wife feel throughout this protracted process was awful.
Jamie · 16 February 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
We are disappointed to read your negative review and wish to clarify a few things. We took over management of your tenancy less than a year ago and throughout this time all maintenance issues that were reported to us were noted and investigated as quicky as possible and in line with standard procedure. Where action was required to rectify issues, this was communicated to the landlord and addressed accordingly.
With regards to the deposit, the deposit release process was carried out in accordance with deposit release regulations and legal requirements. The check out inspection was conducted by an independent third party inventory company. Their role is solely to provide an impartial report based wholy on the condition of the property at the end of the tenancy, and they report only what they observe at the time of inspection. No one has any influence on this as it must be impartial so as to remain fair to both parties.
The proposed claim and deposit deductions were submitted as a claim to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) for adjudication as agreement could not be reached in house between the tenant and landlord.
The final amount awarded to the landlord by TDS was determined by TDS after an adjudication as carried out (a full and independent review of evidence from all parties, where judgement is made based on evidence provided and funds are released directly by TDS in accordance with this). TDS works in line with property law, deposit legislation, and government guidelines. TDS’s decision represents a fair and legally compliant resolution of the claim. As managing agents, we have no authority to influence that outcome.
If you are dissatisfied with the adjudication result TDS provides a formal appeals process, you can contact them directly if you wish to dispute their process. We are aware of the funds that were awarded to you by TDS after they reviewed and took into account the evidence which you submitted in support of your claim to the deposit.
We strongly disagree with your indication that the deposit release was handled unfairly or that the outcome may have been influenced by our relationship with the landlord. We have a duty of care to our tenants which we always uphold and the same procedures apply to all tenancies, regardless of whether a property is being sold or retained.
Our obligations to act professionally and in line with legislation remain unchanged at all times.
We are sorry to hear that you felt distressed by the process, and we do acknowledge that deposit disputes can be frustrating however we do not accept the allegations you’ve made as we have only worked in line with legislation.
We do take all feedback seriously and continually review our processes to ensure fairness which were followed in this instance as they are in all cases. Given the nature of your review, we feel necessary for us to respond in order to accurately reflect the factual and legal basis on which tenancy deposit releases are managed and adjudicated. We genuinely strive to ensure that everyone who rents through us has a positive experience, and we are sincerely disappointed that this was not met in this instance. We wish you well in your new home.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMy partner and I looked at property towards the end of July and throughout the hole process of buying our first property Bill has been very helpful and reassuring. We are over the moon and would definitely recommend Whites Estates!!!
Edward · 16 October 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Thank you for your 5 star review.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe cannot thank Bill and Claire enough for assisting us with our purchase of a bungalow recently.
They were more than accommodating when it came to us requesting MULTIPLE viewings and were great at keeping us updated on the sellers responses to our questions and requests. They were brilliant and just lovely people to deal with.
We love our new family forever home. Thank you very much
Amy · 9 September 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleBill is very helpful and kind seller. I 100% recommend his services
Francesca · 16 October 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Thank you for your 5 star review.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI had originally written a 10-paragraph-long review for Whites Estates, but I think I can summarise our experience in a (slightly) more concise way. I rented a property through Whites Estates alongside two of my friends whilst at uni and the service we received was nothing short of appalling.
Without going into too much detail, throughout our tenancy our health and security was very much at risk and Whites (very begrudgingly) did the absolute bare minimum to help us. I am so shocked at the amount of positive reviews for this company as I genuinely don’t think it can get much worse than Whites Estates. I think that they prey on young people who will easily back down and cough up whatever outlandish costs they throw their way.
If you’re a landlord that doesn’t care if the property quite literally caves in on your tenants or if you just really love silverfish for some reason, then this is the agency for you! If you’re anyone else, **avoid at all costs!**
Aimee · 27 December 2024
Agent replied · 27 March 2025
We are extremely disappointed to read this negative review regarding your experience with us, especially as this is the first time we have been made aware of the dissatisfaction you’ve described.
We have reached out to clarify the points you’ve raised, and to advise that we have no record of receiving reports of the maintenance issues you’ve mentioned in your review. If you previously reported these matters, we sincerely apologize if they were not addressed. We have requested evidence of this from you RE this to allow us to investigate further, so that we can determine if/why these concerns may not have been actioned at the time. According to our records, all reported maintenance for your property was addressed and resolved promptly. We take pride in our responsiveness to issues and believe our multiple other positive reviews reflect this level of service.
As you have subsequently acknowledged not reporting all maintenance issues to us, we find the claims made in your review to be unreasonable. It is not possible for us to address concerns that were not brought to our attention, and as you are aware, tenants are obligated to report such matters. Holding us accountable for unresolved issues that were not reported does not seem fair or reflective of our efforts to provide satisfactory service as managing agents.
Throughout your tenancy, we endeavoured to deliver a high standard of service, and it is unfortunate that you feel otherwise. To address your concerns, as requested please provide any supporting evidence for the claims in your review, and we will be happy to investigate further.
Regarding the deposit deductions that you have agreed to us, and also to TDS (Tenancy deposit scheme) prior to proceeding, we have checked our records and can see evidence that you agreed to the deductions following extensive discussions regarding this. The mediation process between landlord and tenants also included a reduction of the claim amount which was initially proposed.
Just to highlight, the landlord did not claim for all works conducted at this property in the void period, and fair wear and tear was taken into account before the final claim was proposed to you. The landlord only claimed for items which could be evidenced by comparison between your ingoing inventory report and the outgoing check out report after your vacation from the property. This process is in line with the standard deposit release procedure, and supported by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
If you did not agree with the reduced claim amount, you were under no obligation to do so. We only proceeded once all parties, including yourselves, had agreed in writing, which we have a record of and you were provided with comprehensive information regarding the deposit release process, therefore we are unsure why this is being disputed now.
We genuinely strive to ensure that everyone who rents through us has a positive experience, and we are sincerely disappointed that this was not met in this instance
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleBig thank you to Bill and Claire for seeing my sale through to exchange within 10 weeks and with honest regular communication throughout which has always been extremely important to me. Very happy vendor. 👏
* * * * * …
Ian · 24 August 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleKaye and Richard george. Would just like to say what great down to earth ,accommodating and all round professional outfit whites of Bournemouth are.They looked after us (particularly Maddy)for 4years and never failed to answer any problem or query we had during our tenancy and I always got the impression they were working on our behalf unlike a lot a letting agencies who smile falsely at you then throw you out like dirty bath water .Even the owner himself took time to notify me of certain situations that arose .I couldn’t recommend them too strongly to anyone looking to rent in Bournemouth or are looking for someone to manage a house they may be thinking of renting out.
R · 19 July 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHaving been a long standing landlord with the team at Whites Estates, I can say that they are by far the best I have ever dealt with. Professional, polite and always on hand to help. Cannot recommend them enough. Well done and thank you to all of the team.
Andy · 5 August 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Thank you for your review.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleBill Atherton has been absolutely amazing. He kept everything on track and was a pleasure to deal with and to buy through. I thoroughly and unreservedly recommend.
Adam · 22 August 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWhites of Bournemouth, especially Claire Harris have been extremely helpful with helping myself and two others move into a rental property. With a short deadline to find a place and move in, the process has been extremely quick and easy, even with Christmas and NYs in between. Claire has made the process very stress free and has been very kind towards us..even with our many questions. Would happily work with her and the team again.
Aurora · 14 June 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHuge thank you to Maddy and Charley-Rae. Looked after me for the last three years. Lightning fast communication, always found great solutions whenever we had problems and operate with a professionalism and warmth which isn’t too common in property. Very grateful and I don’t think 5-stars does them justice to be honest
Samguitarguy · 28 September 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI recently sold my flat and used the services of Whites to do so. I have to say that the commitment, patience and professionalism of Bill and Claire throughout this process is something that I can thoroughly recommend. Many larger estate agents would not have given such a personal service and I shall be endorsing this company to others who will be selling their property.
William · 16 October 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
Google"Big shoutout to Charley-Rae and Maddy at Whites Estates Letting Agents! They were excellent from start to finish. Very responsive and patient, made the process easy for me. Hats off to Maddy for going an extra mile to ensure we are safe and settled. Much appreciated!!
Kundai · 29 August 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMany thanks to Claire & Bill for their help with a difficult purchase. Without their persistence the sale probably wouldn't have got over the line. Much appreciated!
Tony · 26 January 2025
★★★★★ 4/5
GoogleThanks to Maddy for the timely help. She is always reachable and friendly person. Would recommend this agency !
Suganthi · 16 April 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe have worked with Whites for several years and have been most impressed by their service. Lee and his team are always helpful, professional, quick to react and communicate - and have provided us with great support and guidance through …
Alexandra · 16 April 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleIncredible service from valuation to Completion. I have moved many times and this truly was a great experience. The fees are great value for money and kept informed from start to finish which is always wanted by sellers and buyers alike. Thank you to the team really highly recommended
Lee · 9 September 2025
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI do not trust this company. When my daughter moved into her flat she was told by the previous tenant that whites took money from them to make repairs. The repairs were not made. Then when my daughter moved out they tried to double charge her for the tenancy change. She was very ill at the time (which they knew) so I was not best pleased.
Since then she has been harangued by email to take this review down. It's an honest review Whites. Learn from it.NegativeProfessionalism
Steve · 14 June 2021
Agent replied · 13 June 2024
We are surprised to receive this negative review and would like to kindly remind you of the facts of the situation.
Firstly, you have not only been abusive and disrespectful to my staff but have indeed threatened them. Please note this behaviour will not be tolerated and this is not an acceptable way to speak to anyone, least of all the people who are trying to help you move your daughter’s request for an early release forward.
The facts remain as below;
Your daughter has asked for an early release from the tenancy. As per her Tenancy agreement, which is a legally binding contract, she is legally responsible for paying her portion of the rent until , either, the tenancy agreement comes to a natural end which currently stands a long way from now (we can confirm the date of this if required), or the tenant wishing to vacate agrees the early release procedure and pays the early release termination fee, in which your daughter has paid. For further clarification we have not asked for anyone to pay any further contributions to the rent or any additional charges so we are really unsure what you mean by the below.
How an early termination works; If a tenant wishes to leave early, we are asking that this fee is paid in order to cover costs of terminating the contract, re-advertising the property and carrying out viewings in order for us to find a replacement tenant for her (I would like to direct you to clause 3.4 of her tenancy agreement which outlines this charge, we can send this to you if required). The current tenant will be liable to pay for the rent until the new tenant is found, passed referencing and has moved into the property, only then can the tenancy agreement be amended and the new tenant added. At this point your daughter will be released from the tenancy and no further rent payments will be due. This has been advised to your daughter in writing. She has confirmed her acknowledgment of this to us in writing, via email.
Please note that as per the email from my colleague to your daughter at the start of this process, the early release fees had been reduced for your daughter as a gesture of goodwill.
We do not know where the confusion has come from, however we are more than happy to discuss on the phone with yourself or your daughter as long as the discussion remains civil. We do not come to work to be spoken to or be abused and nor does it make the process any quicker by doing so.
If you wish to move forward with the early termination, as explained above, please do let us know as at present it is unclear what you’d like to happen. If you no longer wish to move forward, the current tenant (your daughter) will be liable for their portion of the rent until the end of the contract.
With regards to the previous tenancy, not that it has any impact on your daughter’s tenancy whatsoever. The monies held back from the previous tenancy were for repair to damages caused by the previous tenants. These damages were outside normal fair wear and tear and monies were held back in line with current TDS guidelines (please also note that TDS do not stipulate that repairs are to be made immediately and allow for repairs to be made at the end of the next tenancy).
We understand that there is a lot of stress and frustration at present regarding the covid19 situation. We wish to help you and your daughter move forward and find a quick resolve. We look forward to hearing from you.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleVery pleased with the exceptional help and support provided by Maddy and the team at Whites of Bournemouth. During a recent difficult situation, the professional and committed approach of Whites of Bournemouth has been excellent and very much appreciated. I highly recommend their property management services.
Paul · 19 July 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThroughout the process Claire was fantastic and despite not getting the property I initially wanted, she helped me find another that met my needs well.
Overall the process was smooth and I felt like I had a great line of communication for any worries throughout.
Jess · 14 June 2023
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.
