Connells Chelmsford reviews

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We have recently completed the purchase of a house in Chelmsford through the I Am Sold auction process, and would like to thank Debby Black and Connells team for their outstanding support throughout the transaction. I cant thank Debby enough as she was instrumental in negotiating the sale , and from than on she was even more amazing. Debby was proactive,responsive and extremely helpful from our first viewing throughout the completion. Her communication was excellent, keeping us informed at every stage and helping to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently. The whole team provided a professional service that made the buying process much less stressful. We are delighted with our new house and not hesitate to recommend Debby and Connells to anyone looking to buy a property. You won't have any regrets.

Amber · 26 September 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Absolutely terrible experience with…

Absolutely terrible experience with Connells. Their communication and customer service have been extremely disappointing. They are quick enough to deal with you when they want something, but when you actually need help, suddenly nobody is available. I have tried calling the number provided to me multiple times, and nobody answers the phone. I have also sent emails and received no response, despite this being extremely important and time-sensitive. Today is supposed to be my move-in day, and I still haven’t been properly contacted about the key handover. This is completely unacceptable and incredibly stressful, especially when you have arranged everything around an agreed move-in date. If you expect tenants to pay money and complete paperwork on time, the least you can do is answer the phone and reply to emails when they need you. Very poor communication, very poor customer service, and frankly a very irresponsible way to deal with tenants. I would not recommend Connells based on this experience.

Alan · 29 September 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Thank you so much to Nez Carey she…

Thank you so much to Nez Carey she supported me through the whole process with getting me into contact with Connell Morgages which came back the next day! to using amazing conveyancers to keeping me up to date with everything. It all taken 6 weeks. I am so greatful also to Sam who initially did the viewing from the market harbrough branch. I would recommend connels market harbrough to anyone and using their morgaage advisors.Also Joe the Morgage advisor from oadby branch.

Amandeep · 25 September 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Absolutely appalling experience

Absolutely appalling experience, avoid Connells if you value honesty and transparency. My experience with Connells has been nothing short of a nightmare. I feel completely misled, trapped, and let down from start to finish. When Jon came to value my property, he never clearly explained that by signing the paperwork I was committing myself to a 26-week sole agency agreement. Instead, I was rushed through the documents and repeatedly told it was simply their “standard procedure.” At no point was the significance of being tied exclusively to Connells for six months properly brought to my attention. If Jon had been transparent and clearly explained that I would be locked into a 26-week contract regardless of whether Connells performed or not, I would never have signed it. Once the agreement was signed, the service was incredibly disappointing. Over the course of the agreement, Connells completely failed to sell my property. They repeatedly brought viewers who were clearly not in a genuine position to buy. Some didn’t have suitable employment contracts to obtain a mortgage, others hadn’t even sold their own properties, and many simply appeared to be wasting everyone’s time. It felt like they were more interested in increasing viewing numbers than actually finding a qualified buyer. The communication was equally poor. After almost every viewing, I had to chase Connells for feedback. Rather than keeping me informed as you would expect from a professional estate agent, I was constantly left waiting, calling and emailing just to find out what had happened. It was exhausting and incredibly frustrating. As weeks turned into months with absolutely no progress, I felt completely helpless. I had lost all confidence in Connells’ ability to sell my property, yet because of the 26-week sole agency agreement, I couldn’t simply instruct another estate agent without potentially facing financial consequences. I felt trapped in a contract with a company that was delivering little in return. To make matters worse, when I raised my concerns, Connells showed no willingness to acknowledge how the agreement had been presented to me. Instead, they simply hid behind the small print of the contract and insisted that because I had signed it, I was bound by the 26-week term. There was no accountability, no understanding, and certainly no attempt to resolve the situation fairly. Looking back, I genuinely believe the emphasis was placed on getting my signature rather than ensuring I fully understood the long-term commitment I was making. Being told something is “standard procedure” should never replace giving a customer a clear explanation of a six-month contractual obligation. The whole experience caused unnecessary stress and wasted months of valuable time during which my property could have been marketed by a more competent and proactive agent. If you’re considering using Connells, my advice is simple: be extremely careful. Read every single word of the agreement, ask direct questions about any sole agency period, and don’t let yourself be rushed into signing anything. Once you’ve signed, you may find yourself locked into months of poor service with very little you can do about it. I would never use Connells again and would not recommend them to anyone looking for an honest, transparent, and customer-focused estate agent. My experience was overwhelmingly negative from beginning to end.

Mohammed · 14 July 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

A particular shout out to Shellie-May and Debby who were fantastic from start to finish. They were considerably patient, honest and caring, but evidently real subject matter experts. Very safe hands!

Annie · 26 September 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Staff at Chelmsford branch kept me advised throughout the whole process of selling my mothers property from advising me to forthcoming viewings to liaising with both mine and the purchasers solicitors for the final sale. Thank you to Jack, Dean and Jason for keeping me informed and being very professional, polite & courteous. Would have no reservations of recommending them to handle any property sales.

Mark · 19 November 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

From initial contact through to exchange of contracts Debbie Black kept us fully updated in a professional and friendly manner, answering any queries promptly and efficiently.

Mrs · 10 September 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We’ve recently bought a house through Connells Estate Agents Chelmsford and had a really positive experience. A special thanks to Jack, who was always quick to respond to our enquiries, kept in regular contact, and went the extra mile by chasing the sellers’ side on our behalf. His professionalism and consistent communication made the whole process much smoother. We’re very grateful for their support and would highly recommend Connells Chelmsford!

Мар'яна · 22 September 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Highly recommend this branch of Connells, from my first meeting with Debby Black, and throughout the sale of the house, Debby has been absolutely amazing. Debby kept in regular contact providing updates and has been understanding and supportive to my personal circumstances. Thanks Debby, you’ve made a very difficult situation easier to navigate.

Gill · 3 October 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I can honestly say my husband and I have been so happy with Connells. We have worked with both Shellie May and Debby to buy our first house and they have been extremely helpful and held our hand through every step of the way of the journey. Everyone else we have dealt with at the branch has been really lovely and I would really recommend using them to buy a property.

Bryony · 10 August 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Residential Lettings

I have been renting out my property for quite a few years through Connells Residential Lettings and Steven Hopper has been my main contact. Steve has always been very helpful with any tenant queries or problems and I can recommend Connells to any prospective landlords.

Julia · 25 September 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

From the very first interaction with Shellie-May she made it her mission to address every single one of my inquiries with precision and care. Shellie-May tirelessly searched for the perfect product tailored to my needs, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to my satisfaction. Her responsiveness was remarkable, no question was too trivial, and no request too burdensome. Throughout the entire journey of securing my mortgage, life insurance and will, I felt at ease, knowing I was in capable hands. I would highly recommend her to anyone. Your peace of mind is her priority!

Bryony · 10 May 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Just want to say a big thank you to Jack Blow for all the help he has given me in navigating buying a property, his patience must have been tried at times but he was always cheerful and nothing was too much trouble. I would recommend them every time.

Margaret · 26 October 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Not had input with estate agents side of Connells, but rather the mortgage advisor Christopher Smith, whose knowledge of the market and mortgage products was invaluable, he helped guide us and updated us on any changes such as a new mortgage offer when the existing one pulled its product, Chris was professional, patient and kept us update on everything. Additionally it was advantages that he worked on Saturdays which is good to know if you work full time, Chris had a good rapport, non judgmental an ultimate professional in his field and an asset to Connells.

Kym · 10 October 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Avoid at all cost

Avoid at all cost! Didn't put up a for sale sign, no proactive communication, try to get you to pay extra £500 commission as an 'incentive' for them to do their job of selling your house!!! Tried getting out of the contract early which was a continued "no", but funny that as soon as the Ombudsman was mentioned they dropped us like a stone. Once the property was off the market, after 12 weeks, I was then woken up very early one morning to find a man trying to put up a for sale sign...say no more!

Mrs · 27 October 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Exellent service from the Chelmsford branch. Jak Lucy has been very professional with the house viewings as well as helpful and patient. It's easy to talk with him, and he is easy to reach out to.

Martin · 17 January 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I would highly recommend Oliver, Jack and the team at Connells. Very efficient process, purchasing a property in Maldon. From the moment I first contacted the team. I found them very supportive, communicative and helpful. Olly exceeded my expectations

Lana · 17 December 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

I have had the misfortune to experience…

I have had the misfortune to experience Connells both as a buyer and through a valuation request. In buying a house the 'agent' forgot his keys, leaving us stranded several miles from public or local transport. He'd moved onto anotyer buyer. In them being passed on to them via zoopla in trying to value our home I received 8 telephone calls, and was signed up to numbered email 'services'. What an utter shambles.No manners, no accumen, no integrity. Avoid like the plague.

Samuel · 23 September 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Lazy and amateurish

Extremely poor, lazy and amateurish. It's hard to know where to start but I suppose we should have been wary when our initial documents arrived with my name spelt wrongly. When I queried this, I was told it didn't matter. Call me old fashioned but I like my name spelt correctly - especially on legal documents!? Emails were often full of mistakes and the branch manager even told me that the 'bass rate' had been cut, 3 hours before the announcement had been made - psychic apparently.

Alan · 26 August 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

I have had the most terrible time with…

I have had the most terrible time with O’Connells. They forced me to use KeySafe, a company I found out later to be struck off by the FCA and not regulated. I am not internet savvy & found it stressful. Either that or I pay 12 months rent up front for my granddaughter. I capitulated & allowed a year’s scrutiny of my bank (twice for some reason). Six months bank statements, savings accounts, tax info, P60s, ISAs, passport, bills and more. I sent it all to them but they wanted specific documents, I did that too. They demanded it in Digital format & PDF files. I was exhausted, I told them I felt blackmailed & cohersed as I got regular Final Notice warnings that I wasn’t getting the info out quickly enough. They took umbrage & made me feel small, I apologised if I’d upset them and asked for help as my granddaughter was due to move in next week. Finally they accused me of lying that I didn’t know the internet & blocked me meaning my granddaughter will be homeless next week, I am devastated. I am only the guarantor and they treat me like this. They deny hearing any other complaint but mine, boasted O’Connels were best & biggest estate agent,

Diane · 23 August 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Shockingly poor experience across sales and lettings lack of care

My experience with Connells has been shockingly poor across both its sales and lettings services. I have serious concerns about the checks carried out when the tenants and guarantor were accepted. Within weeks information was provided to me suggesting these tenants were financially in lots of trouble and considerable debt They owe serious amounts of unpaid rent. Despite repeatedly requesting clear information and supporting documentation about the referencing process, I have still not received a satisfactory explanation or complete evidence addressing my concerns. Four months after the tenants ceased paying, still no response. Although the property was fully managed, communication and practical assistance throughout the tenancy have been extremely poor. I have frequently had to chase for information and action, and I have been left with little confidence that an appropriate level of care and oversight was given to the management of the property. It wasn’t until recently I was told they did not even have a spare set of keys! The property was also intended to remain marketed for sale, but this did not happen. Connells has since suggested that I agreed to discontinue the marketing, referring to an email exchange that I have asked them to provide. At the time of writing, I have not been given the specific email that they say records my agreement, and the explanation surrounding this remains unclear, despite multiple emails requesting proof, they hide behind access to data taking over 3 months. The complaints process has also been confusing, slow and protracted. Instead of receiving clear answers to specific questions, I have repeatedly encountered delays or responses that do not directly address the points raised. Totally dismissive and not intersted in improving their service or agent training. This review reflects my own experience and the information made available to me so far. Overall, I have found the communication, management and handling of my concerns profoundly disappointing. Even written so CEO department but couldn’t appear less proactive always suggesting go to ombudsman rather than seeming at all sympathetic.

Customer · 28 August 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

I would give them -5 if the option is there

I am writing this review to warn other landlords about the severe negligence, hidden fees, and lack of professionalism I experienced with Connells' full management service. • Misleading Terms: Before signing, I explicitly asked the agent if there were any extra fees, as I was about to travel. I was assured in writing and verbally that there were none. This was false. Connells immediately began demanding unexpected fees. • Dishonest Communication: Staff regularly agree to terms over the phone and later deny the conversation. Furthermore, they deliberately ignored my written email stating I did not wish to renew the agreement. This delay forced me into the May 4-month Section 8 notice period, and Connells then demanded a fee just to issue the letter. • Total Lack of Property Care: Despite paying for full management, my property was returned in an absolute state of disaster. The brand-new oven was burnt, the microwave was broken, hair and dirt were left inside the fridge, and cigarette butts were scattered throughout. • Property Damage & Theft: The front and back gardens were left completely overgrown. The tenants gained access to my private shed (only agreed to store their bikes) but they used my personal belongings, and a cat ruined the brand-new carpets. • Zero Support: Connells have refused to compensate me for cleaning costs, instead demanding receipts from a year ago. They routinely ignore phone calls and take days to reply to emails. This agency does not value its customers, and their complete failure to manage my property caused me severe mental distress. I am escalating this to the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSEAT) and senior management. Landlords, stay away.

Rajaa · 18 August 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Jak was incredibly helpful, responsive, and easy to deal with. He made the entire enquiry process stress-free and a positive experience.

Lana · 17 March 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We have had a very positive experience with Connells. Communication has always been excellent and when you’re in the process of buying a house, reliable communication is key. Chris arranged our mortgage, there were hiccups (as there generally are when buying a property!) along the way but Chris handled everything with care, diligence and efficiency. We highly recommend Chris as a mortgage broker. Many thanks, Nicola and Adam

Nicola · 10 October 2024