Trusted Agent profile · Colchester
★★★★★
426 reviews across 2 platforms
Aston House 57-59 Crouch Street, Colchester, CO3 3EY
Boydens's office in Colchester, at Aston House 57-59 Crouch Street, is rated 4.4 out of 5 across 426 reviews on two platforms, including 401 Google reviews rated 4.6. It won Gold in The Trusted Agent 2026 awards, one of two awards Boydens won in 2026.
The Trusted Agent 2026 results for Boydens, ranked against 18,569 UK estate agent offices. Each award is assessed separately from the review sites.
Every review we hold for the Colchester office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
5/5
TrustpilotGreat Customer focused service
I rented from Boydens for ten years + They were always going the extra step for me and supporting my needs with my landlord. Patricia was particularly outstanding, she was consistently professional and extremely effective. The end of my tenancy was managed by Mise, who was reliable, personable and kept me informed throughout the process and also ensured my deposit was returned to me in good time. Thankyou Boydens.
5/5
GoogleAmazing service and Brian was very professional throughout the process. Highly recommend 👌 …
Thank you so much, Marc! We’re delighted to hear that you received amazing service and that Brian’s professionalism stood out throughout the process. We really appreciate your recommendation! … More
5/5
GoogleSam has been great to deal with - friendly, professional, approachable and efficient. Thanks Sam!
Thank you so much, Rachel! We’re delighted to hear that Sam was friendly, professional, and efficient throughout your experience. He’ll be really pleased to read your kind words. Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review! … More
5/5
GoogleFrom the minute we called to book a viewing Ryan has been accommodating and professional. We were quite nervous as we were leaving a house we have lived in for many years but all our questions were answered and we felt brave enough to take the plunge. Really excited to move into our new home!
Hi Sarah and thank you for your review and feedback. We are very excited about your move and glad we could help you with this.
5/5
GoogleThe service at Boydens is all that you are looking for. I met Debbie Pasque and she was just so amazing, they are not about wasting any time, they gave me their word and I currently live in a home by Boydens and I am so happy with this property and the after service too. Thank you Debbie you are one in a mil, and I mean it. Boydens is different , give them a call it's all straightforward.
Dear Vivian, Thank you so very much for taking the time to review our services. We work hard to please and so we are delighted to read that we succeeded on this occasion. Your comments have already been passed on to Debbie and she is delighted too. Thank you once again. Best Wishes, Paul Howe Boydens
5/5
GoogleBrian of Boydens has been relentless by providing us the quality service that we urgently needed during this stressful moment. His presentation on the day of the viewing was comprehensive and rich with professionalism. Both me and the Mrs were so impressed with him. And we successfully managed to find the suitable house which we were looking for. Thanks Brian and Boydens for all your dedication and support.
Thank you so very much for your fantastic review - Brian and his team are delighted with your kind words. Please do recommend us to family and friends, and thank you once more for leaving us this review. All the best, Paul Howe Boydens
5/5
GoogleRenting a property with Boyden has been a smooth and easy process. The team was responsive and handled everything quickly, making our experience hassle-free. Our overall experience with Boyden has been really good, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a property in Colchester. Special thanks to Brian P, who has been a great help throughout the entire process.
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that your rental experience with Boydens was smooth and hassle-free. It’s great to know that our team, especially Brian, was able to assist you effectively. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and if you ever need anything in the future, we’ll be here to help. Enjoy your new home in Colchester! Best Wishes, Paul Howe Boydens
5/5
GoogleOutstanding Service from Boydens Colchester Branch, Especially Brian Purvis Working with Boydens Colchester Branch, particularly Brian Purvis, was an absolute pleasure. Brian's professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication made the renting process smooth and stress-free. He provided valuable guidance, personalized attention, and ensured our interests were protected throughout. I highly recommend Boydens and Brian for anyone seeking an exceptional renting experience. Thank you, Brian, and the Boydens team, for your outstanding service!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to review us. Brian will be delighted! All the best, Paul Howe Boydens
5/5
GoogleBoydens have supported us over the last two years through probate of my Mum's estate to the sale of the family home this last month - throughout it all they have been professional, proactive, supportive and excellent at what they do. Even when we were undecisive as a family as to what to do with the home, the support was there from Philip and the team - patiently guiding us through the steps. From the administrative support team to the Sales Progression team to the senior management of the company you feel as if you are in very safe & professional hands. I would highly recommend Boydens to anyone.
Thank you so very much for this Zelda. Reviews and recommendations from happy clients are so important to us, and we all thank you most sincerely for your kind words and support. All the best, Paul Howe
1/5
GoogleBorden’s are profiteering from peoples misery. They charge nearly twice what most block management firms would do. For example the average annual UK management fee is £1500 and £2k in London. For a pretty normal block in Colchester they charge in excess of £2,500 per flat. The level of service is also substandard. In the past year the lift has been broken more times than it’s worked, they’ve locked us all out with poor quality new locks where they’ve tried to save cash and ripped us off for a paint job that wasn’t required! This has reduced the residents values of their homes considerably and made them practically unsellable. Avoid this firm they are the definition of corporate greed! *EDIT* I have read the response below from Boydens and wish to update and explain for any person reading this review. Yes you have contacted me, that much is true. I declined the offer as your explanations are frankly ridiculous. For example: "we were not aware at that point that Putin was due to invade Ukraine. " This was the reason you gave for a a 36.85% increase in the service charge which is well above the UK national rise of 8%. My source was an article produced by The Times newspaper which are pretty reliable, but you may choose to not recognise them. I have also spoken with a number of other providers of block services, they have helpfully provided comprehensive examples of similar properties (including lifts!) in Colchester which are far below your prices. I will be happy to send these over! The painting was un-necessary when it was priced at several thousand pounds for the interior of a small building. I would not agree about the standard as the carpets still have paint on them but I digress. Multiple local estate agents have commented about the flat now being unsellable because of your fee's, I have also had buyers back out purely because of this. You were aware of the issues with the locks, residents complained because we could not access our homes at all until it was rectified. You also failed to adequately address that your staff are parking daily in our residents car park without permits, you then lied about what kind of permits you had forgetting you had told me previously you had an "exemption list". Please stop with the dishonesty. Again, avoid this company.
Dear Mr Kedar, We are very disappointed to receive your review. I have personally contacted you directly since reading your comments and explained in detail over email why your service charge is at its current level. I have also advised that I am either willing to visit you on site or alternatively, you are welcome to come to our office and I will run through the charges in detail with you. We have absolutely nothing to hide and we are happy to be completely transparent with you and any other leaseholders who feel a meeting would be beneficial. Unfortunately, you have declined my offer. On that basis, I have attempted to run through your concerns over email without resolution on this occasion. We do not recognise the service charge averages you have quoted. Over the past few years, the Pandemic, the cost of living crisis / rate of inflation and the change in fire regulations has pushed service charge levels up more substantially than in previous years. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the water charges are billed to your block as a whole through the Service Charge. This puts nearly £500 on the Service Charge every year which would not be there if each flat was billed directly by the supplier. Your block also has a lift which pushes the service charge up considerably. Not only is there an annual maintenance cost involved, but the cost of running the lift from an electricity point of view is high. There is a lift telephone line for breakdowns, statutory lift insurance and we also collect money in the lift reserve so that funds are available for when the lift either needs “modernising” or replacing in the next few years. This is proactive property management which should prevent a large bill being passed on to leaseholders in the future for this asset. It is also not true to say that the painting was unnecessary. The Freeholder is obliged to decorate the building under the terms of the Lease which you signed when you purchased the property. As it had not been done for at least 5 years, it was due. The decorators completed the work to a very high standard and we have received positive feedback from residents overall. With regard to the new locks, these were not cheap, they are special security locks which are suited. We were not aware you were having an issue with it. We will check with our communal key and should you require a replacement copy, we can arrange this for you without issue. We do not agree that a £2,500 service charge per annum would have made a city centre flat which has allocated parking and a lift unsellable. Our sales team have sold other flats in the local area with service charges at similar levels or above. The market in general is tough at the moment and properties are not moving as easily as they would have done a year ago. As previously advised in this response and my emails, the offer to come to our office to discuss the points you have raised is there. Yours sincerely, Alex Kane, Head of Leasehold & Estate Management
5/5
GoogleWhile seeking a new property with in the Colchester area I have had the pleasure of dealing with Brian Purvis & Dessie Pasque. Brian made what can be a stressful experience very manageable & did so with an understanding that went above & beyond. I would recommend Boydens Estate Agents to anyone looking to rent or buy.
Thank you so much for your review Antony - our team are delighted with your words and are so glad we were able to assist you. Thank you for reviewing us. Best Wishes, Paul Howe Boydens
5/5
GoogleSophie was amazing keeping me updated through my sale I was a very nervous and called a lot and she was always happy to help and reassured me. Couldn’t recommended Sophie enough .
Thank you so much, Gemma! We’re thrilled to hear that Sophie was able to support and reassure you throughout your sale. It’s wonderful to know that her updates and guidance helped make the process easier for you. Your recommendation means a lot, and we’re delighted you had such a positive experience with Boydens! Best regards, The Boydens Team
5/5
GoogleLandlords Compliancy Health Check this morning with Brian Purvis Branch Manager Boydens Crouch Street. Brian was great he was very knowledgeable with everything lettings and answered all my questions. I came away happy and fully advised of all the extra lettings services avaliable to me and knowing that I'm doing everything correctly. Thanks Brian !! Highly reccomend Boydens. -
Dear Dawn, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a positive review! We're thrilled to hear that Brian provided you with the knowledge and support you needed during the Landlords Compliancy Health Check. Our team is always here to ensure you feel confident and fully informed about our lettings services. We'll make sure to pass on your kind words to Brian. Thank you again for recommending Boydens, we’re always here to help! Best Wishes, Paul Howe Boydens
1/5
GoogleI mean where do I start with this place, I unfortunately have had to cross paths with this company in all aspects. As a director of a right to manage, to house purchasing every single run In is so unprofessional and out right diabolical, how they still operate blows my mind. Staff member Internally creating fraudulent companies, conflict of interests with disputes, completely ignoring maintenance requests on a lease holding for over a year. ignoring formal notice that they're maintenance team have damaged property as to then not pay for the damage. Vile members of staff that speak in a way of they cant be bothered with enquiries. Illegally not informing sellers of offers increases on their homes. Illegally enforcing best and final offer without consent of the homeowner when it's a totally optional service, therefore losing the homeowner tens of thousands of pounds on their property, just to get the property off their books to falsely make targets look good. Across the years I've literally had to deal with it all and then they're totally shocked to find out I won't lease my property through them. My advice is to stay as far away as possible from this business as they are the most sneakiest Ill practiced company I've ever had to deal with as a business and as "customer"
Thank you for your email and for sharing your concerns with us. We take all feedback seriously and always aim to provide clarity where we can. With regard to the best and final offers process, I would like to reassure you that this decision was made at the direct request of the property owner. As their appointed agent, it is our duty to act in accordance with their instructions. In this case, they asked us to invite best and final offers, and as such, we extended this invitation to all interested parties, including yourself. Regarding the matters you have raised concerning fictitious companies, maintenance issues, and other disputes, we currently have no understanding or knowledge of these specific situations. However, we are committed to ensuring transparency and professionalism. If you would like us to look into these concerns further, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss them in more detail. Please do get in touch with us directly and provide any supporting information you may have so that we can investigate appropriately. We are always striving to provide a high standard of service and would like the opportunity to better understand and address any specific issues you have encountered. Kind regards Paul Buck Director
5/5
GoogleIn finding us a place to live we found them efficient and personal, particularly Brian and Debbie. They both made us feel cared for as people rather than simply prospective tenants.
Hi Alexander Smith, we appreciate your honest review.
1/5
TrustpilotLive with RATS and DON'T COMPLAIN!!
We rented a house through Boydens and shortly after we moved in, we heard RATS moving through the wall cavities and in the loft. My young child had to put up with rat noises in the bedroom wall next to him, crawling and scratching. Bait was put down and nothing further investigated. They refused to do anything further. We had to tolerate DEAD RATS ROTTING in the wall cavities and loft and told to put up with it. The smell was unbearable. Yet after repeatedly asking for an investigation, we were instead given an EVICTION NOTICE and the excuse was "property needed for maintenance". Of course, once myself, my husband and my young child were kicked out on the streets for daring to complain, the house was promptly re-let to some other unsuspecting victim! All of this was orchestrated by a woman called CAROLE ROBERTS. She personally did her utmost to get us kicked out and succeeded. BEWARE! Carole is nasty, rude and abusive. She has no morals and is totally ruthless. Just what Boydens is all about so she fits right in. When we complained to Boydens about her, they closed ranks - no shock there of course. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
Dear Emma and Lee, Thank you for your review. I note that you vacated the property back in December 2017 so am a little surprised by your recent review. I am also surprised that you have decided to make such allegations when you have been instructed by the local police to not involve yourself with any of my staff or our company following your unacceptable threating and bully like behaviour. This review will be ignored as is not a review of our service but rather a continuation of your threatening behaviour which has been forwarded once again to the local police to action. Yous sincerely, Paul Buck Director of Sales & Lettings Boydens
5/5
GoogleI have worked with Paul at Boydens for two years now as the company has kindly sponsored our School Summer Fetes. The friendly communication and professionalism has meant the organisation of the board designs, set up and removing of the advertising boards from our various supporters properties has been well executed. Roll on next year! Thank you for your support Boydens.
Thank you so much for your kind words Alison!
5/5
GoogleI have had a really positive experience of renting my first property out through Boydens.Debbie has been helpful and friendly throughout, communication has been excellent I have been kept well informed via email with every step of the rental process. Information has been clear and concise, I would definitely recommend the Boydens team !
Dear Donna, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your experience renting out your first property with us has been so positive. It’s great to know that Debbie’s support and the team’s communication kept you well-informed throughout the process. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to assisting you whenever you need us in the future. Thank you again for choosing Boydens! Best Wishes, Paul Howe Boydens
5/5
GoogleMorning Philip Further to our recent conversation, I would just like to put in writing how happy I am with the way Boydens handled the sale of Flat 5 St. James Court to a successful conclusion. I would like to especially mention Sophie Huckle who did a great job in chasing the different parties and importantly always keeping me informed of the progress on a regular basis either by email or by phone in a friendly and efficient way. It helped always knowing what was going on. Many thanks it was appreciated. Also my thanks to Lucy Kirby who, when I needed to contact the office, always responded to my query quickly, efficiently and in a friendly manner. When a business does a good job I think it is always important to let them know it is appreciated and I would have no hesitation in recommending Boydens to others. Kind Regards Keith Wright
Dear Keith, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. As you say, when a business does a good job, it is a wonderful thing to be thanked for the hard work and I will ensure your thanks are passed on to the whole team, and especially Sophie and Lucy. Thank you once again. Best Wishes, Paul Howe Boydens
5/5
GoogleI am quite delighted with the experience of dealing with BOYDENS when getting an apartment for rentage in Colchester. Boydens was quite patient with me, as I had lots of technicalities I needed to understand since I was relatively new in the UK, and didn't understand many terms of contract, but all my worries and questions where professionally attended to. Thanks to Mr Brian for his unique friendly approach. I will strongly recommend BOYDENS to anyone who wishes to have an interesting experience when looking for accommodation. Thanks Samuel Olaka and Chidinma Olaka.
Thank you for your kind review and we all wish you all the very best in your new home!
1/5
TrustpilotBe very careful if renting through…
Be very careful if renting through these guys they will try everything to keep your deposit !!! Luckily for us we actually got in contact with the home owner who actually agreed with us and we received it back.They mumble on about landlord protection how about look after your amazing tenants!!! Last resort and you have to rent through these take pictures of everything single thing and be prepared to lose your deposit.Out of all the estate agents we have rented through over the years this one has been the worst by far. Hope you guys can avoid kind of what everyone else has said really I can imagine the only positive reviews are the guys that's maybe sold a property through them .
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear about your experience and appreciate the opportunity to respond. Please note that as a letting agent, we act on behalf of our landlord clients and take instruction from them throughout the tenancy process, including matters relating to the return of deposits. We are not a party to the tenancy agreement, and therefore must follow the landlord's instructions in accordance with the tenancy terms and legal framework in place. Regarding your comment on deposit returns: all tenancy deposits are handled in line with government legislation and are protected by an approved tenancy deposit protection scheme. Where disputes arise, these are resolved through an impartial adjudication process managed by the deposit scheme to ensure fairness for both landlords and tenants. We would also like to clarify that our positive reviews come from a wide range of clients, including tenants, landlords, buyers, and sellers, who have valued our service across the board. We are proud of the relationships we build and the standards we uphold, and we take all feedback seriously to continually improve. We wish you all the best moving forward. Kind regards, The Boydens Team
5/5
GoogleThrough what has been an unexpectedly protracted house sale and flat purchase Gemma has been unfailingly approachable, supportive and reassuring. My brother and I are very grateful to her and Natalie for going above and beyond for us and because of them we have no hesitation in recommending Boydens.
Dear Rosemary, Thank you for such a thoughtful review. We're so pleased to hear that Gemma and Natalie were able to support and reassure you throughout what sounds like a challenging process. It's wonderful to know their efforts made a difference, and we’re grateful for your recommendation. Wishing you all the best in your new home!
5/5
GoogleWe have been using Boydens in Colchester for a no of years now. They are always incredibly professional and take so much care and consideration in all aspects of our business dealings with them. Debbie in Lettings is incredible, we trust her completely and nothing is too much trouble for her. We couldn’t recommend Boydens highly enough.
Thank you so very much for your kind review. Debbie is delighted with your comments and we thank you for taking the time to pass on your feedback. Please do recommend us to family and friends, and thank you once more. All the best, Paul Howe Boydens
5/5
GoogleIv had a great experience with Boydens Colchester from start to end,I meet a man Brian Purvis who helped me from looking at property to going through every detail,all paperwork and reviewing was all made easy ,couldn't of ask for better well done Brian big pat on the back from me ,I will know where to come in future Friendly and positive throughout the whole process Big thank you Brian for arranging everything Kind regards Debbie Hurley
Dear Debbie, Thank you so very much for your kind review - Brian and the team will be delighted to hear this and your comments will be passed back to them. Thank you once more, and all the very best to you. Best Wishes, Paul Howe Boydens
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.
Boydens's Colchester office has 426 reviews across two platforms: 401 on Google, 25 on Trustpilot (across the whole business).
Boydens Colchester is rated 4.4 out of 5 across all 426 reviews, and 4.6 out of 5 on Google from 401 reviews.
Yes. In The Trusted Agent 2026 awards: Boydens, Colchester won Gold; Boydens, Kelvedon won Trusted Agent.
Boydens Colchester, Aston House 57-59 Crouch Street, Colchester, CO3 3EY.
