Trusted Agent profile · Colchester
★★★★★
1,340 reviews across 2 platforms
42a St. Christopher Road, Colchester, CO4 0NA, CO4 0NA
William H Brown's office in Colchester, at 42a St. Christopher Road, is rated 2.4 out of 5 across 1,340 reviews on two platforms, including 146 Google reviews rated 4.7.
Every review we hold for the Colchester office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
1/5
TrustpilotCheated out of £5000. Disgrace.
We have just bought a property from them. We agreed to pay full asking price, cash, immediately, as long as it was a direct sale and did not go through the auction process. On completion, we were charged over £5000 for an Auction and Auctioneers fees which did not happen. I have to take legal action.
5/5
GoogleSam was exceptionally helpful today, I’ve been viewing houses but I must say, Sam has been the best agent I’ve ever met. Well done Sam, good job.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us your 5* review! I will make sure your comments reach our local team and Regional director. Kind regards, Lucy, Customer Relations.
5/5
GoogleThank you so much to Sam Wooldridge and his team for their professional service and support. Their responses to our requests have been quick, and we are very satisfied with their service and their willingness to do extra works for us.
Stanley Wong thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for your wonderful 5* review! Kind regards, Lucy, Customer Relations.
1/5
TrustpilotWill not return deposit
I would not recommend using this company when you need to rent/let a home while stationed at Mildenhall or Lakenheath.Yes they are great at finding you a property and at taking the rental money every month. However when it’s time for your rental deposit to be returned - it does not happen!We have been waiting for our rental deposit to be returned since January 2024 on a property that was rented in Mundford.We were told that our full deposit would be returned after we did our final walk through of the property.We still have not received the deposit. Every time we call the office we are told that the deposit is being transferred but it never happens. We have spoken to Daniel Juniper, Richard Thurston, and Aliya Vadillo. It should not be this difficult to get a deposit into our account. There has been zero follow up by this office to resolve this matter.Every time we call the office from the US our cell phone carrier charges us international rates on an average of $100 USD! It would be great if this company would take the time and spend their money to call us to confirm this has been resolved!If you are in the US military please Do Not use this company if you need to rent/let a home!!!!
5/5
GoogleThank you for the help with the house buying process from the William H Brown team. It was a long journey but with a beautiful result. I recommend ( with pleasure from Anatolii)
Thank you for your kind words. We are thrilled to hear that our team at William H Brown was able to assist you in your house buying journey and that it resulted in such a beautiful outcome. It was our pleasure to help. We appreciate your recommendation! Best wishes, Lucy, Customer Feedback and Support Team.
5/5
GoogleThank you for making the sale of my Mum’s house smooth and worry free. Sam and the team have been excellent at keeping my brother and I informed at all stages and we really appreciate this and I would recommend using the St John’s branch of WHBrown.
Katy thank you for taking the time to leave us your wonderful 5* review and recommendation. Best wishes, Lucy, Customer Relations.
1/5
TrustpilotLettings - Holderness Road Branch Hull
William H Brown's Holderness Road Branch in Hull was tasked with managing 24 apartments but failed to provide satisfactory service. The absence of a senior lettings manager and reliance on outsourced call centres in Liverpool led to poor communication and unresolved tenant issues, reflecting a lack of proactive management.After enduring eight months of inadequate service, we tried to terminate our contract, only to uncover a hidden six-month notice requirement. This lack of transparency highlighted the company's focus on securing fees rather than providing quality service or ensuring client satisfaction.This negative experience with the local branch has convinced us to cease using William H Brown and its wider group for our property management needs nationwide. It reflects the importance of carefully choosing property managers who are truly committed to serving the interests of their clients and maintaining valuable business relationships.
1/5
TrustpilotWhere do we even start...
Welwyn Garden CityWilliam H BrownWe had an issue at home with our washing machine with a fault showing on the screen. We immediately contacted our estate agent for them to send out an engineer as we were home all week so needed to use our washing machine (of course). The estate agent we were dealing with replied to say they will contact the landlord to arrange an engineer to come out to look at the washing machine.2 weeks later.. nothing. We chased this with our estate agent who we must say had NO idea what he was doing. His responses and replies were awful and unprofessional, completely unhelpful.Maybe 2 1/2 weeks later, they sent out an engineer to finally look at the machine. In this time, we needed to wash our clothes elsewhere so took them to a family member who we were very lucky to have help us - some people aren't this lucky. Where they spent a total of £112 during this lengthy time to do our washing whilst needing to do washing for their own family.The engineer spoke to the estate agent to let them know that the system needed to be replaced completely. That was another 3 weeks that went by... which meant we were without a washing machine for around a month. During the time we waited for the new machine, we chased.. and chased.. and chased.You guessed it, no reply or a very unhelpful unprofessional email.Finally - a washing machine!We thought as paying tenants of a property, we would be eligible for some sort of compensation for the fact that we had no machine for a month (must just address, white goods come under the cost of the rent and we were still paying our full rent). We kindly asked the estate agent whether we could request some deduction of the rent from the landlord.6 weeks.. yes.. 6 weeks went by and nothing.. no updates, no word of a reply from the estate agent.We were then informed the estate agent was on annual leave, so another estate agent took over. Very helpful guy and we finally saw some hope!Within less than a day the estate agent replied to let us know the landlord was not prepared to offer a single penny for the stress we went through that month with the travelling to do our washing, stresses of emails and constantly checking to see about a response.Firstly.. I have very little doubt the initial estate agent even contacted the landlord regarding this situation as the landlord replied very quickly to the second estate agent.Where do we even go from here!? We can't let them get away with this. We have been treated so poorly and unfairly by William H Brown - not to mention the other issues we had within the property regarding insulation. We have been recommended to take this further with the ombudsman but honestly, we are so tired and fed up.(It's now 15/04) I must just also mention, we've had to continuously chase them for updates regarding anything.. literally anything to do with the house, repairs, money.. anything. We have since decided to take this matter further, now we are happy and settled into our new home. Wish us luck!Please avoid or please don't let them get away with taking money and not dealing with issues in a good time. We will NEVER go with William H Brown in Welwyn Garden City again.
1/5
TrustpilotAppalling service
Appalling service after signing contract, send people that aren't even on the market to view.. never return calls, castleford staff are arrogant, and lie through their back teeth.. would never use William H Brown again and advise anyone not to use them and go with anyone but them. Put a complaint in and got more lies, end of subject.. the at te reviews they have so many one stars 😡
1/5
TrustpilotScunthorpe branch of William H Browns…
Scunthorpe branch of William H Browns were absolutely diabolical. House was up for sale with them for 5 months .They did not respond to any of my e mails voicing my concerns at the lack of customer service and the length of time it took people to be able to get a viewing (2 weeks ) by which time they had already bought other properties.They booked multiple viewers in to view the property at the same time .They did not inform me if viewers had cancelled.The whole experience was negative they appear only to be interested in selling to property developers.Once contract was up I moved to a different estate agent and the property had 3 offers and was sold within 1 day for over the asking price .
5/5
TrustpilotExcellent service
“I had the pleasure of working with Phil as my mortgage advisor, and I couldn’t be more impressed. Their expertise and professionalism guided me through every step of the mortgage process with ease. They took the time to understand my financial situation and goals, providing personalized advice and solutions tailored to my needs. Their communication was exceptional, keeping me informed and updated throughout the entire process. Thanks to their diligent work, I secured a fantastic mortgage rate that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Phil to anyone in need of expert mortgage advice.” Belinda
5/5
GoogleJon and Sam were brilliant helping us to sell our property. We had some difficult times with 2 buyers and both throwing up obstacles along the way. They were both very professional throughout
Many thanks Claire Warren for the great 5* review and your kind words. Best wishes, Lucy, Customer Relations.
1/5
TrustpilotOur experience with WH Brown Rentals…
Our experience with WH Brown Rentals was shocking. Upon taking a rental property under the managed scheme, like many tenants, we faced maintenance issues. For example, we lived in a property with an oil boiler. One morning, we awoke to find an issue. Despite informing WH Brown that we used oil, they repeatedly sent gas engineers, eventually stating, "We can't fix it; sort it out yourself." After obtaining the landlord's contact information, it took three days to resolve the issue, leaving us without a boiler during winter. When we requested a hotel due to WH Brown's refusal to address the problem and having young children, we were told, "Sort it yourself; we don't offer that. It's not our problem."Other reported issues weren't addressed under the management scheme, leading us to contact the landlord directly, who addressed them but requested we not report him to the council due to WH Brown's ignorance. When deciding to leave the house, the situation worsened.Upon contacting WH Brown, they told our new agent we were in contract and wouldn't be moving. After challenging this, they acknowledged our break clause. Regarding referencing, they claimed 2-3 weeks, which our new agent and the referencing agency found unacceptable, prompting an alternative approach due to WH Brown being labeled as "the most difficult agent I have ever dealt with for absolutely no reason."Despite three emails, we received the final account balance four weeks later from a company associated with WH Brown. The amount requested was incorrect, and when questioned, they refused to provide clarification. We paid the verified amount as per our contract through a solicitor.During checkout, we returned the keys, receiving the checkout report seven days later, conducted four days before we received a copy. WH Brown absolved themselves, stating another company handles the deposit. Ten days later, with no information, we've threatened legal action for deposit recovery. WH Brown, when contacted, cited busyness and non-responsiveness to emails. The checkout report showed photographed parcels, which we arranged to have collected by a neighbor. However, they were removed without permission, and we've reported this to the police as theft from WH Brown.I've never experienced such shocking service from an agent, and it seems we may need to take legal action to recover our deposit. I strongly advise anyone considering renting with WH Brown to think twice. This review is based on a genuinely terrible experience, and we will continue to fight to get our money back, regardless of the legal implications.
5/5
GoogleMy collaboration with the agency was excellent throughout the whole process of selling my house. Had a great communication with everyone involved and the job was done with great professionalism. I was very happy with the whole experience and I highly recommend them.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that your experience with us was excellent and that our team was able to provide great communication and professionalism. We appreciate your recommendation. Best wishes, Lucy, Customer Feedback and Support Team.
5/5
GoogleJon from William H Brown has assisted me in smooth completion of my property purchase in Colchester (@Ipswitch Road). The whole team of W.H Brown, especially Jon were very prompt in answering my queries and pro-acive in providing me the updates. Big thumbs up to the team of W.H Brown @St John, Colchester. I have also opted for Ashleigh (Inhouse mortgage advisor) for my mortgage application. She had ensured I get the best deal, despite my stay was short in the UK(Just 1.5 years). She had also guided me in choosing best insurance as per my requirements. I highly recommend Ashliegh, if you are looking for best mortgage advise services.
5/5
GoogleWilliam H Brown were the agents used by our seller when we bought recently. I looked at a few houses through them and dealt with Sam. He was not pushy or constantly calling as some agents do (which I am not a fan of!). Once we decided on a property, Sam kept us up to date every step of the way, without me needing to prompt him. All questions were answered quickly, and I'm just all round really happy dealing with them! Thank you so much Sam and team!
1/5
TrustpilotDo not recommend renting with WHBrown
I don't usually leave reviews but the horrific experience I had renting a property with William H Brown warrants letting others know how this company functions. From start to finish things were conducted haphazardly - no exit inventory was done when the tenant before me left and the inventory they did prior to me moving in was extremely inaccurate. When I moved in I found rodent faeces, mould, and general grime throughout the house. A couple of weeks after moving in, the shower was leaking badly through to the ceiling below, next to an electrical fixture. It took nearly 8 months to get them to sort it. At the end of my tenancy, the landlord made claims on the deposit for a number of inaccurate reasons, including damage left by the contractors they hired to finally do the repairs on the shower. Throughout my tenancy, getting through to the property manager with "Sequence" was difficult. I was often told they would call me back and never did. All in all they do not seem to have the best interests of tenants in mind and do a poor job of mediating with unresponsive landlords. I will not ever rent from them again and would never recommend anyone else to do so either.
5/5
TrustpilotGood renting experience with…
Good renting experience with Williamhbrown. Special thanks to Matthew Wolff for his efforts and following up the process throughout.
5/5
TrustpilotMany thanks Matthew Wolf for your…
Many thanks Matthew Wolf for your assistance. The service you provided made the renting process much easier and smoother.
5/5
TrustpilotI have not yet completed but my…
I have not yet completed but my experience so far has been plain sailing. All the team have been really helpful especially Olivia who carried out the valuation who was very sensitive to my personal situation . I also needed help with some paperwork and Olivia took the time to come and sit with me. Would definitely recommend their services.
5/5
TrustpilotSwaffham - Aston 10/10
Aston at the Swaffham branch was fantastic. He made us feel really comfortable and answered all the questions we had. As first time buyers it can be all very overwhelming at times however Aston made the process very simple. 10/10. Also Tony and Emily at the Swaffham branch are great. All very friendly and they are there for you across your house buying journey.
5/5
GooglePerfect first-time buying experience. Ashleigh Sinclair was our consultant, always keeping in touch, updating and giving us advices. Many thanks to Ashleigh and William H Brown for your help.
Thank you Robert for taking the time to share your experience and for your wonderful 5* review! Kind regards, Lucy, Customer Relations.
1/5
TrustpilotI found a rental property online and…
I found a rental property online and asked for a viewing. The property was located over 100 miles from my residence and as a consequence of this the employee said that they had a recent video of the property, she sent it to me and it looked amazing so I put in an offer. Contracts were exchanged and then on the day of moving the agency contacted me to inform me that the cooker had been condemned and had to be removed from the property and that the landlord was now refusing to buy a cooker and that they were not required to provide one. As you can appreciate at this stage I was very upset, however the agents said they would get back to the landlord to see if she would change her mind. The contracts had already been exchanged and the landlord was refusing to honour her side of the agreement on the moving day when the arrangements had been made and I had moved out of my current home. I would not use this company at all they have no common decency and to add salt to the wound I have to take them to court to get my money back for the E first months rent and deposit because they think that I should be held to the fixed term contract and be liable for paying the rent nevertheless! Do not trust this company!!!
1/5
TrustpilotKEEP AWAY
if you are looking to sell your home in Ely Cambs, look elsewhere, the manage goes by the name of Charlotte, they are the most iniffecient Estate agents i have met in 60 years of buying and selling real estate
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.
William H Brown's Colchester office has 1,340 reviews across two platforms: 146 on Google, 1,194 on Trustpilot (across the whole business).
William H Brown Colchester St Johns is rated 2.4 out of 5 across all 1,340 reviews, and 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 146 reviews.
William H Brown Colchester St Johns, 42a St. Christopher Road, Colchester, CO4 0NA, CO4 0NA.
