Every review we hold for the Cricklade office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotAwful awful awful renting experience
Awful awful awful renting experience, avoid at all costs!
First of all, the moving in and referencing process was an absolute nightmare.
Then when we moved in to the property the fridge wasn't working, there was no hot water coming out of the shower, the extraction fan was broken and still really greasy, holes in the floorboards, tiles missing, door handles hanging off, none of the lightbulbs worked, oven was filthy, and belongings from previous tenants still left in the draws. Although they are adamant it had been 'professionally cleaned'.
They forced me to sign the inventory before they had even given me the keys. I was told I had 7 days to let them know if anything didn't match the inventory, which I did. However upon moving out, I found out that the issues I raised hadn't been recorded and therefore a substantial sum has been taken out of our deposit. So I have had no choice but to pay for their administrative errors, despite us leaving the house in a much better state than it was in when we moved in.
When we speak to them on the phone, they tend to be agreeable with our issues (where there is no paper trail), but then their actions don't align.
During our tenancy, we received an email to say they are putting the rent up by £100 per month "in line with market value" as per their lettings manager's recommendation, despite it already being the most expensive property of this type in the area. We asked for an explanation and justification for this, but were never given one. It is our opinion that they wanted us to move out, so that they could profit from charging the landlord all the tenancy fees to get some new tenants in there.
When we moved out and they had to provide references to our new lettings company, they missed out a lot of context in the information they provided, which caused lots of issues for us. This is depsite us checking with them what information would be passed over and them assuring us that it would all be fine - again it was all over the phone, so no paper trail which is convenient for them!
If you are renting with them, I would urge you to get written confirmation of everything. Do not trust any conversation you have with them that isn't recorded.
I have spoke to other people who have had similar experiences with McFarlane as well. They do not have the tenants best interest in mind whatsoever, only their own.
Hthomas · 14 May 2024
Agent replied · 16 May 2024
Hannah,
Thank you for taking the time to write a review although I am surprised by the content.
We do take feedback very seriously and use this to improve our services to all of our clients. However, I do think that the points you have raised do require further examination and comment.
You mention that when you applied for the property the referencing process was an absolute nightmare. The referencing is undertaken by a third party independent referencing company, not McFarlane. The vast majority of tenants do not have any issues with the process, however, if you cannot supply all of the requested documentation or there is a negative issue with one or more of your references this can delay the process.
You were asked to sign as having received the inventory prior to moving in to the property. You were also advised that you had 7 days to make any observations in relation to the property and annotate these on the inventory. After 7 days the inventory is closed and locked. You did not make any amendments to the inventory at all.
You did email us almost a week after moving in to the property to advise of some issues you had with the property and requested that we investigate and resolve these. To give this some context, you contacted us at 1.29pm, we then spoke with the landlord and instructed the contractor at 1.50pm, you were then emailed at 2.24pm with an update on which contractors would be attending.
When the engineer came out to look at the issue with the shower, despite you previously agreeing that they could use the management set of keys for access, they could not get in to the property as you had dropped the latch on the inner door, so this appointment had to be re-booked.
You mention in your review that when you moved out of the property the issues you had raised on move in had not been recorded and a substantial sum had been taken from your deposit. As stated previously, although you were given 7 days to update your inventory on move in you did not make one amendment. There were several issue raised on your move out report, but the landlord agreed to undertake these works at his own expense and not charge you. The only deduction made against your deposit was for the property to be cleaned. As the property was professionally cleaned prior to you moving in, this is not an unreasonable request. You also mention that you had no choice but to pay for our errors. As stated, all that we have made a claim for is the cleaning of the property. You were advised that you could appeal this with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and submit supporting evidence, but you chose not to do this.
You did receive a rent increase of 8.3% after living in the property for 15 months, considering that over this period rents have increased between 10-15% and landlords mortgages have increased in excess of 50% again I do not think this unreasonable.
Notwithstanding the above I do wish you the very best in your new home.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleChristina Hughes is an absolute asset to the Team at McFarlane Sales & Lettings. Her hard work, determination and professionalism is second to none which helps move conveyancing matters on seamlessly. It is always a pleasure working alongside Christina on our conveyancing transactions here at BLB Solicitors. Thank you!
Kayleigh · 6 March 2023
Agent replied
Thank you for your lovely review Kayleigh :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThe Sales Team at Cricklade Branch are friendly, efficient and a pleasure to deal with. Christina Hughes kept everything moving and her regular updates were very welcome. She has a really friendly and approachable attitude and is very knowledgable. Thank you team!
Sue · 6 September 2023
Agent replied · 23 February 2024
Thank you for your lovely review Sue.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI recently sold and bought a property with McFarlanes. Their professionalism, communication and attentiveness made the whole process as smooth and as painless as it could be. Many thank to all involved.
Sarah · 23 December 2025
Agent replied · 30 December 2025
Thank you Sarah, it was a pleasure.
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotThe team at McFarlane Anita Cowley is…
The team at McFarlane Anita Cowley is amazing in helping us purchase our first home together. Great service from start to until finish. The best agent to respond to buyers’ enquiries. Anita cowley seems to be very helpful and went out of her way to book a viewing for us. Very professional and knowledgeable.
Thank you for all your help.
Saravanan · 19 June 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe couldn’t be more grateful for all the support from Christina Hughes as our sales progressor whilst buying our first home. She was always just a phone call away, answering any questions we had. She also ensured a smooth and seamless …
Dan · 13 September 2025
Agent replied · 13 April 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review Dan.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleChristina Hughes was very polite, professional, courteous while dealing with our recent sale. Christina kept us fully updated & informed throughout the process.
We would highly recommend McFarlane & Christina.
Paul · 4 May 2024
Agent replied · 2 May 2024
Thank you Paul, we are proud of our Christina .........
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleChristina Hughes has been fantastic, managing a very difficult purchase, that has taken a very long time (due to lender/surveyor issues). Christina has kept everyone informed with frequent honest updates and weekly reaching out to all concerned to help this purchase go through. Thank you Christina and all at McFarlane!
P · 29 November 2022
Agent replied
Thank you for your 5* review! I will make sure your comments are passed back Christina and the rest of the Cricklade team.
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotRenters Nightmare *Avoid*
We rented a property through McFarlanes and the service was sub par.
We had mould in the downstairs bathroom for over 5yrs and their resolution was to "open a window" in the middle of winter and a cost of living crisis.
We had condensating patio doors when we moved in and this was ongoing until we left the property 6yrs later by which time their was scale and growth between the panes.
Upon leaving they expected everything in a better condition than when we moved and are currently contesting our deposit despite evidence.
They were even that lax on their side of things that they didnt have the amemded inventory on file so we had to provide it to them AGAIN.
Every inspection we had over the past 6yrs we passed but now we are being treated extremely poorly.
I emplore renters to avoid this agency at all costs because you will not get a good deal.
Mike · 30 June 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThe estate agent was great, extremely helpful and professional service, especially Christina Hughes who worked tirelessly to ensure that all parties involved were on tracks and following up on queries. Buying a house can be a very stressful process however McFarlene were there to assist us at each stage.
Stephen · 29 November 2022
Agent replied
Thank you for the 5* review Stephen!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMy thanks to all at McFarlane. Tim thank you for all your help throughout the prolonged process. But Christina you were a marvel - when you needed to you nudged, you cajoled and you pushed to get all parties moving along and you did it all professionally and all with a sense of fun and a lot of laughter. This purchase was far from simple in many ways but you made the difficult bits a lot easier to work through. I'm very happy to recommend McFarlane - Keep up the great work.
Allan · 1 March 2024
Agent replied · 20 March 2024
Dear Allan, thank you very much for such a lovely review and the positive recommendation. We certainly wish you all the very best for the future.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAmazing service from McFarlane, especially from Christina who was fantastic! She went above and beyond and she was the reason why the chain managed to stay together. It wasn’t helped by another agent, I won’t say the name but give a clue, RJ, who had 5 properties in the chain and genuinely didn’t have a clue or even seem to care. It was McFarlane who chased every solicitor and property and made the move happen for 11 purchasers, we can’t thank you enough!
Rob & Amy
Amy · 23 February 2024
Agent replied · 20 March 2024
Dear Rob and Amy, thank you for your lovely review. It was our pleasure to look after you and we certainly wish you both the very best for the future.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWhat fantastic service we have had from Christina Hughes. Always helpful, nothing is too much trouble for her. She is quick to respond to phone calls and emails and always has a smile. Thank you so much x
Angela · 22 June 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThank you Christina for being so incredibly helpful in completing the purchase of our new home under very difficult circumstances.
It wouldn’t have happened without your perseverance.
Andrew and Julie Formoy
Jamie · 28 February 2024
Agent replied · 20 March 2024
Dear Andrew & Julie, thank you so much for your kind words. I do wish the both of you the very best for the future in your new home.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHighly Recommended - Christina is all over the status of sales and pushes everyone along with high energy and dedication; whilst Tim is a great sounding board providing detailed knowledge of the mkt and industry.
James · 15 November 2023
Agent replied · 23 February 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review James. I will make sure your comments are passed across to Tim & Christina.
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotGreat service from start to finish
Great service from start to finish. The best agent to respond to buyers enquiries and sellers needs, in particular Laura Jones. Thank you for all your help
Ram · 16 April 2024
Agent replied · 11 May 2024
Hi Ram, Thank you very much for your 5 star review. It really is appreciated.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleChristina Hughes was our sales progressor who went above and beyond to ensure the sale of our home was a smooth process. Christina was very friendly and professional and we appreciate her help and would defiantly use McFarlane's again in the future.
Hannah · 17 March 2023
Agent replied · 20 April 2023
Thank you for your lovely review Hannah, I will make sure your comments are passed back to Christina.
★★★★★ 5/5
Trustpilot5 Stars
We had the pleasure of Tracy Ockley looking after our file and she was incredibly helpful from start to finish, always quick to reply, and so approachable. She handled everything in our file with such care and professionalism, making the whole process feel smooth and stress free. We’re truly grateful for her support and would highly recommend her to anyone :)
Jenna · 26 November 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleSuch a great service from McFarland. Christina kept us informed every step of the way and answered any questions we had and put out minds at rest being first time buyers. Highly recommended
Danny · 27 April 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMcFarlanes are amazing, in particular Christina Hughes. When a problem arose while they were dealing with the sale of my flat both Christina and her manager sorted the issue for me by getting a local tradesman to deal with the problem on my behalf. Nothing is too much trouble for Christina, she contacts me regularly to let me know how the sale is progressing which is above and beyond anything I could ever ask for. I think the level of customer service offered to me has been exceptional, far better than I’ve ever received by any other company. I just wish there were more than 5 stars because Christina deserves more than that. First class, professional, friendly, exceptionally fantastic member of your team. Please pass on my thanks to her. Many thanks, Melvyn Mortimer.PositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism
Melvyn · 21 July 2022
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotStay Clear
This Agency is awful, passive agressive behaviour, trespassing and a lot of manipulation involved, not to mention the fake reviews they have from bots on sites such as Google.Quick side note to the previous reviews mentioning to lock your doors, don't, just change the locks, they have spare keys but only use them when it's convenient, they are sneaky as they can get.
Matt · 17 December 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleChristina Hughes of the Cricklade Branch was very friendly and communicated in a timely manor when any concerns arose and had ideas on how to resolve any issues effectively.
DADOF · 30 January 2024
Agent replied · 23 February 2024
Thank you for your review, I will be sure to pass your comments across to Christina.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleChristina Hughes assisted with getting a difficult sale through the finishing line. Christina has such a positive approach and attitude, was consistently on top of things and always happy and ready to help! 6 stars out of 5 :D
Daniela · 12 August 2025
Agent replied · 13 April 2026
Hi Daniela, thank you for the 6 star review :)
★★★★★ 5/5
Google10/10 to the Cricklade team! Tim, Bradley and Christina did a superb job in marketing our property and helping us find our buyers. We really appreciated their friendly manner and professionalism. Christina was particularly great in providing us with regular, cheery updates! THANK YOU ALL!
Steve · 30 October 2022
Agent replied
Thank you for your lovely review Steve, I will make sure your feedback gets back to our Cricklade team.
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