Connells Emersons Green reviews in Downend

★★★★★ 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

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Excellent Estate Agent. My advisor was Gabby Protheroe. Very professional and friendly, carried out great viewings. Very easy to talk to. I'd definitely recommend Gabby and Connells Estate Agent, Emersons Green Bristol. A very good team as I also dealt with Daisy and Giuseppe

Vicki · 11 June 2026

★★★★★ 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

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

The worst estate agent I have ever…

The worst estate agent I have ever used. If your looking to rent avoid them, once your in the property expect no help from them. If you have issues that require resolution with the property, they will not give you any assistance. We had several issues and everytime we wanted assistance nothing, they are always not reachable on phone or they never call back when they say they would. 4 weeks since we moved out and still have no received our deposit. (All accounts in order BTW) So be warned if you are a tenant, avoid!

Hamed · 11 August 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Fantastic agency with high standards and great communication. Gabby was great with keeping me in the loop. 100% recommend.

Jake · 17 March 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Another gazumping incident

Placed a purchase offer on of their properties listed in Cambourne, Cambridge as a first time buyer. * On offer date, they didn’t take the property off the market due to waiting for mortgage approval, and got fake assurances (from Robert - Cambourne office) of no other offers will be taken * I then presented bank statements to proof deposit readiness and agreement in principle from 2 banks. And yet not taken off the market * 2 weeks later presented underwriter’s approval and yet the property was mot marked as sold STC * Finally presented mortgage offer with an expiry date in 4 months time by the bank. And asked when would they take it off the market. A day later they called apologizing for accepting another offer due to the seller wanting to complete beyond that time During all this time, they were lying about not accepting offers. Plus they ignored my questions throughout the process about length of the chain and expected completion timeline. I highly advise to avoid their listings. They might charge less than a market average selling fee but this attracts many low quality listings, by unserious sellers, of high chances of failure. In this whole process, I’ve lost bank, solicitors, and surveyors fees. Advice to readers, only place offers with a condition to take it off the market, and agree on preliminary timelines beforehand. And for your peace of mind, avoid Connells.

Mohamed · 31 July 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

The best decision I have made while buying my first home has been to choose Mariana as my mortgage advisor. Mariana not only is a very knowledgeable and supportive advisor but she is one of the kindest people I have ever met. I had met with another advisor previously and thought I was sorted in terms of mortgage and I endlessly thank the agent who convinced me to spare an hour of my time to come to speak to Mariana and get a second opinion. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Mariana talked me through everything I should expect and educated me on all different elements of choosing your first home and mortgage. She helped me with any questions I had and we kept in touch regularly all the way through. I can’t thank her enough for all the help and support! I feel like not only did I get the perfect home for me but made a friend. Thank you!

Steph · 17 November 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

An Estate agent that is not interested in selling houses!

I called them to arrange a viewing and was told they would ring me back when a salesman was back in the office so I waited in for the afternoon and they never rang back. I called the next day told them I had waited in and didnt get an apology and was just told everyone was in a meeting. The property is listed with another agent so I just called them and arranged a viewing with them instead. Now looking at reviews on here I feel I have dodged a bullet! I would be most unhappy as a seller if I thought my agent was letting potential buyers slip away like this, especailly on a property listed with multiple agents!

Mark · 23 July 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I recently sold my house through Connells and had an outstanding experience with Charlie and the team. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication made the entire process seamless and stress-free from start to finish.

Ryan · 11 October 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Staff

Total lack of professionalism and respect for the client's time I was scheduled to view a property on Saturday at 1:00 PM. The agent made me drive to the location, then postponed it for an hour. After waiting, I was called again for a second postponement, this time citing completely implausible reasons. It is unacceptable to waste people's time and money like this. I do not recommend this agency due to their lack of seriousness.

Monica · 8 August 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

We had a fantastic experience working with Charlie at Connells Estate Agents to sell our house. Charlie's extensive knowledge of the local market and strategic marketing approach ensured our home was presented beautifully and reached a wide audience. His responsiveness and clear communication kept us informed throughout the entire process, ultimately securing a sale price that exceeded our expectations. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this journey and highly recommend connells to anyone looking to sell their home!

Jake · 11 October 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

My self and my partner have been dealing with connels for a last year ( unfortunate set of events leading us to missing out on a property ) through no fault of their own. I have to say a massive thanks to the guys there, Julie, Charlie and Mike who have been with us every step of the way and all 3 have been absolutely brilliant and worked tirelessly to get us over line of our property purchase. Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. Thank you all so much for everything and we are gutted it didn't end the way we all wanted it too. my self and jodie wish you all the best and hope to see you all soon for that pint!!

Chris · 11 October 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Terrible experience

Terrible experience. Lovely staff though. NO actual advice given. Didn't sell it but equally gave no advice about the little changes we could have made which would have helped us. The tenant left it in bad condition and we never visited the property. We relied on them to give us advice, they marketed it, conducted viewings but not once did they say - you should do x & y and this will help the sale. Persuaded us to use their auction option as 'in all the years of me working here, we've never not sold one at auction' - ours didn't sell and we had to pay £6k. We removed it, went on with another agent having done some work and then it sold straight away.

Sarah · 28 June 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

A great first time home buying experience with Mike and Charlie. Both were on hand to support with multiple viewings of the property and queries throughout the buying process. Thank you.

Ross · 11 October 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

I Am not happy with the service i…

I Am not happy with the service i received in connells kingsthorpe. The team were hard to communicate with and not pro active very arrogant and also at time very rude at times particularly the branch manager,My sale was delayed and eventually leading me to pull out because after 9 weeks after accepting an offer the buyer hadn’t even been ID verified.If you want to sell your house please avoid at all cost.

Christopher · 12 August 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

The worst letting agent I dealt with.

The worst letting agent I dealt with. The same happened to a friend of mine ! The notified an energy supply provider without telling me _after I terminated my contract with them_ to supply an empty property. The tariff was very high, I was not given a chance to chose it or to know the supplier at the time. Their communications does not excist.

N · 3 October 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Deposit Thieves

Connells managed a property which I rented for almost nine years. Whilst they were kind of adequate in managing the property and would respond reasonably quickly to any maintenance issues their behaviour when it came to return the deposit was appalling. They attempted to withold £895 of a total deposit of £1300. They claimed this was for cleaning and damage repair but I cleaned the property thoroughly before I left and nothing in the house was damaged. I raised a dispute about this with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme which was a bit of a pain to do and took quite a long time to be resolved but, ultimately, I received the full deposit back. Another friend of mine who rented through Connells had a very similar experience and didn't receive any of his deposit back. They're basically thieves and obviously view not returning the deposit as a means to make money. I would never rent anything through Connells again because of this and I'd advise people to be very, very wary because I suspect they try to do this with everyone.

R.J · 15 June 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

They are not honest they always team…

They are not honest they always team with landlord to claim money from tenants unlawfully they need to be diligent in dealing with customer , and the staff are very horrible and disrespectful if you claim money from customer unlawfully you might be happy but ut a life stigma and scam i will never recommende any one to d business with Cornell on any account.

Ese · 25 August 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

I rented a flat in front of Connells 2…

I rented a flat throughConnells 2 years ago.. After 2 years and 3 months I moved out.. I painted the whole flat, cleaned all the carpets with carpet cleaner, changed all the curtains and returned it.. I didn't do any damage.. I didn't even use a nail. But they didn't give me back even 1 penny of my deposit amount. I don't know what to do. It's been 3 years since I came to the UK. They are taking advantage of me.

Binson · 2 May 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Unfortunately I had a terrible…

Unfortunately I had a terrible experience with Connels. I was first advised to auction my house for a speedy sale. Although I did want a quick sale, they did not explain the implications in terms of fees and selling price. When I called, no one one would answer or return the call. The onus was always on me to get feedback from viewings. I changed estate agent as Connels lost a sale - they told me they gave up trying to contact the potential buyer as they didn't get through to him after a couple of attempts and they just assumed if he was still interested he would be in touch. When I changes, someone who viewed the house called the new estate agent to enquire. Obviously, they were not able to have a second viewing but explained to the new estate agent that Connels did not answer any of their questions and did not show the house properly.

Sam · 24 April 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Initial sales pitch was promising

Initial sales pitch was promising, which lead us to believe that Connells would be competent and trustworthy. What lay ahead was Rude arrogant staff who lied too us , no apologies or recognition of responsibility and sarcasm on phone calls. According to sources Connells are reviewing their finances. If our experience is anything to go on it won't belong before the administrator is in.

Robert · 15 August 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Gabriella at Connells was excellent in recommending properties for us to view including going out of their way to recommend new properties they had available and was also very friendly, kind and knowledgable at the viewing. These recommendations found us the right house for us that were now moving forward with!

Kieran · 17 March 2026