Every review we hold for the Durham City office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 4/5
GoogleDowens managed my rental property and Caroline was always very professional, very knowledgable and quick to respond to any questions. I then sold the same property through Dowens. The sale was quick, without any problems and managed well by Jodi. If I have a criticism, it would only be the initial carelessness with the sales brochure. I asked for certain things to be mentioned in the details, and most of them weren't. This was put right, but maybe a little more attention to detail in the written particulars would go a long way.
Clive · 10 April 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Clive,
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a review and for your kind words.
We’re delighted to hear that you had a positive experience with both our Lettings and Sales teams. Caroline and Jodi will be pleased to know their professionalism, knowledge, and responsiveness made the process smooth for you.
We also really appreciate your honest feedback regarding the sales brochure. This has been noted, and we agree that attention to detail in written particulars is essential. Your comments help us improve, and we’ll be using this feedback to refine our processes as we work towards a 5‑star experience every time.
Thank you again for choosing Dowens, and we wish you all the very best going forward.
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI am extremely thankful to all the staff at Dowens. This was a very emotional journey for me as I was so attached to my home, but the team were incredibly supportive throughout the whole process.
Jonathan was especially helpful and guided me through putting the house on the market, including taking some amazing photos of my home. They were very hands-on and professional, which made everything feel much easier.
Helen was very hands-on and professional throughout, and made the entire experience smooth and straightforward. It was a bit of a whirlwind as the house sold within just two days, it was full on in the beginning however Helen kept me fully informed at all times.
I’m so grateful that Dowens found the perfect buyers for my beautiful home. Thank you again to the whole team for your help and support.
Michelle · 16 March 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Michelle,
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5‑star review. We’re truly grateful for your kind words.
It means a great deal to us that, during what was understandably an emotional journey for you, you felt supported and well looked after by the team. Jonathan will be delighted to hear your feedback about his guidance and the photography, and we’re so pleased he helped make the process feel that little bit easier.
Helen will also be thrilled to know how much you appreciated her professionalism and communication, especially during those whirlwind early days when your home sold so quickly.
We’re honoured to have helped you through this transition and to have found the right buyers for your beautiful home. Thank you once again for placing your trust in Dowen, and we wish you all the very best for your next chapter.
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDowens is the best estate agent by far, Jodi and Barbara were so professional, they kept me updated all the way when selling my property, they sold it very quickly at the price I wanted. I have dealt with other estate agents in the past 'Robinsons' who were quite the opposite to Dowens (say no more). I cannot recomend Dowens highly enough, excellent service from start to finish 5* +
Diane · 16 March 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Diane,
Thank you so much for your fantastic 5‑star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We’re delighted to hear that your experience with Dowens was such a positive one. Jodi and Barbara will be thrilled with your kind words, they take great pride in keeping clients informed and making the selling process as smooth as possible.
It’s wonderful to know we achieved the price you wanted and that the sale moved quickly for you. Your recommendation truly means a lot to us.
Thank you again for choosing Dowens, we’re always here if you need anything in the future! 🌟
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe cannot recommend Dowens highly enough, their professionalism is second to none, their dedication and commitment to their clients is just outstanding. We let a house with them and they are just fabulous, super customer service, friendly knowledgeable and very professional. If you want to buy or let a property we cannot recommend them more highly. We wouldn’t go anywhere else!
Edina · 16 March 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Sharon,
Thank you so much for your fantastic 5‑star review! 🌟
We’re absolutely delighted to hear how happy you’ve been with your experience at Dowens.
Our team works incredibly hard to deliver the highest levels of service, so your comments about our professionalism, knowledge, and dedication mean a great deal to us. Knowing you wouldn’t go anywhere else is the greatest compliment we could receive.
Thank you again for trusting us to look after your property, we truly appreciate it and look forward to continuing to support you in the future.
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDowen Estate Agents were superb all the way through ... from the initial phone call with Barbara to put my house on the market, upto my pending final completion. They kept me up-to-date all the way through the process (especially Jodi). Always very polite and friendly, and put me at ease with any worries I may have had
Thank you Dowen Estate Agents
Lee · 16 February 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Lee,
Thank you so much for your fantastic 5‑star review! 🌟
We’re delighted to hear that your experience with Dowen Estate Agents has been superb from start to finish. Barbara, Jodi, and the whole team will be thrilled to know their hard work made the process smooth and reassuring for you.
Keeping you informed, easing any worries, and providing friendly, professional service is exactly what we strive for, so it’s wonderful to know we achieved that for you.
Thank you again for choosing Dowen Estate Agents, and we wish you all the very best with your completion and your next chapter! 🏡💛
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI’ve worked with Dowen Letting Agency in Durham for quite some time now and can honestly say they’re fantastic to deal with. The team are always organised, professional and easy to communicate with. A special mention to Caroline, who I get most of my work from, she’s brilliant at keeping things running smoothly and always a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend Dowen for anyone looking for a reliable, friendly agency.
Richie · 16 November 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Richie,
Thank you so much for your kind words and glowing review! We're absolutely delighted to hear that you've had such a positive experience working with the team at Dowen Letting Agency in Durham. It's always our goal to provide a professional, organised, and friendly service, so your feedback means a lot to us.
A special thank you for mentioning Caroline, she’ll be thrilled to know her efforts are appreciated and that she’s made such a great impression. We truly value your continued support and look forward to working with you for many more years to come!
Warm regards,
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWhile it’s been a long and challenging journey to get a sale on dads bungalow through to completion the support from all staff at Dowens has been amazing with a particular shout out to Barbara and Helen for their help navigating a particular sticking point between solicitors that helped get us over the line.
Nicola · 16 March 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Nicola,
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5‑star review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We truly appreciate you sharing your experience, especially after such a long and challenging journey to get the sale of your dad’s bungalow completed.
We’re delighted to hear that our team supported you throughout, and Barbara and Helen will be especially pleased to receive your kind words. They worked incredibly hard to help navigate that tricky point between solicitors, and we’re glad it helped get everything over the line.
Thank you again for your patience, trust, and positivity. We wish you and your family all the very best moving forward.
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDowens were really supportive with our purchase which wasn’t as easy as first thought, with many delays and hiccups along the way. The team at Dowens- in particular, Helen and Barbara continuously chased this for us and did everything they could to push it through for us, in contact with the sellers. Really pleased and would recommended them to anyone looking to purchase/sell in the future 🙂
Isla · 16 November 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Isla,
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We're really pleased to hear that, despite the challenges, our team was able to support you throughout your purchase. Helen and Barbara will be especially happy to know their efforts made a difference and helped push things forward. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re so glad we could help you through the process.
Warm regards,
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe used Dowen for the sale of the house. The process was completed quickly & professionally with the minimum of fuss. Barbra kept us informed of the progress of the sale and our requirements for the quick sale of the property. I'd certainly use Dowen again for any further house sales. Many thanks.
Owen · 16 January 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Owen,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that the sale process was quick and hassle-free. Barbara will be thrilled to know her efforts in keeping you informed and meeting your requirements made such a positive impact. Your trust and willingness to use us again mean a lot to us. If you ever need assistance in the future, we’ll be here to help.
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotHeike and Sophie made the process of…
Heike and Sophie made the process of finding a new tenant very straightforward. They kept me updated at every stage and were always happy to help with any queries. Their communication and support throughout the process were excellent, and I would highly recommend Dowen Surveyors & Estate Agents in Sunderland.
Mrs · 12 September 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHelen kept us informed the whole way through my mam's house sale, she contacted solicitors and the buyer on a regular basis to find out how it was progressing, it was a complicated sale with a few problems and took 7 months to go through but Helen tirelessly chased all concerned and kept me updated.
I am very happy with the service I received and would definitely recommend Dowens, especially Helen!
Joan · 15 May 2025
Agent replied · 27 May 2025
Dear Joan,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We’re delighted to hear that Helen was able to support you through what was a complex and lengthy process. She’s a true asset to our team, and your kind words mean a great deal. We really appreciate your recommendation and are so pleased we could help with your mam’s house sale.
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI was using this service to purchase a house and throughout the process, Barbara was extremely helpful and updated me whenever there was news. I recommend Dowen for their friendly and professional service. Nothing is too much of an issue and my request for information promptly replied to. Thank you.
Lee · 16 November 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Lee,
Thank you so much for your kind words and fantastic review!
We're thrilled to hear that Barbara was able to support you throughout your home-buying journey and that you found our service both friendly and professional. At Dowen, we always strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, and it's wonderful to know that your requests were promptly handled.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to assisting you again in the future. Wishing you all the best in your new home!
Warm regards,
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleTo landlords considering management services, please read:
I hadn’t initially planned to leave a review as my properties are still under management with this company, however I feel it’s important to share my experience for other landlords.
Unfortunately, my experience has been very disappointing and has raised serious concerns around both competence and compliance.
There have been multiple issues across my properties, including:
• Tenancy agreements issued with incorrect company details, and in another case no company listed at all
• A failed EICR not being resolved within the required timeframe, despite clear instruction to prioritise this
• Ongoing poor communication, where updates have to be chased and are often not followed up
These are not minor administrative errors, they have potential implications for legal enforcement, insurance validity, and regulatory compliance, all of which ultimately fall back on the landlord.
A major concern is that tenancy agreements are being executed without landlord sign-off. I was not provided with the amended agreement following a recent tenancy change and had to request it myself after rent was not paid. Upon review, I found the agreement had been issued under the wrong company entirely.
When challenged, I was informed they source details from Companies House and, because my name was linked to a company, they used that entity without verification or consultation. This is unacceptable. The company listed does not own the property and is no longer in use, which could now have serious implications for both legal proceedings and insurance cover.
To make matters worse, on another tenancy no company has been listed at all, which directly contradicts their explanation and highlights a clear lack of consistency and due diligence.
The handling of compliance has also been concerning. A failed EICR has not been resolved within the required timeframe, despite repeated instructions and follow-ups. Each time I chase, I am told it will be looked into, with little to no meaningful update. I have ultimately had to contact contractors myself to establish what is happening. This is reactive rather than proactive management, and it appears to be a recurring theme.
Additionally, if you choose to use your own contractors, be aware that they will not manage the process. You are left coordinating both tenant and tradesperson yourself, while still paying full management fees.
I have now reached the point where this arrangement no longer works for me or my tenants and have decided to move my portfolio elsewhere. I work with other managing agents across the UK who operate to a far higher standard, so I am fully aware of how this service should be delivered.
Despite the issues outlined above, I am still being held to significant exit fees per property, effectively trapping me in an agreement while not receiving the level of service required, particularly as a remote landlord.
Overall, I have been left feeling exposed and unsupported due to poor practices, lack of accountability, and inadequate management of key responsibilities.
I would strongly advise any landlord to carry out thorough due diligence and ensure they are fully confident in how compliance, documentation, and communication are handled before proceeding.
Kyle · 2 April 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Kyle,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed account of your experience. I am genuinely disappointed to read your comments and want to assure you that your concerns are being taken extremely seriously.
Both myself, as the Managing Director, and the Branch Manager are now conducting a full and thorough investigation into every point you have raised. The issues you describe, particularly around tenancy documentation, compliance management, communication standards, and contractor coordination, are not reflective of the service we expect or aim to deliver. Your feedback highlights areas that require immediate review, and we are committed to understanding exactly what has happened and why.
We will be completing a full investigation, including reviewing the handling of your tenancy agreements, compliance procedures, communication logs, and contractor arrangements. Once this is complete, we will respond to you in detail with our findings and next steps. You can expect this within 3 business days.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. We appreciate the seriousness of the concerns you’ve raised, and we are committed to addressing them properly and transparently.
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
Google"I had a fantastic experience with Dowen Estate Agents during the sale of my house. From the initial valuation done by Jonathan to completion, the team was incredibly professional and kept me updated every step of the way. They made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and straightforward. Their local market knowledge is top-notch, and they managed to secure a great result for me. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and friendly agency!".
Barry · 26 March 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Barry,
Thank you so much for your fantastic 5‑star review! 🌟
We’re delighted to hear that your experience with Dowen Estate Agents, from Jonathan’s initial valuation right through to completion, felt smooth and stress‑free. Keeping our clients informed at every stage is really important to us, so it’s great to know you felt supported throughout the process.
Your kind words about our professionalism and local market knowledge mean a lot to the whole team, and we’re thrilled to have achieved a great result for you.
Thank you again for choosing Dowen and for recommending us! Wishing you all the very best for the future. 🏡✨
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleGreat service! Buyer found straight away. Communication fantastic, kept up to date with progress of sale and any issues dealt with immediately. Great team especially Helen. Thank you 👍 …
Ann · 2 April 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Ann,
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5‑star review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a smooth experience and that your buyer was found quickly. Our team works hard to keep communication clear and consistent, so it’s great to know you felt well‑updated throughout the process.
Helen will be especially pleased with your kind words!
Thanks again for choosing us, and for taking the time to share your feedback. 👍
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI would like to share my wonderful experience with the agent Caroline who helped me find and rent a house. From the very beginning, she was kind, attentive, and incredibly responsive. She answered all my questions immediately, carefully followed every step of the process, and kept in close contact with me throughout.
Thanks to her professionalism and genuine care, everything went smoothly and stress-free. I truly felt supported at all times. I would happily work with this agency again in the future and highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a reliable and dedicated team.
Теодора · 16 March 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Teoaopa,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Caroline. She is truly dedicated to providing attentive, responsive, and supportive service, and it’s great to know her professionalism made the entire process smooth and stress‑free for you.
We’re grateful for your trust and thrilled that you felt supported every step of the way. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’d be more than happy to assist you again in the future.
Thank you once again for choosing our agency! 🌟
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe had such a great experience recently with Dowen which actually continues from the superb customer experience we received a couple of years back when a property I was looking to buy was down valued and fell through. At the time when it was so stressful the customer service I received from Down was exceptional.
Fast forward a couple of years when I was selling a property I decided to reach out to Dowen again (this was despite having paid Purple Bricks £900 previously and having the lifetime agreement with them, I know from experience you can't put a price on good service when it comes to buying/selling houses) and I wasn't disappointed.
From the valuation/ advertisement right through to sale the communication and service has been exceptional. Worth a special mention to Helen and Barbara - always friendly, informative and going above and beyond to get us the answers we were seeking. Thank you Dowen, there's no hesitation from us in wholeheartedly recommending you.
Rachel · 3 October 2024
Agent replied · 24 October 2024
Dear Rachel,
Thank you so much for your incredible 5-star review!
I am truly delighted to hear about your positive experience with Dowen Durham, both recently and a few years ago during such a stressful time. It's wonderful to know that our customer service left a lasting impression and that you trusted us again when it came time to sell your property.
Helen and Barbara will be thrilled to hear your kind words! They are dedicated to going above and beyond for our clients, and we're so glad their efforts made a difference in your journey.
Thank you for choosing Dowen again, despite having other options, and for your wholehearted recommendation. We truly value your trust and support!
Best regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI recently rented a property through Dowen and the process was quick and simple. Caroline was fab and very responsive to emails. Highly recommended thank you again.
Sarah · 16 March 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Sarah,
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5‑star review! 🌟
We’re delighted to hear that your rental experience was quick and straightforward. Caroline will be thrilled to know her responsiveness made such a positive difference.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and are glad we could help, thank you again for choosing Dowen!
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent and friendly service. Helen and Barbara were extremely helpful and as Leah’s at the end of the phone. They were aware of our ideal completion (quick) and I feel they did everything in their power to ensure it happened.
Clair · 16 November 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Clair,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that Helen, Barbara, and Leah provided such excellent support throughout your sale. It's great to know the team’s communication and dedication helped make your ideal quick completion a reality. We’re proud to have such committed staff who always go the extra mile for our clients.
Warm regards,
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAbsolutely fantastic, with a personal touch.
I’ve only dealt with two estate agents, but I have to say Dowens went above and beyond for me and my family to secure our family home.
We moved in from outside of Durham but their local knowledge and extended viewing times settled any doubts and gave us long enough at the property to come to our decision.
I’m hoping we won’t need an estate agent for a while but if we do, I know where to go.
Thanks Dowens!!
Stephen · 13 June 2024
Agent replied · 13 June 2024
Dear Stephen,
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with Dowens. It was our pleasure to assist you and your family in finding your perfect home in Durham.
We understand how important it is to have local knowledge and flexible viewing times when making such a significant decision, and we're delighted that we could provide the support you needed.
Should you ever need our services again in the future, we would be more than happy to help. Enjoy your new home, and thank you once again for choosing Dowens!
Best regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
4o
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAmazing experience. I would like to say a big thank you to Barbara, who was amazing throughout the process and was so helpful. As a first time buyer, Barbara provided me with all the help and information I needed, making this process as stress free as possible. Thank you 🤍🤍 …
Piper · 16 July 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Piper,
Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear you had such a positive experience, especially as a first-time buyer. Barbara will be so pleased to know she made the process smooth and stress-free for you, she truly goes above and beyond for our clients. Congratulations on your new home, and thank you again for choosing us! 🤍
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleGreat communication, everything was sorted really fast. Caroline was massive help, happy to answer all my questions, replied immediately for emails. Cannot recommend enough.
Paulina · 16 March 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Paulina,
Thank you so much for this amazing 5‑star review! ⭐️
We’re delighted to hear that your experience was so smooth and that everything was handled quickly for you. Caroline will be thrilled to know how much her support meant, she always aims to be helpful, responsive, and reassuring throughout the process.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful you chose us. If you ever need anything in the future, we’re always here to help!
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleGreat service from Helen and the team. Collaborative and informative throughout. Looking forward to working with you again in future!
Ben · 12 April 2026
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Ben,
Thank you so much for your lovely 5‑star review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a positive experience with Helen and the team.
Providing a collaborative and informative service is something we really strive for, so it’s great to know this came through. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to working with you again in the future.
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDowen Estate Agents weren’t even our agents, they were acting on behalf of our sellers, yet the communication and support we received from them was absolutely top-notch. Barbara, in particular, was incredible. She was always on hand to help, answered every question without hesitation, and her friendly, reassuring approach kept me calm during the most stressful parts of the process.
Everyone at Dowen has been brilliant throughout. If we ever decide to move again, I’d happily use Dowen myself, and I’ll be recommending them to all of my friends and family. Highly recommended!
Ashton · 16 December 2025
Agent replied · 16 April 2026
Dear Ashton,
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re delighted to hear that Barbara and the team were able to make such a positive impact, even though we weren’t your appointed agents. Going the extra mile to support and keep things stress-free is what we aim for, so it’s wonderful to know we achieved that for you. Your kind words and recommendation mean the world to us. If you ever need us in the future, we’d be thrilled to help!
Warmest Regards
John Nicholson
Managing Director
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