Every review we hold for the Exeter office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI want to expose this company for allowing a manager to intervene out of nowhere on behalf of our landlord. Unfortunately, we rented a house in Exeter through this company. After the agreement was signed, the company informed us that they had nothing further to do with us and that they had only introduced the tenant to the landlord.
We lived in the property for 28 months, and at checkout everything was in perfect condition. When we asked the landlord to return our £1,100 deposit, he refused. As a result, we raised a dispute with the TDS and waited for the landlord to submit evidence on the TDS portal.
In the meantime, Liana Pitsakis suddenly became involved and tried to convince me to pay the landlord £295. She even threatened that white goods, which were not part of the tenancy agreement, would be included in the TDS claim.
The TDS did not accept the landlord’s claims regarding alleged damage to the property or the white goods and released £950 of the deposit back to us and £150 to the landlord. Based on this outcome, they will each receive £75 after making false accusations against us.
I do not know who hired this individual or why she involved herself in a matter that did not concern her. In my view, her actions damaged the reputation of the company she represents, all for the benefit of a landlord who may not even pay her the £75 she appeared so eager to secure.
Based on my experience, if you are a tenant looking for a property, I would strongly advise against using this company. Once you leave the property, they may side with the landlord and apply pressure that feels like blackmail to extract money from tenants.
Rashid · 14 February 2026
Agent replied · 14 April 2026
We’re sorry to hear about your experience, Minhas. Your feedback is important, and we take concerns like yours seriously. We’re committed to delivering great service and ensuring fair treatment for all tenants, we apologise that we missed the mark on this occasion. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMartyn Burnett carried out a full structural survey for us recently. We appreciated that he was happy to take on a list of areas we wanted investigating. He was also able to give us quick verbal feedback on the day of the survey in advance of the written report. The whole process was smooth and seamless and has helped given us the information we need to move forward with our purchase fully knowing what we are in for with regards to works needed. Thank you Martyn.
Maria · 14 April 2023
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Hi Maria
Thank you so much for your comments, i am glad that Martyn was able to help you with his survey service and that it was so helpful for you. All the best.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThey were all really helpful with our moving in especially Ethan Watts. Thankyou very much for all of your help and answering all of our concerns.
Ben · 14 August 2025
Agent replied · 14 April 2026
Thanks for the fantastic review, Ben! We're thrilled to hear that Ethan and the team provided you with great support during your move. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your kind words!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleEthan Watts was amazing! First time renting a property he made it so easy for me and less scary! Could not recommend him enough! Great company to work with!
To · 13 May 2025
Agent replied · 14 April 2026
Hi To yo, thank you for taking the time to write a great review and sharing your experience with the team. We appreciate the support and wish you all the best.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleWent through hell with this agent after vacating our property with the contract satisfied and all payments up to date. They decided to deduct an extortionate amount based on what they considered "damages" and "poor cleaning", including an issue we had already raised with them in the past but conveniently ignored now. They even went as far as telling us if we accepted liability for a contractor's payment, then they'd return the rest of our money. Regardless, once the contractor had their way they decided they would require payment of a further 60%!
They'll try to milk you for every penny they can. Avoid if you value your time, money, property and sanity.
Edit: In response to the quite franky insulting response that glosses over the key issues in my original review, the issues that became apparent with this agent were long after I sent the email assuming they were 'great agents'. This is just another thing conveniently ignored by this terrible company. Furthermore, we could not come to an agreement because the agent simply ignored everything we had to say, multiple points were ignored in our messages to them and the agent once didn't reply to us for 6 days, again, ignoring what we said in our original email anyway. Please note that the Tenancy Deposit Scheme made an error in the adjudication process which we raised through their complaints procedure, in which they accepted and apologised. The entire system and process of dealing with this issue was incredibly stressful, and could've been easily avoided if this agent actually had a little competence.
Jitesh · 8 July 2019
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Dear Jitesh,
It is disappointing to receive such a negative review especially as this is contrary to the email you sent to us at the end of the tenancy thanking us for being ‘great agents’
When you vacated the property issues were raised with the condition. As in line with deposit legislation, quotes were obtained for the issues. As we could not come to an agreement a dispute was raised with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and they awarded the full amount to the Landlord. Deposit protection came into force in April 2007 to protect tenants from Landlords making unreasonable deductions from deposits.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI own a property in the same block as Mick Davies who has written the glowing review below. We appear to be having very different experiences and I’d suggest that’s because I live in the block in question full-time, in a town where the reputation of W&L’s block management division precedes it, whereas Mr Davies is a ‘property investor’ who doesn’t. He lives in Worcestershire where I understand he is an independent local councillor who has green-lighted controversial housing developments in an AOB (Area of Outstanding Beauty). I’m not sure why Mr Davies is so keen to praise W&L’s lamentable service but it is quite clear to me, having recently spoken to flat owners & directors of other blocks managed by W&L, that the incompetencies, delays in progressing essential works and unanswered emails are not unique to our development are causing intolerable distress to many flat owners in the town. What DOES appear to be unique to our development is a contract with some highly questionable terms and fees, which Mr Davies was happy to lock us into and which W&L presented as 'industry standard', with the implication that it had joined ARMA, the Association of Residential Managing Agents. When I spoke to ARMA they informed me that W&L are not and never have been members. The company is fond of the phrase 'industry standard' but that appears to vary according to what it thinks it can get away with. Other developments have kicked the most recent W&L contract into the long grass & remained on a rolling contract. I also surprised to discover that a nearby block has a lower annual fee (despite being significantly larger) and none of the additional commissions that Mr Davies and his director colleagues have signed up my small block of six flats. These include 12.5% plus VAT on any works; £160 plus undisclosed commission for arranging insurance; and, in addition to the standard £250 fee for the 'information pack' if you wish to sell, £60 for any additional query from the purchaser's solicitor. (That's if you can find a buyer who does not run for the hills when they discover that the building's management has been outsourced to W&L.) The mismanagement starts at the top, with Julie Weaver, the partner responsible for block management. Emails to Ms Weaver on important issues are routinely ignored, including a quorum request (repeatedly made & repeatedly ignored) that a surveyor be appointed to provide independent advice on a subsidence claim. (Previously W&L had commissioned, without due process, an expensive subsidence survey that looked at one flat only). W&L then failed at ten days notice to provide access to two holiday home flats for which it held keys, for a respected subsidence specialist. Instead, it emailed 48 hours before to say that no one was available 'due to staff training'. As a result, we are navigating an complicated subsidence claim without independent advice. Ms Weaver recently paid out over £2200 of flat owners money to a contractor who had already been paid by our insurer without first checking with or informing flat owners/directors; while basic tasks such as providing honest and accurate minutes of a meeting, even getting the date right, are seemingly beyond her skill set. Even a request to place hazard tape around some dilapidated steps was screwed up. Instead a contractor arrived with two plastic barriers, one of which was unsecured and blew over in moderate wind, thus creating an additional health and safety hazard. It would be comical if it wasn't so utterly depressing paying for this useless service. Staff, who are poorly trained and inexperienced, do not stay long and there are simply not enough of them (one property manager & assistant at the Exmouth branch dealing with hundreds of flats) to provide anything like an acceptable level of service. Unfortunately, block management with its disproportionate fees, lack of transparency & bullying of those who make it clear they want a managing agent dismissed, is a sector which is not currently subject to government regulation.
Carrie · 27 October 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI had an excellent experience with Whitton & Laing Letting & Estate Agents in Exeter throughout every step of my purchase in Crediton. The process was remarkably smooth, and they accommodated our numerous visit requests with consistently positive responses. The customer service provided by the team is exceptional, and their attention to detail is truly impressive. Dealing with them was a seamless and positive experience. Tom was splendid. Highly recommended!
THIRU · 14 April 2024
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleMy friend has been forced to put her flat up for sale as a result of the incompetence and bullying of the block management arm of this outfit. Emails about important matters are routinely ignored while contractors are told to report to a tenant rather than my neighbour who is a resident director/flat owner and has worked tirelessly and unthanked to improve the building. [The other flat owners are all second home owners.] The same tenant is also in charge of the gardener. The fact that W&L think this is an appropriate way to manage a building speaks volumes. I live in the same road and cannot believe what W&L are allowing to happen. Their mismanagement is seriously affecting my neighbour's mental health, dealing with their incompetence is almost a full time job for her to the extent that their modus operandi deserves to be highlighted in the national press. The hidden charges/commissions and lack of regulation around block management per se, which is a licence to print money for unscrupulous managing agents, is a scandal on a scale of PPI. Avoid this incompetent company at all costs.
Ali · 8 October 2023
Agent replied · 29 October 2023
In response to your review:
Firstly, we need to correct your statement. Our fees are transparent and set out clearly within our Management Agreement, which is an industry standard. The only additional fees that have been charged to this development relate to an out of hours service at £0.72 p.c.m. per apartment and also a modest fee for administering the annual return for Companies House, both of which this development has unsubscribed in the past year and have been credited to their management company’s account, as your friend well knows through emails and statements provided.
In respect of responses to emails, Whitton & Laing has a strict zero tolerance to abuse of our team and as such, your friend’s emails are generally directed to and answered by our senior management team, similarly all face-to-face meetings are attended by one of our senior management team. Frequent and unpleasant emails do not take priority over genuine correspondence received from other clients.
A vote was taken at the Annual General Meeting for the main contact for the gardener to be a long-standing tenant at the development, I would add that your friend’s proxy at that meeting also voted in favour of this, along with all others in attendance.
We are unsure from your comments whether one or both of your friend’s properties are for sale, but would confirm that we will do everything possible to ensure that any conveyance enquiries are dealt with promptly and efficiently in order that any sale is able to progress swiftly.
In closing we would say that we are sorry if your friend’s health has been affected by any matter connected with the property, which is a great shame and is not reflective of the relationship between other owners and Directors at the property.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe could not have been happier with the outstanding, professional service that we received from all of the team.
The team acted on our behalf for our purchase and sale and we felt supported at every stage of the process. They were always open and transparent and kept us up to date at every point.
We cannot thank them enough for their patience with our sale and helping the process to run as smoothly as selling a house can be!
We are using them again and will continue to do so in the future.
Chris · 14 April 2023
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Thank you so much for your very kind words, we are all so pleased that everything worked out well for you and the family. We look forward to being able to help you again in the near future. All the best, the W & L crew.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe recently sold our house with Whitton & Laing. Our agent was David Gibson. He was professional and helpful throughout the process, which was during the covid crisis so an interesting time to sell a house! The photography and marketing were excellent and generated a lot of viewings straight away, so that we were able to accept a good offer within one week of it appearing on the market. David was highly responsive to our calls and communicated well with the viewers and then with the buyer as we went through the paperwork. I would strongly recommend Whitton & Laing.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality
Hywel · 25 October 2020
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleThe literal embodiment of why estate management companies have a poor reputation. 6 estate managers in 6 years. No AGM organised in 5 years, 6 months to deal with a blocked drain caused by their own contractor. 2 months and 6 emails and not a blade of grass cut in the estate with tall weeds growing from tarmac pathways. Good at talking, not so good at doing, Excuse after excuse.
Nick · 14 April 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe purchased a house from Whitton and Laing. From the very beginning communication from Sally was fantastic and always friendly. She kept us informed and updated and went above and beyond when our the sale of our own house was slowing the process down. I would not hesitate to recommend them and we would certainly use them ourselves if we were to ever to move again. Thank you so much for everything.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism
Beth · 26 August 2021
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAmazing agents. David and Chris were brilliant and I can't rate them highly enough.They made things so easy and smoothly especially as I'd lost my dad and had to sell his house so it was a very upsetting time. Also I lived in Plymouth and my dad's house was in Exeter but David and Chris looked after everything for me and worked so hard to sell my dad's house. It sold very quickly and they even got over the asking price for me. I can't thank them enough and if I could give them more than 5 stars I would.They were amazing and my daughter who herself is an Estate Agent agreed and was very impressed with them too.
Susan · 8 July 2019
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThe experience we have just had in selling our property in Exmouth, could not possibly have been better. The professionalism with which the sale was handled by both teams in Exeter and Exmouth, coupled with Mr. David Gibson's experience and knowledge, not only resulted in a multiple-offer scenario, but also realized a sale price for us that far exceeded our expectations. The manner in which the negotiations were handled was absolutely perfect. Thank you so very much, to the entire team at Whitton & Laing, for making the entire process of selling our property such a flawless experience.
James · 7 July 2022
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Thank you so much for your kind words and it is so nice to know that the hard work of both our teams is appreciated.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI would highly recommend Whitton and Laing to anyone thinking about buying a house. We recently purchased our first home and Chris Heal went above and beyond to make the process as smooth as possible for us. He was approachable about any little concerns that we had and addressed them quickly to put our minds at ease. I cannot thank him enough!PositiveProfessionalism
Grace · 26 August 2022
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe would highly recommend the Whitton and Laing Lettings Team to anyone looking to rent a property. They are professional and fully approachable should you have any concerns, and proactively work with you at all times. We have recently completed a 10 year tenancy and cannot thank them enough for the relationship established and maintained during that time. Special mention to Lianna who always went above and beyond.PositiveProfessionalism
Kellie · 25 October 2021
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExceptional service! Dealing with Leanna and Katie, was an absolute breeze, and worth every penny. They both truly went above and beyond to secure the perfect tenants for all our properties. Were always just a phone call away, ready and willing to assist. Will certainly be asking for their help again in the future. Thanks!
Matt · 14 April 2024
Agent replied · 28 April 2024
Hi Matt,
Thank you for taking the time to write a great review and sharing your experience.
Its great to hear how Leanna and Katie went above and beyond and were always willing to assist.
We appreciate your support and should you need anything further, we will be happy to help.
Best Wishes
Chase Buchanan
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe sold our property with Whitton & Laing, the service was fantastic, they were extremely professional, did a great online video tour of our house (which was really useful as we were selling during the Covid Pandemic), the pictures were high quality and highlighted the properties best features and they were wonderful at communicating and keeping in touch with us. I would definitely recommend marketing your property with them. Outstanding service and a lovely bunch of people. Thank you :)PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism
Kerrie · 26 August 2021
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Hi Kerrie, thank you so much for your very kind review and we are all delighted that everything worked out so well for you. From all the team at W&L
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleRude and unprofessional. OK before we moved in but they act like they don't have the time for you once you're renting from them. Much better options in Exeter.
Yes I was a tenant of yours but I am only leaving a review now as I have just resolved an unpaid bill for a period several weeks after we moved out. I was told by EDF the estate agents had given my name. Luckily I had kept the relevant paperwork so I managed to get it over turned. I know you will deny it but I am inclined to believe them due to the poor customer service we received while living there.
The bill was from a period after we had moved out! By several weeks!
Andy · 7 July 2021
Agent replied · 7 July 2023
Good morning. I am so sorry that you felt that you needed to leave such a negative review especially as we can find no record of you being one of our tenants? - We think you may have confused us with another letting agent - perhaps you could let us know more details if we have got this wrong. Many thanks.
Having now looked at historic records we can see you were a tenant from July 2019 to Jan 20 and am sorry we did not live up to your expectations. Your difficulties with EDF were presumably as a result of them chasing us for payment for a period for which you were responsible as the bill payer during your tenancy term and as is normal practice they would have been given the end meter readings as per the check out report at the end of your tenancy, we are glad you sorted this with them. Tenant service and satisfaction are very important to us and we are sorry you felt you did not benefit from our usual high standards of service during your tenancy with us.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThis review relates to Whitton and Laing Waterside (Exmouth) who were recommended to me two years ago by a friend who lives in a nearby mansion block. Since we signed up W&L, and in particular Bobby Sleightholm, our property manager, has done a great job for us, assisting with a major redecoration project and other works. Thank you Bobby and Ellie.
Karen · 7 July 2021
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleOverall had a really good experience renting through Whitton & Laing. Katie has been brilliant throughout our tenancy, and has helped resolve issues which have arisen and overall made the experience really smooth. Especially when our Moving our date has to be pushed back. Would highly recommend.
Dakota · 29 October 2022
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleA great experience in the tenant find process.
Tenants were found in a couple of days and all ran very professionally and smoothly.
Thank you!
Charlotte · 14 April 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleOverall had a really good experience renting through Whitton & Laing. Katie has been brilliant throughout our tenancy, and has helped resolve issues which have arisen and overall made the experience really smooth. Especially when our Moving our date has to be pushed back. Would highly recommend.
Dakotaferrara · 7 July 2022
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleWe were shocked when we had a recent valuation on our property, it was a lot less than we were expecting, and the lowest valuation we had by far. The property eventually went for nearly £200k more than their valuation. So thankful we didn't chose Whitton Laing.
Blackcornish · 14 April 2025
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.
