ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

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My roof leaked from almost day one 30…

My roof leaked from almost day one 30 plus roofers all claimed success,none kept. To stated time or even day,none fixed the leak.I lost all my carpets ended up with large holes in ceilings damp in every room impossible to heat the flat,had to resort to living in bedroom in winter.After 10 years a new roofer discovered a large crack on roof gully and no one saw it before because no one cleaned the gully.Lost all my carpets all completely sodden and taken away by Anchor.Recently asked for compensation for the great hardship we have endured.many promises of assessing due compensation and money for carpets,but the many dates promised come and go with nothing.Over the years we always paid the rent,but the lies have been constant nothing they say is ever true.The fourth promise of some sort of settlement has just passed After I asked for compensation a campaign of harassment started in the form of workmen not keeping appointments,so you stay in all day waiting.The gas service man did come by appointment and serviced the boiler.Now they say he did not come and must come again ,fortunately I can prove he came so I said they must stop harassing me,next day they cut my gas off.Fortunatly I don't use the heating as too much heat would be lost, its not possible to heat the flat,but I have lost my hot water.They put in emails that they are working out my compensation and they apologise ,but then nothing.The man saying these things a Mrhooley is a absolute night mare a jackal and Hyde character,nothing he says is ever carried through.Ninety percent of my furniture and possession s had to go into storage long ago.If I go away on holiday there is a flurry of emails saying workmen have to come in to my flat,even though they know I am away.Theres a lot more but you can't tell it all in one go.We desperately need help we will pay but need guidance to go to court,please if you can help,eternally grateful for anything,the stress is off the chart.thank you,Richard Hanover court 27 bd20 6dw. When the crack was found their own surveyor apologised and said it was terrible that we were so badly let down by so many workmen and Anchor.My wife had to leave 5 years ago due to bad chest,she remains supportive in this matter though.My health has gone down which is only to be expected at 73 and living so badly.i begrudge the rent but know if I stop paying,they would just kick me out.I have never complained a bout anything else only the roof.For a long time now I have felt unbeliever as all the workmen claimed success.The lady estate manager has disbelieved me for. Years,I don't mean always they new there was a problem,I mean in recent times.A few years ago they put my sodden carpets on. The communal landing,they left them 4 weeks till they began to realy smell bad.when the crack was found the area surveyor apologised profusely,when he realise it was all true.That day they had found the roof space sodden wet.First time any one went in loft space.To say it has been awful is an understatement by far.The worse thing is the harassment which means constant claims men need to come in,especially if I go away.I have never refused access but have stayed in and been let down so much.I am a go out person every day,probably because conditions here are so bad.The estate manager expects you always to be in whenever workmen come to your door.I have never had the pease and comfort of my flat,if the world saw in my flat I'm sure they would be shocked.Once when water was pouring into the lounge I phoned the emergency Anchor line to be told someone would contact tomorrow,they never did,and later I'm told no record of my call.I believe I can prove the truth of this from emails,but I can't understand how they think they can get away with it.The solicitors wanted thousand up front Nd 295 per hour.A no win no charge people wanted me to lie and exaggerate,so I declined as I feel I have enough evidence without exaggerating.what I need is guidance to take them to court,its not that I'm greedy I want to draw a line under this its stolen a large part of my retirement.Thank you.Richard.just want to add Mr Hooley asked me to phone him on a mobile at a set time,when I called on time no answer,5 more calls over next 2 days no answer.

Richard · 18 August 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

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Anchor - Not a very good organisation to have a property with !!

In 2019 my wife's father who was in his 90's bought a property on Anchor's Priory Gardens Estate in Abergavenny South Wales. Unfortunately he passed away last year. Having gone through the lengthy process of probate we were able to put the property on the market in October 2023. Then came our next serious stumbling block - Anchor. We have a willing buyer who is in her 80's and has sold her property to first time buyers. On the 7th May 2024 we accepted her offer and the legal process of selling the property was immediately started and the information that Anchor needed to provide to our solicitor was requested. We thought that because there was no chain of properties that the sale process would be quite quick. Our solicitor has repeatedly requested this information from Anchor with virtually zero response. Anchor have procrastinated since May in providing the relevant answers to a very simple set of queries. Because of the lack of any meaningful communication with Anchor I was contacted by the Estate agent who was handling the sale and also separately by my solicitor to see if I could expedite the situation with Anchor. I tried to contact Anchor by telephone and also email with zero response. I then lodged a complaint via their “online complaints form”. This did elicit an almost immediate response. I had a telephone call on Friday 27th of July from Anchor's solicitor and a follow up e-mail the same afternoon confirming what was said in the telephone call. Which was :- “I refer to our telephone conversation just now and write to advise that I am personally reviewing your matter. As discussed, I will review the file on Monday/Tuesday and revert to your Solicitors asap thereafter as I appreciate that all parties are eager to proceed towards completion without further delay”.Since then I have heard nothing from him and have been unable to contact him. I also have now had three or four telephone conversations (one each week) with one of Anchor's area managers who has asked if my solicitor has received any information (she obviously was not in any information loop regarding this matter) and said that I could escalate my complaint to the next level. I asked her what that would achieve as Anchor has not responded to any of my emails or phone calls and all that needs to happen for this to go away is for Anchor to simply respond to the queries. All she seemed interested in was my complaint.I have again e-mailed Anchor with my displeasure at the lack of response and I have also indicated that I will take legal action against them if the sale does not go ahead because of their lack of response to answering my solicitor's queries. This has also been met with a zero response. I have also written personally to Anchor's CEO Sarah Jones regarding this matter and I have yet to to receive any response from her. I find that Anchor is a very disorganised operation and has very little compassion over a period in which the family of the bereaved are having quite a tough time. My solicitor has also informed me that she is acting for other properties that are for sale on that development and is encountering similar problems with Anchor. I am in my 70's and I do not need this sort of hassle and stress from an organisation like Anchor. With the treatment that I have had from Anchor, when I need to downsize and move into smaller accommodation, would I consider buying a property on one of Anchor's Estates - DEFINITELY NOT !!!

Phillip · 16 August 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

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Do not recommend Anchor Housing for many reasons.

Why have Anchor's 1 star reviews not showing on Trustpilot. I am in the process of taking Anchor to Court.My case concerns lack of ventilation causing overheating in my flat. Anchor have not been responding to my experience. I contacted the Environmental Health Officer, when neighbour burnt some toast, causing two firemen to come to the block, paramedics, All these professionals stated that there is no ventilation in my flat, other than to keep all my windows open, which I do, as hot air is being circulated around the flat. Plastic window frames, which stick, are compounding the problem.Anchor's operations m stated that a data logger would be installed in my flat and and one of Anchor' surveyors, came and left one on my mantlepiece, placing it next to my own barometer. He stated that he would return in three weeks to collect this. Three weeks later he came, but was unable to upload the data onto his computer and would have to leave the data logger in my flat for another three weeks.Last Friday, the surveyor had an appointment at 9.30 am to collect the data logger. Well by 1.30 he had not arrived to collect the data logger. I tried to telephone him but his phone was not turned on. He never had the decency to telephone me to let me know whether or not he was still coming. I emailed the Operation s Manager this morning and she stated that he had come and collected the data logger from my flat and will be in the process of downloading this.Well - as I speak I am looking at the data logger, which is still on my mantelpiece recording a temperature of 30.3c. I have taken daily photos on my mobile of both Anchor's data logger and my own barometer which is next to it, both in the one photograph. I am still photographing Anchor's data logger on a daily basis. How then, can the survey be downloading the data logger in my flat, when I am looking at it? There is an economy of truth here from the surveyor. He must have come and collected the data logger that he placed in the communal hallway, as it is not there, but the one in my home is still in my home. If the surveyor came into the building, why did he not knock on my door and collect the data logger.I have e-mailed the Operations Manager three times today concerning this, and also the surveyor's line manager - still no replies.Are Anchor playing 'Cat and Mouse' and drip feeding information to me, as a tenant. This issue has been ignored for two years and the professionals who have been to my flat have suggested Court action as the Law states, when Anchor put window restrictors on the windows without informing the tenants, and this made it impossible to have the cross ventilation that I had before Anchor put window restrictors on the communal windows, citing building regulations as the reason.This is just an excuse on Anchor's part as in law window restrictors are compulsory only in three situations:a) Care Homes.b) Hospitals.c) Schools.All other situations are advisory. Anchor put in window restrictors, thus restricting the air flow going out of my flat. They have just put a guard at the bottom of my front door, further restricting the airflow in my flat. My home resembles a hot oven as one Anchor tenant has published on google, in a scheme in Ruislip that it is like living in an oven and she speaks truly, as I certainly am! Which is why I have an impending Court case and am suing Anchor under 'The Fitness for Human Habitation Act.' I have a solicitor recommended to my by my Union and have and am taking advice.Anchor's rating has suddenly shot up - when they were on average lower stars? Another reviewer has commented on this. Potential Anchor tenants need to know current tenants' experiences before they apply for an Anchor home. I, myself want to move.Added to this there is weed being smoked on the premises and community police officer has placed notices that this is a class B drug. The smell of weed is coming into my flat.Since Anchor did outside building work, mice have come into my flat and this problem has not been resolved. Rentokil did a report stating that they had identified the gaps in my kitchen and living room, where the mice are following a patten.Instead Anchor sent other contractors, who are unable to solve this problem. My cooker has two hobs that do not work. I have odd cupboards and units in my kitchen. Truly Anchor are not having a duty of care to this resident and I suspect many others. Mr Bob Neil has spoken in Parliament about the CEO earning more than the Prime Minister and the Governor of The Bank of England. Mr Neil stated that Anchor's top staff are earning private sector salaries when they are a Charity. Is this where Anchor's exorbitant service charges go?I deeply regret moving here, if only I had known beforehand.Today, I have received an e-mail from the Operations Manager implying or in her words 'you a advising

Jayg · 15 August 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

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Anchor housings awful treatment of…

Anchor housings awful treatment of tenant regarding ant infestation of bedsit.In September of 2021 I viewed flat two at Vicarage Court, Gateshead, NE10 8HG.During the viewing attended by myself and my carer Maria Adams, nothing was said about the terrible ant infestation problem in the previous ten years. A problem that was rife and still ongoing. I was offered and accepted the tenancy. Had I been made aware of the ant problem I would never have accepted the tenancy.Then came the start of the spring of 2022 and the ant problems with the ant infestation began. The floor, benches and cupboards were crawling with ants. I reported this to the manager Marie Brunskill who told me it was a problem that I would have to deal with myself as Anchor policy stated that they would not deal with ant problems. I believed her, why would I not, she was the manager. It never occurred to me that she might be lying.So I threw away all the food in my cupboards and purchased ant traps, sprays and ant powder. None of which eradicated the problem. I continued this fight with the ants all summer, throwing away more and more food. Until the winter, when the ants finally went into hibernation. Then during the winter of 2022-2023 I began to find out from the long term residents about the awful problems that the previous tenant of my flat had with the ants. And how the manager Marie Brunskill was well aware of the problems.Then came the spring of 2023. Things took the same course as 2022 and I continued to complain. At one point Marie was off sick and I complained to the area manager who also told me it was not Anchor's problem. But I did manage to get them to get someone out to spray the kitchen and the flat next door as Mary next door was also having similar problems and had for many years. I was told not to use the kitchen for two weeks, but the ants still came back. I found out from the pest controllers who are now dealing with the problem that this was because by this point there were several well established nests. By this time my mental health was being affected and I was losing weight.I will at this point tell you about my health issues. I have stage four Parkinson's disease and I am fed my Parkinson's medication via a peg tube which needs to be kept clean. Having ants in the medication cupboard was causing me a great deal of distress. I have sleep apnea and am supposed to sleep with the aid of a CPAP machine, but I was not using it due to fear that ants may have crawled into the hose. I suffer from depression and anxiety which have worsened with these ant problems. I have trouble sleeping due to fear of ants crawling on me while I sleep. I also have dystonia, arthritis and spondylosis of the lumbar spine. This year I have lost two stone due to not being able to feed myself, having no usable kitchen.Now we come to this year, when I made my first complaints Marie had someone come out and put down some gel which did not work. When I informed her that the ants were back she told me that she had been told by the area manager not to get anyone else out as it was up to me to find a solution and it was Anchor policy not to deal with ants. I asked her to put this in writing because I was going to the Citizens advice bureau, she refused. At this point I was advised that it was Anchor's responsibility. At this point I was so sick of Maries lies I went straight to head office. They have admitted their liability and are now dealing with the ants. Over the past 3 years I have thrown away at the very least £350 worth of food and spent at the very least £150 on ant products, sprays and cleaning products. For loss of food, cleaning products, stress, anxiety, loss of weight and having to deal with all the problems and being lied to, Anchor has offered me £150 in compensation. This is an insult and I intend to take Anchor to the small claims court.

Michael · 13 August 2024

★★★★★ 4/5

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The Manager is excellent

The Manager is excellent. She is welcoming, helpful and efficient. I've only given 4 stars because I'm disappointed that Anchor wouldn't replace the bathroom flooring so I paid for it to be done. I think this should have been done for hygiene reasons as the flooring was certainly not new.

MS · 2 June 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

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Louise the manager was extremely…

Louise the manager was extremely helpful..although it took over two and half weeks to get outside company in to clean..check electrics and paint. I am very happy now I am in my studio..It does however seem to take time to get repairs done despite the warden putting in report.

Pat · 18 September 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

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Hi I moved in on September 4th i…

Hi I moved in on September 4th i absolutely love it.Michelle the manager is lovely she helped my whole experience. the other residents are so friendly and very helpful..the flats are beautiful inside i would highly recommend living here .plus there's a Aldi..Costa.Greggs.Subway.Notcutts and McDonald's just a walk away..

Michael · 17 September 2026

★★★★★ 2/5

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I moved from a first floor flat to a…r

Perhaps all the new tenants who have written such glowing reports about anchor will feel the same a few years down the line. After 16 years in 1st floor flat I moved to a ground floor flat within the same complex. Here is what I was faced with. No cleaning had been done even though flat had been empty for six months. Stuff still in store cupboard. Filthy shower chair left in wet room. Integral kitchen appliances but no instructions for anything. Still can't use cooker as all markings for temperatures have been rubbed off. Patio left in disgusting state with loads of old flower pots. Massive ugly furniture and to top it all a huge old wooden box filled with earth which anchor have refused to move. Mould found on outside wall in bedroom. Anchor treated it. But in spite of being advised by myself and an anchor builder that there was and still is mould behind and inside two built in wardrobes (one of which I got removed myself) the anchor surveyor refused to remove. I was told that if I got it removed myself they would treat the wall. Although as I said anchor have done some workthey have failed to address a lot more. For this at a rent of £845.40 per month. Why oh why I accepted this flat I really don't know. It was not fit to be rented out but at the time I was anxious to stop having to go up and down stairs. I am now a very unhappy 80 year old and cannot forget the way I have been treated. What is left I wonder

Brenda · 30 June 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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What a lovely place me and my wife are…

What a lovely place me and my wife are in we love the piece and quite of the apartment and the people at St James court has made us feel so welcome since we have moved in we are getting more and more coming into the communal lounge and we have livened it up by arranging a breakfast morning and we have had a drink and chat night last Saturday it was a brilliant and lively night the manager Linda has been fantastic helping us with posters to arrange these events she also says since we have got more people in the flats to come to these events the atmosphere has come back at St james court as it was before covid

Mr · 25 May 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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I found the application process to be…

I found the application process to be on the waiting list was easy to do, which is what you want. However, I did feel that maybe from time to time whilst waiting for a place that Anchor could have emailed me to inform me, how far I was on the list. Because I was always wondering, and so I just kept calling myself every 3 months. But the good thing is that I wasn't waiting years like I would be if I was on the Council list.That is the only negative I have. From the time that I received confirmation of an offer of a studio flat. The whole process of going to Box Gardens and meeting the Manager (Caroline), to going through the paperwork and sign them, went very well with no issues there. I found Caroline to be really approachable & helpful especially when I moved in, she has offered help and support when I have needed it. A lovely lady/Manager to have for Anchor. I have met some of the residents who I have found to be very friendly and helpful too. So I feel that I will be very happy here at Box Gardens 🙂

Diane · 24 May 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

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Even now after 14 months of complaining…

Even now after 14 months of complaining about our door panel problems, not one member of senior management has responded. They are cowards who hide behind thier positions. The person responsible for awarding the repair contract should do the honourable thing and resign. For 14 months our health and safety has been exposed over this issue. Residents have experienced extreme levels of anxiety. It is time we group together and brought about a class action against Anchor.

Ian · 22 September 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

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Anchor do not maintain their properties…

Anchor do not maintain their properties as required within our lease stipulation.Have been waiting 12 plus years to have balcony's maintained even though lease says approx every 4 years.We have had problems with our dryers for 3 years plus,over 40 properties on site with just one dryer available and anchor couldnt care less.They are totally aware of what is happening.Were promised a visit from area manager every 6 months,this was at a meeting 3 years plus ago.Havnt seen the area manager since.Yet another AncHor lie.Anchor appears to care for itself and only itself,not for its many elderly residents.We have resided here for 10 years.Its getting worse every year.The problem is regarding the maintinence is getting anchor to authorise our money to get repairs done.Yes its all our money not Anchors thats used for repairs yet they are taking over 6 months to arrange and organise anything.Its both heartbreaking and frustrating.There is no way of getting a complaint beyond manager or area manager without finding a brick wall of progress.Shame on you Anchor.

Andrew · 26 April 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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I have been residing Anchor at Alfred…

I have been residing Anchor at Alfred Court for a few years and would like to share my experience of Anchor Staff and Management. The moving in process by the Management was straightforward and helpful. The other residents are lovely. I cannot express enough gratitude to my warden Maria Cullen, who helps all the residents with professional support, when they need it. I am very grateful to the Anchor management and staff.

T · 7 September 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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Felwater Court, East Grinstead

My wife and I recently moved into an Anchor managed property. We are both very happy with our new home.I am very pleased to say we have friendly neighbours, and I appreciate the kindness of our manager, Alyson, and her professional and friendly approach.Felwater Court is well maintained, our apartment is easy to keep warm, lots of amenities within walking distance, lovely neighbours, what more could you ask for?

Mr · 24 October 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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My lovely experience of moving to an Anchor Property

House Manager Abbie was extremely helpful , kind and polite. She explained everything to me and elevated any fears I had from moving from a house to one of Anchors flats . I also met Phil her assistant who was equally helpful and elevated any fears I may have had. I am now very happy in my new home and have met some lovely friendly neighbours. Thank you!

Lynn · 6 November 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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Move to Anchor

Choosing to live with Anchor is one of the best decisions i have made. As I get older it is good to have people to talk to and attend the various groups, Also sit in the lovely gardens The Manager is very supportive and has helped me settle in. The alarm cord allows me to contact the manager or an Anchor Officer if i feel ill or need assistance and i feel safe and comfortable here..

MF · 15 June 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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The staff are amazing.

The staff are amazing.Honestly I could not have be blessed with better accommodation for my father. They are so attentive and caring. Friendly and happy to help. They have made a harrowing transition for myself and my father as reassuring as possible. My only wish is that he would have moved her several years ago. I would recommend Ashley Court for anyone who wants their loved ones to keep their independence but need the extra support. They don’t just support the tenant they have be so supportive to me also. My father has been there 19 days and I can see how healthy and well he looks.

Selasi · 19 March 2024

★★★★★ 3/5

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Expensive but some good points

Downside is they are Expensive flats, which is why 3 stars. Upside is House manager is very polite, efficient, helpful and friendly. I like these schemes as I find it good to have the communal lounge and often enjoy talking with other residents, but you also have the choice of own privacy. The laundry is a welcome feature, as is the use of all other sites guest rooms, also the ability to move to other schemes after a year residence

SUE · 15 March 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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They offer me a nice flat in Hanover…

They offer me a nice flat in Hanover House in Welwyn Garden City, near my Son, after I’ve been taking out the Transfer List twice, by mistake. They did apologise after a long wait they did offer me a very nice flat.

Rita · 17 September 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

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I have recently moved into my Anchor…

I have recently moved into my Anchor flat. Even though there were some outstanding issues that needed to be resolved. My location manager Luca has been fantastic. I feel absolutely at home already. Anchor provide a great homely experience.

Terence · 3 June 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

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Why is it that our scheme does not get…

Why is it that our scheme does not get any decent repairs done ?Repairs reported and after quite a long wait a botched job done.Leaks still there for many weeks resulting in the ceiling of flat below becoming wet.Another visit from a plumber. Now whole bathroom floor having to be replaced if the leak is ever fixed. Still waiting.What a waste of time and money. Why was this not fixed properly when first reported ?

Anon · 21 March 2024

★★★★★ 4/5

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Estate Manager at Hanover Lodge is wonderful

My mother lived at Hanover Lodge in Winchester for 25 years. It was originally managed by Hanover but was taken over by Anchor a few years ago. Sadly Anchor is a much larger company and has less investment in its residents, so the general atmosphere became less attentive. However, the current Estate Manager at Hanover Lodge is a breath of fresh air .. he is kind, helpful and patient, and my mother truly misses him now that she has moved elsewhere.

Dinah · 25 April 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

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Thank you

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the housing association and specifically to Rehal in the office, for helping to secure accommodation for my relatives. The entire process was impressive from start to finish.

Caroline · 24 September 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

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Worth every penny spent!!

Communication has been very good overall. The on site manager is excellent and goes out of her way to help. The environment is stunning and so peaceful. I know I'm going to be extremely happy here.

Cathy · 17 September 2026