Trusted Agent profile · Houghton-le-Spring

Avant Homes North East Houghton-le-Spring reviews

3.7

★★★★★ Good

1,724 reviews across 2 platforms

West Rainton, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 6NN

Part of Avant Homes North East, see every office.

Avant Homes North East's office in Houghton-le-Spring, at West Rainton, is rated 3.7 out of 5 across 1,724 reviews on two platforms, including 9 Google reviews rated 3.7.

Google logo

3.7 / 5

9

Reviews on Google

This office

Trustpilot logo

1,715

Reviews on Trustpilot

Business-wide

Want a trusted local agent to help?

Tell us what you need and we'll put you in touch. Avant Homes North East hasn't joined The Trusted Agent yet, so we'll pass your enquiry to them or to up to three other top-rated agents near Houghton-le-Spring.

What do you need help with?

Reviews

Every review we hold for the Houghton-le-Spring office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.

1/5

Trustpilot

No response or resolution they just ignore customers.

I would like to say that this review is not about Jane or Adam the sales team at Princes Gate Pontefract they always tried to be helpful. Our problem is that Avant are ignoring our requests to return our deposit. We had to cancel our reservation for plot 27 because it was undervalued by £15,000 . Their solution was for us to apply with other mortgage lenders in the unlikely hope they would give an higher valuation. Instead we have transferred our mortgage to another builder who does not add all the ‘extras’ to the house price and pretend they are included as standard. Prior to this we had been given another red flag of how underhand they are with customers. One of our buying incentives was for them to pay our stamp duty. But when the government gave a stamp duty holiday Avant would not pass this on to buyers. They refused to exchange our incentive. We tried to negotiate with them asking for bedroom carpets instead, but they just ignored this too. So they are the ones benefitting from the stamp duty holiday not the buyer as was intended by the government. All in all I think we’ve had a lucky escape!

Joanne · 30 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thanks you for your review JoanneWe appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention. This highlighted a process glitch which has now been rectified, and we have been advised by the regional sales director that she has arranged the refund to be processed on a "Faster Payment" and it should be with you very soon.Sincere apologies again for any inconvenience caused.Kind RegardsAvant Homes

1/5

Trustpilot

Incredibly bad customer experience

From the start of reserving our home (Plot 9 Westwood Fields - Feb 19) to moving in (July 20) we have had a very poor customer experience with Avant. The delay to the build of our house was only made worse by the incredibly poor communication from Avant. We were promised weekly build updates, but unless we chased these, we never received. Despite numerous complaints and apologies, the customer service didn't improve and that is only one example of the frustrations we faced.Upon moving into our house, Avant have made the experience of buying our first home a lot more stressful than it should be. Of course we expected that there would be snags, but over 100 of them is a bit excessive, especially when most of them are as the result of laziness, lack of care and clearly a rush to finish. A few issues include; paint on our Amtico flooring, spotlights not fitted properly in the bathrooms/landing, glue left around our kitchen sink, paint not finished properly behind our kitchen units. The list goes on! I'd like to say that Avant have been quick to resolve these issues, but sadly, I am the one constantly chasing and getting no response.And to top it all off, we were overcharged by £500 for fencing in our garden that hadn't even been fitted. The sales advisor with us on demo day first tried to claim we hadn't paid for it (despite me having our extras list in front of us) and then on moving in day lied to us by saying Avant had fitted the fence on the wrong side - quite clearly it had just been forgotten. Anyway 6 weeks later, after much chasing by ourselves, we got our refund.Despite all the snags, we our very happy with our home, but based on our experience of dealing with Avant and their customer service I wouldn't recommend buying a first home with them to any of my friends or family.

Sarah · 29 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you for your review SarahWe are really sorry that your journey with us has not met with your expectations for the reasons you have kindly shared. So that we can learn from this, please can you edit your response and add the Development & Plot number so that we can investigate further, and ensure that there is nothing outstanding that we need to attend to for you.Many thanksAvant Homes

1/5

Trustpilot

Where do I start

Where do I start So snagging report 164 issues 5 months later 40 still outstanding I have sorted 50 myself So new house it’s a shell full of inexpensive items sockets and light. Switches cheapest on the market Even back boxes do inferior Kitchen last about 4 years if your lucky Skirting and door mouldings inferior Brickwork so poor Design inside no thought at allActual quality of workmanship where do I start It’s a disgrace it’s all about thecbottom line for house builders No pride in the product they are selling and aftercare is Well over promise and under deliver as opposed to under promise and over deliver I am so disappointed in the 400k house I have bought I have spent over 60 k on putting it right Seriously thinking of duing AVANT homes for selling me a parcel of S. tNo

GILLIAN · 7 April 2024

1/5

Trustpilot

The worst customer service I have ever…

The worst customer service I have ever experienced. Don’t return calls, emails , reply to complaints it’s dreadful. Don’t even bother with the refer a friend scheme as I’ve made over 20 calls and even more emails to get the payment owed to me and still don’t have it!!The development is Ten Locks Village Market Harborough, Plot 11. Funny how I get a quick reply when I leave a review! Shouldn’t have to this to get a response

Mandy · 25 March 2021

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Good morning MandyThank you for your review. I am sorry to hear that you are having issues. Please can you confirm the name of your development and plot number and we will be sure to speak to the relevant Regional Head of Customer Service to try to resolve this matter.Kind RegardsAvant Homes

1/5

Trustpilot

Update - don’t believe the hype

Bought at Balfour Park, Newcraighall as loved the layout and spec of Avant homes. Despite paying a premium for what’s ‘included’, at this site, a lot of the finishing is sloppy and customer service is pretty much non-existent. All talk and no action unfortunately - repair dates come and go, no update, no explanation. Chasing things is tedious and pointless and unnecessary. No logic even to how they organise repairs - fix external issue on one property, but don’t fix same reported issue next door?! Overworked/under resourced? Inept? Disinterest? Whatever the reason, same end result.Glowing reports on here suggest Avant are capable of getting it right but sadly not across the board. Really takes shine off owning a new home.Update - plot 124Update 25/09/20Although Avant response states they will look into issues - I’ve had no contact so assume they haven’t. Certainly I am not ‘assured Avant will not rest until issues are addressed’If -mould in kitchen from dodgy plumbingdamaged appliances, kitchen units, splashback, tapscratched bi-fold with rubber seals constantly coming offdoors dragging on carpets installed by Avantsunken monoblocking in streetetc etcbeing lied to then ignored is what you look for in a new home, then look no further than Avant.

Js · 25 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you for your reviewPlease can you post your plot number or name so that we can look into this matter for you?Many thanksAvant Homes

2/5

Trustpilot

Non existent support beyond first NHBC survey is complete

Initially when buying the property we had a really good experience- although very rushed process on the side of Avant with pressure to complete purchase in an unrealistic (4 weeks) time period. Other than this we were satisfied. Since being in the property and apparent changes to the staff team trying to arrange repairs for snagging or issues with the property has been very very poor (non existent). We are unable to get any clarity on when repairs will be carried out and no progress has been made on the vast majority of these repairs over a 10 month period.

Olivia · 7 April 2024

1/5

Trustpilot

So following on from my last review

So following on from my last review: I arranged to go view for a second time and do some measuring. I was able to do this and to take pictures to show family. Sadly I was unable to get clarity on availability for the property i was interested in but i was shown the kitchen and interior doors already chosen. The staff were not able to show me the tiles fitted or the exterior door. I wasn't able to view the property, despite it apparently being 'ready to move in to' or even see where it was on the site ?. I was advised that this would need to be cleared with building manager, however that couldn't be done 'today' (last friday), I was advised no one would be there at the weekend so i was promised a call on Monday, (yesterday). Yesterday i went on the website and it was stating that 2 properties I was interested were available even though i had been told only 1 was 'possibly' available. I went on the online chat and they confirmed the website was up to date ? Online staff took my details and assured me I would get a call. I didn't and again no call today. So sadly it appears despite 2 viewings and a confirmation from me that I am definitely looking to make a purchase, as a potential buyer looking to spend up to £270k I am of little value. If there was a lack of new developments in the area I could possibly understand Avant's complacency, however new houses are going up left and right, so there is a fair bit of choice. It seems my initial optimism was misplaced.

Lorraine · 22 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Hi LorraineThank you for your reviewHaving spoken to our sales manager for the development, I am told that we have spoken to you again and explained fully about the Health & Safety restrictions that exist on an active build site, and that the safety of all site visitors are paramount.I also understand that we have now arranged for you to be escorted by our site manager so that you can physically see where the properties will be built, to enable you to make an informed choice.As has been explained, plots are released early in the build program to allow homes that are in high demand to be reserved by eager customers so that they don't miss out. However this does mean that the homes are not always progressed enough for you to actually go inside, and indeed at times, all there is to see is the foundation and slab.However, we recognise that seeing where your potential new home is going to be is important in the decision making process to help you visualise your future, and that is why we are arranging for the site manager to safely escort you onto site.If you have any future questions, comments or observations please just ask your sales assistant who will be able to answer your questions, or seek out answers quickly should they not knowMany thanksAvant Homes

2/5

Trustpilot

Disappointing sales team

Disappointing sales team. After arranging to see the show home I fell in love with the design and was excited there was one becoming available over the next few months. I was told they would arrange a site visit but that was the last I heard about it with no replies to my emails. Because of my job I cannot talk on the phone during the day and the team seem unable to communicate via email. Eventually did arrange a site visit nd when I arrived they tried to show me the show home again! They only seemed keen to sell me their mortgage deals rather than a home. Unfortunately I had to walk away

Liz · 18 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you for your review LizWe are sorry that there has been a lack of response to your recent enquiries and the sales service thus far has not met with your, or our expectations.We have spoken to the Sales Director for the region who has confirmed that she will try to call you this evening to discuss how she can help.Many thanksAvant Homes

5/5

Trustpilot

Avant Queensbridge

we reserved our plot in may and I can honestly say we have had nothing but positives from Avant. They always keep you in the know and the communication with them has been great. I’ve loved every minute of watching just bricks turn in to our home. Also the specification with Avant is by far the best compared to others. We’re currently anticipating December for completion. All I can say is whoever you go with youll be making a snagging list, isn’t that just the norm with a new build? Any who, I can’t fault Avant at all.

Leonie · 16 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you so much for your lovely review LeonieIts great to hear how our sales team are keeping you up to date every step of the way, and how delighted you are with the specification that your new home will have.We cant wait to have your home finished and see you moved in!Thanks again for the reviewKind RegardsAvant Homes

3/5

Trustpilot

First impressions count

The young girl we had an appointment with didn’t make us feel welcome at the beginning, we had to ask all questions wasn’t really helpful

Janet · 22 February 2026

5/5

Trustpilot

We absolutely love our new home

We absolutely love our new home. It's more than we hoped for. We were advised by others to expect snagging but not to let it spoil our experience as Avant were amazing at getting things fixed. Well we have been very lucky as we didn't find much snagging at all. The biggest thing was scratches on a window which I hadn't even noticed, but they're coming back to fix it. From customer service, to sales, to all the builders they are extremely helpful. They seem such a happy team and I love the banter the workmen have with each other. If Avant put themselves forward for an EFQM assessment, I'm sure they'd score high.

Maggie · 13 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you so much Maggie for your lovely review.Its great to read how you have enjoyed your Avant experience, and that it has exceeded your expectations.Our site and sales teams work closely together, and we try to have fun at work and make the site as pleasant a place as it can possibly be. Its fantastic to see that you can see that happening.Thanks again for the reviewKind RegardsAvant Homes

1/5

Trustpilot

Posting on behalf of my Mum.

Posting on behalf of my Mum.My Mum phoned twice last week to ask about new properties being built.1st phone call - a woman took my Mum's details and said someone would phone her back. Heard nothing.2nd phone call next day - a different woman took my Mum's number and email address. She said she would get someone to phone and that she would send info by email. Heard nothing.Very unprofessional. Will my parents be buying a new property from them??? NEVER.

MR · 8 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you for your review.This is certainly not the usual service from our sales team, and for that we apologise.Please can you share the name of the development and your parents name so that we can look into this for you?Many thanksAvant Homes

5/5

Trustpilot

Great experience from beginning to end

Great experience from beginning to end. This is the first new build house I have bought, having renovated all previous homes to my own exacting standards. I had not expected the quality of build and particularly ‘the finish’ to be so good; this was matched by the service received before, during and after the move in was completed. A couple of minor snags were sorted within 6 hours- really quite exceptional all round.

Frances · 4 February 2022

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Hello Frances Thanks for leaving us such a fantastic review. It's always great to hear from happy customers and we really appreciate your feedback. If you need anything further, feel free to get back in touch with the Avant team. You can find the details of your local Regional office here > https://www.avanthomes.co.uk/regional-officesKind regards,Avant Homes

5/5

Trustpilot

Liz Sweeney

We went over to the Blantyre plot to view one of the houses. We didn't actually end up buying the house but I just wanted to write this review anyway to commend the excellent service provided by Liz Sweeney. Not only was she very willing to provide as much information about what they offer and answer any questions we had (and trust me we've dealt with places that were so reluctant to provide information), she was also so friendly and welcoming. She is truly an asset to Avant Homes!

Sabyj · 7 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you for your review SabyiIts excellent to hear that you had a great experience when you visited Liz on site.It would be lovely to have you as a member of the Avant family - if not now, then some time in the future.Good luck in your new home search, and thank you for the kind words regarding LizThanksAvant Homes

2/5

Trustpilot

Underwhelmed - yes this review is about Avant! Please don’t delete.

Selling after 15 months, assisted move was a nightmare, New Homes Group are the most aggressive and stress inducing company I've ever dealt with. A host of issues, with the Avant house (some of which are unresolved, most I've fixed myself or contacted the suppliers directly) include wrong appliances, dodgy bathroom plumbing flooding the kitchen, cracked bifold glass, scratched windows, broken window handles, banister and stairs wobbly, bowed spare/bathroom wall, front door not closing or locking and the thumbturn grub screw keeps coming off, broken and leaking toilets, cracked patio and front slabs, poorly laid turf, 47 nail pops (short of the 50 required to have them repaired). Also had issues with noise emanating from 2 nearby properties. I've had enough.

Charlie · 5 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Good morning CharliePlease can you confirm which development you are on and your plot number please so we can look into these issues for you further?Kind RegardsAvant Homes

5/5

Trustpilot

Our experience with Rebecca and the team.

Our experience with Rebecca, Colina, Mark, Shaun, Christine, Claire and the rest of the team at Avant Homes (Ellis Vale) was nothing short of outstanding! Our queries were adequately answered on time and they were very helpful with the part exchange, making the process as painless as possible. We were carried along all through the time with regular updates on the goings-on even during the lockdown. Every concern of ours have been satisfactorily resolved and we are totally delighted to have moved into our new home. Thank you for all your hard work and helping us realise our dream of moving into this very beautiful Rosebury by Avant Homes.

Ikenna · 5 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a great review IkennaThe team will de delighted to hear how delighted you are with the service you have received.We wish you many years of happiness in your new home.Kind RegardsAvant Homes

4/5

Trustpilot

We love our new house - thank you Avant

We have recently moved into our beautiful new home at High Royds Chevin Park and are delighted with it.Customer Service / Sales Advisers:Our Customer Advisers Jamie and Allison have been amazing throughout, always available to take our calls and bring any issues we have to the relevant teams within Avant in a timely manner and we feel that both Jamie and Allison really cared about us throughout our whole experience and we thank them so much for that. We are so happy to be in our new amazing home and will be very happy here.Problems with delays:We are putting this down as a separate topic as this is nothing to do with the Sales Team. We were not happy with the delays. When we first reserved the house we did this in October last year with being told completion would be July this year, however, within weeks of reserving the property we were then contacted to be told that then the property would be ready in February which we thought this seemed un-realistic at the time. Then it was delayed until March, then April and then May, then July again and then we were told it would be end of September or even October so we complained as this was getting to the point where we would have nowhere to live.Thankfully this was eventually pulled forward and completed end of August so we are happy with the outcome in the end. We appreciate the pandemic naturally caused delays after April but there were many delays made prior to the pandemic hitting the UK.Positives and on site building team:Since we have moved in, we have been very happy with how quickly the team on site are on hand to support us with any snagging issues and any other support we need which we are very thankful for.Thank you Avant. Katie and Richard.

Katie · 1 September 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you for your review Katie/RichardIts great to hear that despite the delays your experienced, you are delighted with your new home and the service that the site team have provided since you moved in.We hope you have many happy years in your new home on our Chevin Park developmentKind RegardsAvant Homes

5/5

Trustpilot

Flawless from Start to Finish

From start to finish the customer service and experience has been flawless from Avant. Even through the COVID situation we were kept at ease and continuously kept in the loop with the situation. We managed to compete as soon as the restrictions were lifted and have been over the moon with our house. Any very slight snags have been promptly rectified and to a very high standard. All the staff at Avant have been great both on the sales team and the building. Special mention for Andy Wray who is onsite and regularly checks in with us. Will and have recommended Avant already to family and friends. I suspect we will be here for a while but when it is time to move we will be looking for Avant developments first!.

Callum · 25 August 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you very much for your review CallumThe team will be delighted to hear how happy you are with your new home, and the level of service that you have been provided with during your journey so far.Rest assured we will continue to support you should you need us, so don't hesitate to call should the need arise.Thanks again!Avant Homes

5/5

Trustpilot

Amazing Experience

Don’t even know where to start. From the very beginning, Avant Homes have been a pleasure to deal with. Even more so from the Site Manager Graeme and Building Manager John at Peerfields. Can not fault the service I have received or complain about the build of the home. Over the moon and anytime I need anything; they are always on hand for advice and guidance. Overall, I’m so happy with my new home and had a very positive experience. I have an an Instagram with my experience start to finish. @theyoungdenbury Thank you Avant Homes

Laura · 22 August 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you so much for your amazing review LauraIts fantastic to hear how happy you are with the service you have had, and the quality of your new home.Its a fantastic start to our weekend by reading this !We wish you many years of happiness in your new homeThanks you againAvant Homes

1/5

Trustpilot

Quick to take your money but then......

If I could give 0 stars I would. We reserved a plot a couple of months ago and paid the reservation fee to secure. However, when we visited the property which is still not quite finished internally, we were deeply concerned by the quality of the basic structure of the house as the brickwork is appauling and made us really question what the standard of internal work would therefore be like; particularly after we started to do our homework about Avant. We made the decision to withdraw from the process and were advised that we would receive £400 of our reservation money but this would be by cheque. This is despite taking the money from our account by card immediately when the reservation was agreed. I challenged this and advised the money would be paid directly into our bank account. 3 weeks and many email later, surprise surprise, the money had still not been refunded. If this is the level of customer service provided to people who come into contact with Avant all I can say is we have had a lucky escape. Needless to say we will be pursuing this matter more formally.EDIT- Barley Gate Development

Mr · 7 August 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Good morning Mr BarkerPlease can you advise what development the plot was on to allow us to investigate this matter quickly and progress matters for you?Kind RegardsAvant Homes

5/5

Trustpilot

This is the second review about buying…

This is the second review about buying a new home from Avant Homes. First review was all good, but after a delay with lockdown and after moving in last Friday 31st July, I thought I needed to share our experience.From start to finish, it has been a pleasure dealing with Avant Homes. We have bought a house on the Wynyard development and could not be any happier with the service we have received from Rebecca in sales and from Graham the site foreman. They have both made the move flawless and have delivered the wow factor. The two of them have made moving home less stressful and we would just like to thank them. If you are looking for a home, from our experience, Avant is where to go... quality, well built homes where nothing is too much trouble.Thanks for great service, we are enjoying setting up our new home.Tony & Angela ( delighted customers )

Tony · 3 August 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post a review Tony.We are delighted to read that you are delighted! Making your purchase experience straightforward and supporting you throughout the process is our ultimate aim....along with the delivery of the quality home of your dreams.The team will be delighted to hear that you are so pleased with the service they have provided and we will be sure to share it with them immediately.If you need anything else you know where we areKind RegardsAvant Homes

1/5

Trustpilot

I retired and bought a home from avant…

I retired and bought a home from avant in moulton northampton.. deeply disappointed.. avant has left this site in a disgusting state. We have no street lighting.we have no ground maintenance. On leaving the development we have to walk a very busy road with no pavement. The local council can't take on responsibility for this development because avant have not fulfilled their obligations . The children's playground is not maintained with bumpy hard ground cheap iquipment that is dangerous. A litter bin filled and overflowing with dog excrement that has been emptied twice in two years.. avant had the opportunity to pass on the maintenence contract to a reputable local contractor but instead have hired cowboy firms who travel four hours to reach northampton. Spend two hours cutting back three foot long grass with strimmer . The whole area is a disgrace.they take your money and run.. and they have the nerve to announce more than a billion pound profit... a have taken numerous photographs. And will be looking for the first newspaper that can print my story. Greedy horrible people. Don't buy from this company.V hillery. Plot nine.

Valerie · 29 July 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Good afternoon ValerieThank you for your recent review and raising your concerns to us It is my understanding that our Regional Head of Customer Services has been in contact and advised what we are doing to rectify these concerns, and has agreed to be your point of contact going forwards.Thank you for raising the issues, and rest assured we will work hard to bring them to a satisfactory conclusion.Kind regardsAvant Homes

1/5

Trustpilot

Terrible terrible company.

Terrible terrible company.Deliveries of equipment at all hours of the day and night, closing local roads for weeks on end and trying to weasel out of planning restrictions and conditions imposed by the council.Edited to add: It’s the Wilbur Chase development in Ruddington, there are further details in the emails and social media messages you’ve ignored previously. I will update this review again if I ever get a response beyond “Oh how terrible, please tell us more…..”

Anthony · 29 April 2021

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you for your review Mr WilsonPlease can you amend your review to let us know which Avant site youare referring to so that we can investigate this issue?Many thanksAvant Homes

1/5

Trustpilot

Stamp Duty stitch up!

Due to move into our dream home tomorrow but had the rug pulled out from under our feet! In order to secure our reservation Avant offered us £20k incentives, listed as £5k deposit contribution & £15k stamp duty paid. When the Chancellor announced the stamp duty holiday Avant took the view that they should benefit rather than us, the purchaser as the Chancellor intended. We decided we could not continue with the purchase of a house from a company who could treat us with such contempt. Would never look at an Avant home again.

Karen · 23 July 2020

Agent replied · 10 June 2024

Thank you for your recent review KarenI understand that since your review was posted you have been advised that there has been a change to our previous policy on Stamp Duty incentives. As a business we always try to listen to our customers, and in this instance it was clear that the right thing to do was to change our stance and ensure that our customers received the extra benefit that the government Stamp Duty holiday afforded.As you should now have been advised, we will now retrospectively honour the stamp duty paid element of the incentive that we previously agreed to pay. This will apply to all buyers who had contracted with us with this particular incentive before the stamp duty holiday was announced and who completed their purchase on or after July 8.Please make your sales advisor aware if you wish to proceed with your purchase if you have not already done so to ensure that you do not miss out on the property you originally reserved.Best RegardsAvant Homes

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.

Read Avant Homes North East's Google reviewsLeave Avant Homes North East a review

Reviews may appear on more than one platform.

The Trusted Agent

Is this your office? Claim your page.

Get help from an agent