Every review we hold for the London office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHad a great experience renting a place thanks to Charlie! He was on time at the viewing, prompt in answering all of my questions, didn't pressure me to make an offer, and was really responsive during the negotiation phase as well. 100% recommend!
Since I moved in I also had really positive interactions with Abigail who made sure that problems in the property are dealt with promptly.
Both Charlie and Abigail used WhatsApp which made the interaction much easier than having to always send emails.
Radu · 16 September 2025
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotHorrible at managing the property
Charlie was excellent during the letting process, punctual at the viewing, quick to answer questions, never pushy, and responsive throughout the negotiation. Full credit to him; if this review were only about renting the place, it would be five stars.
Radu · 3 July 2026
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotAwful. dodgy. rude. unpleasant. I hate them. do not use them.
I never write reviews but this has just been an awful experience and the company seems to be staffed exclusively buy rude belligerent scammers. As soon as we moved out they did everything they could to extract money from us through dodgy claims and fake cleaning costs and lock changes and anything else they could to hold onto our deposit.
Joby · 10 February 2026
Agent replied · 31 May 2026
Hi Joseph,
I’m sorry to see this complaint, but it does need to be balanced with the full facts.
The flat was provided to you in a clean and well-maintained condition, and unfortunately it was left in a very poor state when you moved out. We have extensive photographic evidence to support this. In addition, the front garden was left full of refuse sacks and discarded belongings, which had to be cleared at the landlord’s expense.
You signed a tenancy agreement and were reminded of its terms a month before vacating, specifically that the property should be returned in the same condition and that all keys must be handed back. After you moved out, neighbours reported someone entering the flat. It transpired that you had retained a set of keys and let yourself in after the tenancy had ended. As a result, the locks had to be changed. After a tenancy ends there is no right of access, although we would have assisted had you contacted us.
Laura has simply been carrying out her role. Your communications with her have been inappropriate, including repeated contact on her personal mobile outside office hours, and this has caused her considerable distress. This has now been compounded by your comments here which she is seeking advice regarding.
It is regrettable that you chose to raise this in a public forum, which has required us to respond with the factual position.
Finally, as you are aware, your deposit is not being withheld. This matter must be addressed through the TDS dispute process, as previously advised.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleThey've been running these quite offensive ads for years. Even as a North Londoner myself I find these very upsetting given the extensive history of racist disenfranchisement of South London. There are so many positive things to be said, why base your ad campaign on playing off stereotypes and biases?
Edit to add photos of how long you've been running these ads and how extensive the campaign, after your responses. Nothing about this is lighthearted, you literally labelled what's apparently your home station as "turn around" and "don't do it"
Sydney · 20 July 2025
Agent replied · 11 August 2025
Hi Sydney, thanks for engaging and making your views known.
We've been running this particular campaign for less than a year, and it was created to play on the light-hearted debate we often encounter between North and South Londoners. We've been based in North London for over four decades so feel like it's a topic we can get involved in!
I'd say your interpretation is a bit of a leap from a tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign, but you are of course entitled to your opinion. We're pleased we've had lots of positive feedback from North and South Londoners alike, I hail from near Camberwell myself!
Thanks,
Alasdair
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotI have been attempting to contact a…
I have been attempting to contact a specific estate agent at the HotBlack Camden branch regarding an ongoing issue with one of the properties they manage and water damage to my property. Despite sending emails, I have yet to receive an adequate response to my emails.
Ani · 18 April 2026
Agent replied · 31 May 2026
We were disappointed to read your recent Trustpilot review. I do not believe it to be accurate that you have had difficulty liaising with us on the matter of water damage to your property. You emailed us initially on 25th February and a reply was sent the same day and there was further email exchanges between us on that date.
Until you sent an email us on Monday 2nd March we assumed the issue had been resolved. We replied to your email and there were a couple of further email exchanges that same day.
We have and will always be pro-active in dealing with issues that impact not only the properties we manage but also any impact they may have on neighbours’ properties. Having checked the timeline of emails we refute your statement that there has been a lack of communication.
We understand that you are frustrated that the issue has not been resolved. It has transpired this morning that the source of the problem does not lie with the next door flat, as you had first thought, but has been identified as with the freeholders responsibility regarding rainwater goods’ maintenance.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI recently rented a place through Hotblack Desiato and the process was incredibly smooth. I worked with Gino, who was absolutely amazing - very knowledgeable about the flat, the area overall, and really helped with all of the details throughout the process, making what could have been a stressful process very easy. Cannot recommend enough!
Abigail · 12 May 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotGreat local agent
I couldn't recommend Gino at Hotblack Desiato more highly - he helped me secure a brilliant rental property in an amazing location in Highbury in a really competitive rental market. I needed somewhere quickly and he was so responsive and commited to finding me what I needed. He also proactively followed up and resolved all questions and issues really quickly, without any chasing. My previous experince of moving house in London has been stressful and impersonal - this was completely different as I felt like I had a nice human helping me along the way!
Bella · 15 April 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHotblack Desiato have been our rental agents for many, many years. I have always found them to be easy to deal with and fast to react when there are problems. I can't fault them. I would recommend them to anyone. Brilliant service from all round great people.
PS: I have to admit that we originally asked them to look after our property because of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Gary · 16 March 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe were very pleased with the professional and effective service we received from Stuart Sheirs and his team in the sale of our flat in Islington. Stuart marketed it well, responded promptly to queries and kept us informed. There was no 'hard sell' and he was patient and understanding when we did not get the price we wanted initially and took it off the market, returning to him for a successful sale two years later.PositiveProfessionalism
Kath · 25 August 2021
Agent replied · 24 August 2024
Hi Kath and Andrew. Many thanks for your kind words. Although you are on the other side of the world, the process went smoothly. Thanks for keeping the faith in Hotblack Desiato, when in a poor market the flat did not sell, and returning to us 2 years later for us to finish the job! A slow burn, but all turned out well!!
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotAfter many years of dealing with estate…
After many years of dealing with estate and buy-to-let sales agents, it wasn’t until my final sale that I found the agent I’d been looking for. Stuart at Hotblack Desiato has been excellent. When my property received multiple bids, he handled the situation perfectly. Sometimes, and I hope he doesn’t mind me saying this, you can tell he’s been in the business a long time, and in my opinion, nothing beats experience.
Russell · 9 December 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleJust completed on a purchase as a first time buyer and Hotblack Desiato Islington went above and beyond to ensure the process was as smooth as possible.
In particular, I want to give an immense thank you to Charlie for his outstanding dedication and to Mehdad for his exceptional expertise.
As an American new to the UK real estate market, it could have been daunting, but Charlie was communicative, reassuring, and meticulous every step of the way - he not only recommended a great broker who then facilitated a solicitor, but he also liaised with the seller to make sure additional works and enquiries were addressed in due time.
It has been an absolute joy working with Charlie and I wholeheartedly recommend him when buying your next property!
Jennifer · 25 August 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotExcellent tenancy finder / management service
Hot Black Desiato have found us good tenants over nearly a decade for different apartments. I've also been impressed by their management service: Daniel, Diriye and the team are efficient and detail-oriented, and helpful with questions. It's great to work with an agency long-term, who you know you can rely on and don't need to chase up! Also find their systems of document organisation etc good.
Elkins · 3 April 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotI had a great experience selling my…
I had a great experience selling my flat through Hotblack Desiato. Stuart is experienced and knowledgeable of the local area. He priced the flat sensibly and we reached the asking price despite 4 sales falling through in a six month period. He was diligent in staying across all details and keeping me informed.
Sarah · 23 October 2024
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleAvoid this agency at all costs! We rented a flat from them and they have not returned our deposit since we moved out over a month ago.
They do not respond to emails or calls and have essentially frozen comms with us.
Extremely concerning and I would advise all prospective tenants to proceed with extreme caution when dealing with this agency.
Fernanda · 16 November 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotI have used this company for several …
I have used this company for several years and they have been excellent . Speedy response and any problems dealt with quickly
S · 10 September 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI would like to thank Charlie personally from Hotblack Desiato. He was professional, polite and the communication was excellent throughout. Thanks for everything again.
Serkan · 12 July 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleRachel was an absolute star when it came to helping me find my apartment & went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect for me moving in! Couldn’t recommend Hotblack enough ✨
Callum · 24 February 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleStuart was extremely helpful through my move. He stayed in regular contact and helped to support me through the whole process. As it was the first property I have purchased he was a real asset and helped to simplify and keep the purchase on track. Highly recommend!
James · 25 August 2021
Agent replied · 24 August 2024
Thank you for your kind words, James. We always try to go that extra mile in helping our clients and buyers. Much happiness and best of luck in your lovely new home!!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThanks to Stuart, and Jake and the team, selling our house both times was a stress free experience. They’re good people and don’t mess you around. They know the market and don’t talk rubbish to get your business. We trusted them 100% and I’d recommend them without hesitation.
HJ · 25 August 2020
Agent replied · 24 August 2024
Thank you for your kind words which really do mean a great deal to us. In this highly competitive industry we try to set ourselves apart from the other agents in the area and your generous praise is a good indicator that we are on the right track! It was a pleasure selling your house, which you clearly loved very much! Wishing you the very best of luck with your new adventure!
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotHouse sold in 24 hours - professional & experienced
Thank you to Mehdad, Saskia and the team! We sold our house within 24 hours of listing it for sale, at a price higher than we had expected. Superb communications from start to finish, and helped us navigate other issues in the chain smoothly and professionally.
Nick · 28 March 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotHotblackdesiato helped us find our flat…
Hotblackdesiato helped us find our flat and we had a great experience - especially Gino he was incredibly helpful and friendly, always very prompt to respond to our questions and got back to us straight away. Overall the process was very smooth Would definitely recommend.
Rob · 27 March 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleFirst class service from Mehdad, Charlie and team. Selling a house is a major undertaking and it's essential to have good people with you who know their business and are sensitive to the fact that normal life has to carry on alongside viewings etc. Five stars on all of it 👌 …
Peter · 25 August 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotGreat company in London
Great company, rented our current flat through these guys and they made the experience smooth and comfortable for us as we were nervous moving to London. Would totally recommend them especially Gino, he is always on hand to help with any situation.
Charlotte · 27 March 2024
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotLandlords and renters alike - avoid!
These people are terrible estate agents. There were problems with the contract (we were shuffled between two estate agents, were wrongly told that bills were included in the rent when they weren't, and then each estate agent blamed the other without any apology). There were also problems when moved in (the door didn't lock, for example) and the contractor they got to fix things turned up at all hours (like 10pm on a weeknight). Unknown to us when we signed the contract, work was still being done on the properties around us (a new-build group of flats) so things weren't finished when we moved in. We were also given a microwave when we were shown a room with a combi oven (huge difference in what you can cook).
Eliza · 23 May 2017
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.
