Bridgfords Newcastle Under Lyme reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

The worst experience I've ever had as a tenant

I was a tenant in the North West. They were ridiculously thorough with my background checks, even though I have a perfect tenancy history. But they made it very difficult and the whole process dragged on for many weeks. But I was eventually able to move in. The experience was enjoyable at first and I liked the flat. Then the agency let a bunch of 18 year olds move in on the bottom floor. The woman, M., felt sorry for them and even gave them a fiver towards their electricity fees. I took one look at them and realised they were going to be a nightmare, so planned to move out as soon as my six-month tenancy was up. It was so obvious they were going to be trouble, how vacuous of the agency to let these unproven tenants move in with no past history in renting. Especially considering the ridiculous rigmarole I had to go through to clear their various renting history checks. Sure enough, my new neighbours were a nightmare. Ultimately, they trashed their flat and abandoned the property. Robbing my flat in the process, so I had to get the police involved. To make matters worse, despite constantly asking the branch to fix the front door to the entire property, they didn’t. All you had to do was push on the front door lightly and it opened. So the youths had a perfect excuse to rob everyone. Which they duly did. It quickly got frightening. Once the youths moved in, on several occasions around 1 am some of their rivals (the youths were obviously going out and creating acrimonious issues) battered the front door down to the house. At one point their flat was ransacked by a rival gang. They literally tore through the flat as I watched helplessly from upstairs, a gang of 10 or so trashing the place. I was wondering if I was next. Shortly after the youths downstairs started begging me for money, stole from my other neighbour, and turned the back garden into a tip that led to a complaint from those in the area to the council about the mess the youths were generating. Once my flat was robbed (and it was obvious the youths had done it), Brigdfords clearly didn’t care. I came home one night and the door was axed in at the lock and had been rammed open. The replacement Bridgfords provided for a door handle was a block of wood drilled in over the top of the gaping hole where the lock had been. They took that approach very obviously to save costs on a new door. So I had to heave at that just to get my door open. I brought this up with M. and she got cross that I did, suggesting the issue was already solved. One of the repairmen rounded on M. over the state of the front door to the whole property and they FINALLY fixed a solid lock to it.Eventually the youths abandoned their flat and occasionally reappeared, either pretending to rob it again or to tear down any repairs put in place. All of this because M. felt "sorry" for one of them, they put everyone else through that nightmare. At one point I went into the youths’ abandoned flat as the door was hanging wide open. I looked in and the place was destroyed. I've never seen anything like that. I commented on the state of the place to M. over the phone and she angrily rounded on me that it was private property.Do you think, just maybe Bridgfords, that you should have exercised some caution over letting a bunch of 18 year olds into a flat with no previous rental history? By that point, dealing with that incompetent woman was enough and I delightedly got out of my contract. I never received an apology for any of these issues. Nothing. Frankly, I should have taken them to court. As I would have won. But I just wanted to move on with my life. Overall, an appalling experience and I've avoided the estate agent ever since.

Bruce · 31 October 2019

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Bridgefords Buxton

Whilst the photos, webpage etc were excellent I was annoyed to find Bridgefords took my property off the market as soon as an offer was accepted. The whole procedure then took 4 months due to problems in the chain. During this time there was no guarantee the property would be sold but potential viewers were turned away until I found out and insisted it be out back on the website.At no point would Bridgefords acknowledge they had done anything wrong or apologise. They are happy to accept over £5000 as a fee but do not consider the seller is the customer.Our complaint is currently with the Ombudsman.

Steve · 23 October 2019

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Thank you to Louise and Rebecca at…

Thank you to Louise and Rebecca at sandbach branch for selling and finding me a new house! Can’t fault the service you give .. 100% would recommend! Thank you!

Lauren · 17 October 2020

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

Disappointing service

Disappointing service. They were great over the phone in setting up a viewing but when I arrived, the agent didn't know anything about the property at all and wasn’t able to answer any simple question - this may be a selling tactic used but I’ve never experienced this before. When I put an offer down in time for the very strict and quick deadline they gave, I didn’t even hear back. The only contact I received was from their mortgage department trying to sell their mortgage advice service (which I’d previously said I didn’t need). I then explained that I’d never heard back about my offer and they said they’d have someone ring me, which they never did. I only found out when the house was updated as sold on right move. I really hope I don’t have to deal with them again in my property search, as reading their reviews suggest this is their usual type of service.

Catherine · 13 September 2019

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

They took a month to sort a viewing for…

They took a month to sort a viewing for a property I wanted to rent. Every time we were due to meet they had an excuse such as the tenant wouldn’t let them in the house, but left it until 15 mins before the appointment to let me know. The photos supplied weren’t what was on the description, said it had been decorated and carpeted recently.. The state of it was awful and shouldn’t have been put on the right move website in that state. When I said I was interested they said they don’t work on a first come first serve and would be in touch, I waited over a week for contact back, left voicemails and then I find out today that it’s been taken off rightmove and offered to someone else. The lack of communication is abysmal. I do not recommend anyone even bothering enquiring. Useless.

Jaz · 12 September 2019

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Never answered telephones Emails not always answered Never passing on messages when calls finally answered Giving out wrong information about what to bring in

Russell · 18 July 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Bridgfords - Sale Branch

Very disappointing experience with Sale branch in selling my home. They were disorganised - cancelling their own viewings last minute because they were short-staffed, not providing feedback on viewings and not letting me know when potential viewers had cancelled appointments. They were not proactive in any way and were unable to provide any constructive advice when asked to review the reasons for the slow progress of the house sale. I have changed agents and it is like night and day, with the new one being everything Bridgfords is not!

MH · 21 August 2019

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Months of mistakes. Avoid.

Brigfords Whitefield who I listed my house for sale with closed down, so I was moved to Swinton. This company doesn't have the people or processes to run a service they tell you they can offer.1. My property was meant to be listed as premium, yet never was at Whitefield, until I'd been moved to Swinton. 2. The new images I had done after decorating my house, wasn't used on the new listing with Swinton! I had to keep chasing them up to get them to update their images! (2 months later they're still not!) 3. They didn't have a video for the property which was included as a premium listing apparently. In short, you get a generic video that has no relevance to your area, with some grotty shopping centre appearing in the video out of area, and surprise, again with the OLD images used for this lol. You couldn't make this up. Again after weeks of chasing... These images were never updated, confusing prospects as to what the property actually looks like.4. They put a agent to show my house who was brand new to the area and business it would seem. Had no idea about the surrounding area, even though I'd spent a ton of time with the magaer explaining all about this, (Libby Wilson).. You'd have thought they'd want to put their best people on my house to make up for all these errors and 3 months of wasted time with the old office in Whitefield that has closed (now I see why!)5. The new agent, arrived for the first viewing with a family not suitable for my property, I was told it was a 'young woman who's dad is buying it for her' in fact there were 2 Asian familys of 8 who wanted to look, which my house was too small for.She even forgot the keys when she arrived for the showing - - I wasn't far walking the dog so when she called I run back to let them all in!6. For the second viewing, the same woman arrived 10 mins late. The viewers who had been waiting a while were about to leave... I was notified with my alarm system when they pressed the door bell, so I called the estate agent who told me she's running late, and I simply said 'OK maybe just let those coming to view the property know so they don't leave' lol. They were ideal buyers, younger couple really loved the property, and the agent was expecting them to put in a offer from the phone call she gave me, I said maybe get them back for a second viewing first! Show them the area etc and get them back.Her lack of experience really shows.So after all this, I emailed the manager again Libby, who assured me the video will be updated with the correct images, etc and to have more experience agents show my property.... Since then, nearly 3 weeks ago, I've heard.... Nothing. THERE'S STILL OLD IMAGES ON MY CURRENT LISTING THAT I'VE ASKED FOR MONTHS TO UPDATE!! I chase again 1 week ago for an update... Nothing.Seems to me, this company is closing down and noone really cares... And they're taking it for the last ride.Other than that, it's no wonder online estate agents are taking over...

Darren · 4 August 2019

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

IF ONLY ZERO STARS WERE AVAILABLE!!

3 Years on from paying top rental price on a dirty and unsafe property I still haven't received my deposit back. Despite paying over £10,000 in rent, with no secure locking mechanisms on most of the windows, disgusting carpets and unsafe worktops, this company then had the audacity to charge me £150 in cleaning costs!!.Luckily I was in a position to buy a house and ditch this house and it's landlord who didn't want to spend a penny on maintenance.Absolute utter crooks, no other way to describe this band of slum landlords.By the way, good luck on using the ombudsman, I tried and despite all the evidence and admittance by the actual company that they did wrong, they have done sweet FA to help.The law is not on their side as they will find out shortly when I will be suing for the full amount of rent on the property.

Paul · 16 July 2019

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Lies after lies after lies. Extremely bad communication and misinformation. Multiple contracts written incorrectly. Pressure and threats made by the staff. Joke of a company.

Gina · 13 June 2023

★★★★★ 2/5

Google

Started well. The level of communication was reduced to an unacceptable standard just after 6 months. Really dissatisfied.

Keelan · 9 December 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

We went through bridgefords to rent a…

We went through bridgefords to rent a property from a privet landlord. Every single thing we needed them to do never got done we put a lot of money into the house to make it cleaner and to our standard of living.We were told by these that the house was a big difference and much better on every visit. We got in touch about the decking as it was rotten an needed to be sorted for months an months an after phone call after phone call nothing was sorted. Me an my partner are expecting a baby an needed a bigger house so decided to move on the last visit they were happy with everything... but then after 4 month have turned round an said things needed sorting and it was our problems like the decking and back garden which we were getting onto them to sort and now are keeping our bond well I’m not bothered about the bond but the fact how they go about things to keep money so I will be seeking legal advice stay well clear not even 1 star from me..

Martin · 25 June 2019

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I had a viewing with Sarah and she did her best to answer my questions. She communicates on my behalf and brings forwards my queries/questions to the Landlord.

Nichele · 1 January 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Absolutely f**king disgraceful

Absolutely f**king disgraceful. We were never meant to have any contact with our landlord during tenancy but had it not been for him, we would never have known when repairs were to be done, when gas check was due etcetera. When it comes to confirmation of anything these guys don't get back to you. I simply cannot understand what capacity they occupy when they charge fees but don't actually do any work. Steer well clear whether you are a landlord or tenant.

Gray · 2 May 2019

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

I am extremely disappointed with the…

I am extremely disappointed with the level of service I received from the Stockton Heath branch. I recently contacted the branch to arrange a viewing of a property which I was very keen on. My initial viewing was arranged for the 8th March which was then cancelled because the house was being redecorated. Another viewing was arranged for the 15th March which was cancelled again for the same reason. Rather than booking another viewing, I was informed that they would be in touch to arrange the viewing. I had received no phone call by the following Friday, the 23rd of March and so I thought I would call them. The property was ready and a viewing was arranged for Monday the 25th. The next day, Saturday the 24th March I received a call telling me that an offer had been accepted and there would be no more viewings! I was also advised that my details had not been stored on the system and that there was no record of any viewings prior to the last one being arranged! I feel cheated and lied to. I believe that the property was earmarked and that the staff there have acted with prejudice. Do not trust this branch!

Bruno · 25 March 2019

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Rude, Condescending and keep deposits as fees

Bridgfords informed me that you need to pay one week's rent as a holding deposit and if you passed the credit / reference checks then that money comes off your rent balance, but if you fail then the money converts from rent into a fee and they then keep the fee. That goes against the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Apart from that, the lettings negotiator was extremely rude and condescending.

Mark · 17 December 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Daniel Bright surpassed my expectations…

Daniel Bright surpassed my expectations with his exceptional service. Right from the beginning, I felt valued and supported as a customer. His professionalism and attentiveness were remarkable, ensuring a smooth experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Bridgfords to anyone searching for reliable and dedicated assistance in renting property.

Ubong · 17 February 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

If I could I’d give this 0

If I could I’d give this 0. Booked a house viewing, was there for half an hour outside waiting, so I called up the estate agents who told me they cancelled the viewing but did not tell anyone of us, they could have phoned emailed or simply show up but no. Massive waste of our time, no respect. That’s how useless snd incompetent they are. Run by a bunch of 5 year olds

NR · 12 May 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

The worse company I've ever dealt with

The only advice I can offer is stay clear from Bridgfords Preston. They don't even deserve the 1 star! I'm a private landlord but I used this company as a tenant and I will never use this company for anything ever again. Literally the worse service I have received from a business in a very long time. From moving in had to wait 3 weeks for a fridge replacement, then got a call 3 weeks after the new fridge landed to be told it was going to be repossessed due to non payment. Had to wait nearly a month without heating due to faulty boiler. Throughout all of this nobody showed any urgency to help. Never sent any paperwork when contract changed to a rolling 1 month or fully explained the terms of my notice period causing me to pay an extra months rent. Then they have the cheek to charge me £30 to send a reference to my new letting agency (Holdens, who have been brilliant by the way) a job which takes literally 2 minutes and 2 weeks have passed and I'm still chasing it after being told a 5 day turnaround. I have been blatantly lied to from different members of the team, and spoke to like I'm inconveniencing them when chasing up a service I have paid them for? How they are still in business amazes me. I hope this review prevents anyone from making the same mistake I made by using this company!

Matt · 18 December 2018

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Had a brilliant experience with Bridgfords. They made the process of purchasing our first home simple and enjoyable.

Aimee · 15 November 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Rubbish - never get back to you about outstanding repairs...my boiler was condemned by environmental health over 4 weeks ago, we have had no heating and no hot water since the middle of December. I can’t wait to end my tenantcy/nightmare with these cowboys! Avoid,avoid and avoid!

Richard · 14 June 2019

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

6 months with Bridgfords what an…

6 months with Bridgfords what an absolute joke. I know and I understand the job behind the counter/phone can be very stressful and dealing with people it's not an easy job, but I also honestly believe that if you have a second chance to make things right you should go above and beyond. Never had that! Went to one of your branches this afternoon to do a contract renewal ( yes I know could have tried another agency but moving house is not an easy thing), no warm welcoming at all just blunt people behind the counter, after we explained what we were there for the lady approached us to get our debit card to process the payment in the back? Without any of us present. Initially she said " ok it's 35£" but another colleague exclaimed " no it's 125£". 125£ for a renewal?? Why the 35 were mentioned first? 6 months into this house basic stuff requested to fix (easy fixes) nothing done. When visiting house to make decisions and apply for it, we were informed it was a long term contract, our surprise when signing??!!6 months contract. 6 months long term?? Really?? If my professional life don't allow me to move ( yeah is stressful to move I don't think you guys realise that) and I end up staying another year or 2, renewing contract will cost me easy 500£.

Mário · 10 October 2018

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Great service from Bridgefords. Sold through them very quickly, they always responded to enquiries and were there to advise throughout. The brochure they produced was very professional and worked a treat.PositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism

Stephen · 27 August 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Disorganised!

I was left outside a property we were waiting to view, having taken time out of work, with no call. The excuse given was difficult to swallow... car trouble, followed by a return to the office to find all the computers were down so unable to call me.Yesterday I got an email addressed to Mr Adams re his property searches. I’ve raised with Bridgfords but no email back to acknowledge or thank me. Hopefully Mr Adams won’t miss out now albeit good luck with viewings!!

Nick · 22 August 2018