Countryside Homes Home Counties South Paddock Wood reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Sales team great but problems after problems with the property

Starting with the positive. Last year the sales team were amazing they kept us informed from start to finish. The team dealing with the lawyers also kept in touch and on the moving-in day there was even extra attention with cups. Kettle towels etc that was not expected but a lovely touch. When we went around the home we were asked to check with them and report back in 5 days if we noticed anything leaving us to feel that the company cared. Immediately we noticed a curve in the wall that was like a banana. Guttering going upwards to the drain. Steel over the windows exposed to the elements. Windows not sealed properly so we got a professional snagging team in that found over 200+ faults. The major fault was the wall that should have been straight was so bowed it would need the wall really coming down and replasteredWater going into garageGarden waterloggedLand drains exposed over groundElectrical issuesKeys couldn't be found for garage doorDamaged kitchen items dints etcWe could see why there was so many issues and why it wasn't picked up because a few weeks later it looked like 60-minute makeover was happening across the road in a house that we were shocked to see someone moving into a few hours later when the day before it didn’t even have grassBut along came Rob who was the first snagging manager and to be fair to Rob he worked hard to get things done and most has been done but some in a sub-standard wayFor example, across our drive, we now have a drain to stop the water from going into the garage. I wish I could share the pictures because they have tried to fill the gap now with loose tarmac. Upon questioning it I was told that’s the best they could do. I advised them that if it was done right at first the tarmac would not have holes in it and would look correct and the idea of a new house is it looks new not like a patch work and we are still waiting for this to be resolved.Our back garden floods and has a swamp when it rains. This was reported to them in September last year. We have had 3 snagging managers since thenAll 3 have been with at least 2 contractors come and take a look if I phone and email twice a day for a weekI have been in touch with Dave Hewitt who said i needed to share the images I have shared with Manchester help 3 times The latest snagging manager has asked for the same images and still no resolution how or when this will be fixedI have called Manchester help and emailed them numerous times to say nothing is happening. They tell me that they cant help because I have not been signed off from the site and that they will raise it with the site to be in touch. This again does not happen unless i call a few times a day then the site will call and say I am sorry the contractors have not come back to us yet.I have asked them to escalate my complaint they tell me they cant in that office I would have to ask the snagging manager to do that with the site manager who avoids you at all costsI have hoped to have my garden landscaped and be able to enjoy it which my family and the dogs cant do when it rains for a few days our patio up to our back door becomes a paddling pool. Our landscapers advised the garden needs land drains and I have said this to all the managers and contractors. The worst is they have all agreed that but that’s where it endsThe work I have got quoted from last year for the garden to be landscaped has now increased by £3000 due to raising material costs and when I have told Countryside this they are not interested.I really don’t understand how it can take almost 8 months 8 visits over 50 emails and I don’t know how many calls to still not know what or when something will be happening and what is worst everyone just wants to make you go around in circles and when you tell Manchester help which is the number the sales team tell you to call if you have a problem they just say its not there problem and that it has to be dealt with by the site and since Rob has left the site team don’t even contact you or respond to messages or emailsI would not recommend this company at all if you are looking for a new home. The house designs are lovely the sales team great but you will be left with a substandard house that you cant enjoy or use properly and ignored when you try to raise this with them and even worst when some fix is done it could make your new home look like its been patched up.

David · 16 July 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

They have damaged at least seven houses…

They have damaged at least seven houses and because they do not own any of them they are saying they are not responsable If thie company are to do any work near your property BEWARE You will only get a site visit after they have completed the work that is causing the damage. It seems that any damaged is OK as long as its not to there property Hope they do not believe in karma

GILDA · 23 January 2023

★★★★★ 3/5

Trustpilot

Look very carefully and consider

I notice that most of the positive reviews appear to be ‘early days’ reviews during or shortly after the shmooze from the sales team. Houses with paper thin walls Stupid snags (drain not aligned with outside tap) lazy inept landscaping, plenty more Most of all I would advise looking very carefully* at the parking situation. Countryside must increase their profits considerably by not providing enough parking. Yes there’s a garage and a driveway (no storage in the properties so almost all use garage for storage) and virtually no overspill parking. Perhaps 10 places for the whole development .Design of plots means everyone is overlooked.I feel the development is very poorly thought out. Although the houses are pretty and appealing they are overlooked and noisy both internally And externally.

George · 11 July 2022

★★★★★ 4/5

Trustpilot

Pleasant experience with Countryside!

Pleasant experience with Countryside and was also glad to get home a week before the commitment date. Special thanks to Kirsten McColl who was excellent and kept us well updated!

Kunwar · 23 September 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Overall great experience

My experience with buying an apartment with Countryside Properties was great. Everyone the Beam Park site was absolutely amazing and helpful with all the queries I had and kept me up to date on progress. My apartment is beautiful too.

Ms · 7 March 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Utterly disgusting!

Me and my partner purchased a midland heart property that are under countryside as a shared ownership property which we saved and worked very hard for just the same as a full mortgage property, we both have full time jobs and worked a lot of overtime to save for this house. 2 weeks Saturday our shower glass fell off without warning as I walked past the bathroom and I caught it preventing the glass from smashing causing a very painful injury to my leg, it would have been a lot worse if my 4 year old step daughter would have been walking past. This was supposed have been repaired but clearly wasn’t, we sent images of damage and the injuries to my leg for midland heart to say we have to repair these issues ourselves and have not taken any responsibility because we are shared ownership!!! The words were ( as this is a shared ownership property the damage will have to be repaired by yourselves) This is discrimination!! Why should we be treated any differently?! We both work hard to pay our bills and make our home the most important place to be, we are the same as everyone else. Can someone please tell me why we are treated like this just because we don’t have a full mortgage property?

Sophie · 23 June 2022

★★★★★ 3/5

Trustpilot

The information we received was not…

The information we received was not accurate. We were bit disappointed.

Mrs · 6 December 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Absolute nightmare

Absolute nightmare. Purchased very expensive 'home' in 2017. 5 years later I'm still waiting for them to fix several serious issues. These include water leaks, which have got mould growing on the walls. MVHR system is not properly working. Unaligned patio and front doors which means a constant draft throughout the house and insects crawling through. Fire doors have been fitted which do not meet regulations. Showers not fixed to the wall properly so are loosely hanging. Bedroom doors cannot be closed because the door latch and plate do not line up. Boiler not properly installed which meant it was constantly on for 6 months. Still waiting for the engineer to turn up to fix this. Seals in the bathrooms around shower tray not done properly meaning water damage on the ceiling of the floor below. Weeping vents have been cemented over. Radiators have leaked causing damage to the walls. The list is endless. A professional inspection was done within the first month of purchase and that found over 120 faults. Unbelievable!Despite having several 'inspections' and contractors coming to fix the problems, nothing much has been fixed. They are also unable to provide any reports from the contractors of the works they say have been done. Countryside continue to say they will complete ALL of the outstanding issues but I'm still waiting. I've had no choice but to escalate to NHBC to resolve. I can provide evidence of everything.I have already written a similar review on countryside properties but they have cleverly changed their name to countryside partnerships now. So people are unaware of all the negative reviews that have been posted about this company. I cannot recommend this company to anyone. It's by far the worst home builder service i have ever come across.

Am · 12 June 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Bad Customer Service and lot of snagging...

The communication within the company must be very poor. We have tried several times to reach customer service to get some snags resolved but hardly get any response, only if directors were involved or a formal complaint was issued. Now our side was handed over from South Midlands to West Midlands but no communication from countryside and no update on who to contact in case of any queries. The stress we are going through to resolve issues is so bad that I cannot recommend people to buy from this company.

SF · 7 June 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

I couldn't be happier with my purchase

I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Despite little bits and pieces that needed attention after we moved in (and were dealt with after our request) everything was amazing. From start to finish. All the people we dealt with are absolutely amazing, I have to name them all. Tiffany and Violetta from sales team - so professional yet very friendly and always helpful despite me being pain in the neck ;)Sarah - after sales, she made such an effort and was fantastic and such a great help despite delay with the completion.Jay - a guy to go to with any issue after completion - absolutely amazing. And last but not least, Huw and the rest of the site team - I actually loved waking up and screaming good morning to everyone on the building site as they are all fantastic helpful and friendly people. We couldn't recommend them enough and are very happy in our first new beautiful house.

Alice · 6 June 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Great experience with the staff at…

Great experience with the staff at Countryside. Everyone was friendly. Jacob was super helpful in getting us to the right person. They worked really hard to get us what we wanted and within a budget, we could afford.

Ashley · 25 June 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Dealing with countryside for me and my…

Dealing with countryside for me and my partner on our first home together has been a nightmare since we payed for extras and the deposit. As soon as they have your money they don't want to know we have been delayed time after time almost 6 months. Also I was selling a property for the deposit for our new house the sale fell through at the last stage. Countryside put our plot back as available straight away after takeing our reservation fee I managed to sell the property and was back and forth worried sick that the plot we had was getting sold to someone else after this was resolved we payed for more extras and the deposit. To then get lied to about completion dates and loose mortgage offers because it went on for so long there has been many more issues with the site at wynyard I've lost all trust in countryside we just want our keys so this nightmare can finally be over it's a failing company in the northeast area of England.

Luke · 22 May 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Faulty alarm systems! Avoid!

This one star is based on my most recent experience. I moved to a countryside development nearly 2 years ago. Beautiful home! Since then almost on a daily basis their house alarm systems have been going off for no apparent reason all over the estate. Once triggered you have to endure 2 hours of on off alarms, it literally affects quality of life! They use altex security systems, they are clearly faulty and their customer service is best described as indifferent. Its gotten so bad I feel I have to put my house up for sale!

Mickadizer · 14 May 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Unlawful work hours!

Countryside think they are a law onto themselves!They have been starting noisy work at 7:15am EVERY morning this week and waking my children up. Acton Garden construction site, Enfield Road.I have spoken to the workers when they started work at 7am on a SATURDAY! Reminding them of the 8am start time by law. They don't care.I am writing a 1 star review here because they make it VERY difficult to locate there complaints procedure on their website (not surprising at all for Countryside!)Countryside claim to be a 'Considerate Work Site'. THIS IS NOT TRUE!!!

S · 13 May 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Poor workmenship and terrible customer care

Bought a house a few months ago from Countryside. I was expecting it will be of the same or better quality as my previous home which was also built by Countryside about 20 years ago. However, since I moved in it has been a nightmare. I have done my own snaggings (so I am not an expert) and so far reported close to 200 snaggings. The workmenship is terrible. It's frustrating, time-consuming and a waste of time trying to get snaggings resolved, because the Customer Care department hardly responds to any emails, any responses are provided after many, many follow-up emails, can't reach them via phone, escalations to their manager are pointless. Never ever buying again from them and not recommending anyone to buy. I would have given 0 stars, so being very generous giving it 1 star.

MSS · 8 May 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Radclyffe Green- Lisa Bryan

We reserved our second home in march. Lisa Bryan has made the experience of buying a brand new home an easy one for my family. Her communication, customer services is top notch. She’s very friendly, patient and even more friendly with my children each time we visit the office for one reason or the other. She answers any queries thrown at her promptly. We are looking forward to the completion of our house. Thanks for all your help so far Lisa. You’ve been brilliant 👍🏽Lara xx

Lara · 26 April 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

MEDWAY’S PARKSIDE QUARTER / ROCHESTER RIVERSIDE FLAGSHIP SCHEME - A NEW BUILD NIGHTMARE

!!!! Update April 2022 - same leak still not rectified some 2.2 years later (YES REALLY), scaffold been up since November 2020 !!!!We moved into our riverside property in Rochester, Kent on 30 September 2019.  In October 2019 we discovered the facade of the property was saturated (prevention meant an add-on feature had to be designed - something the ‘Award Winning’ designers failed to factor into their original designs).In December 2019 we discovered extensive mould in the loft space.In March 2020 we had a major leak coming into our lounge through the lights and water ingress into the master bedroom.We also had major flooding to our garden due to lack of drainage.As of today’s date January 2021 (some 16 months on) we still have mould and water ingress to our loft space; lounge and master bedroom.  During our occupation we have had to endure a period of 4.5 months (and counting....) of extensive scaffolding to the property as well as cranes, cherry pickers -  the developers even had a key to our home for several months so they could come and go as they please in an effort to fix the ‘minor’ issues. To-date the leaks, water ingress and mould still prevail despite attempts by Countryside to fix them.Our journey has been a horrific one no-one can deny - we have been nothing but accommodating to assist Countryside yet rather than have empathy re: our situation Countryside’s Group Customer Services ‘Director’ refers to us as ‘difficult customers’ - let’s be clear here Countryside - it is you who have caused the issue and it is you who have thus far failed at your numerous attempts to rectify the defects.Please stop developing on Rochester Riverside, you need to commit your time to sorting out those existing major defects within this development once and for all - to carry on building properties knowing there are major flaws is unethical.Please do not have the audacity to reply with your standard blurb about contacting the local team or your groupcpplc.com email - this matter has gone to your CEO and still our nightmare continues.

Cheryl · 25 April 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

I will never buy from this company…

I will never buy from this company again and urge you most strongly to steer clear! They are excellent at selling houses and they are excellent at empty promises. They are also excellent at ignoring you when you have a problem and excellent at delaying a resolution to that problem. As soon as they get your money for a house full of defects, they don’t want to know you. Despite their promises otherwise. Snagging list have been known to go on for years in this estate…Beaulieu Park. One person I spoke to was still experiencing issues (major issues at that) four years down the line. They have signs up all around d saying they are courteous builders but that is far from reality. My driveway was blocked nearly every day by tradespeople going to and from site, they couldn’t care less thst I had a little girl needing to get to school or waiting to be picked up. We have had insulation missing from our loft bedroom since we moved in and every time I ask what’s happening with it, I either get ignored or I get told they are waiting to hear back. It’s incredibly frustrating! Don’t give your money to these crooks. They are a law unto them selves and even after promising to give you high end spec, once you’re in you’ll realise it’s either all chipped and broken or substandard. They’ll promise to fix it but then won’t. That’s my experience. I wish someone had warned me because this has been an awful experience when it’s supposed to be my lovely new home.

Mrs · 20 April 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Profit over People

This company have a rotten core of Customer Service stemming right from the very top. We have been shouted at down the phone, dismissed by Sales Directors and completely ignored by the Managing Director. They'll sell you the dream and give you all the time in the world when they think you're going to generate a sale, but will treat you like dirt on the bottom of their shoe if this sale then becomes at risk. Their real values are quite simple. All about bonuses and profit over people!We had an incredibly attentive Sales team and made a significant investment on a plot on the St James Park development. We were second time Customers selling our existing Countryside property. Our house was sold subject to exchange and we were given the usual bonkers 28 day period for this to take place.Unlike other contributors here, we weren't actually chased to exchange until 3 months in. Not surprising however as their year-end is September and the house itself isn't ready until then. As soon as their bonuses started to become at risk, sure enough the rude Customer Progression team started to show an interest. This is where the true colors of Countryside started to show. The Progression Manager shouted down the phone at us, made threats on exchange that our reservation would be cancelled if not done by x date (as if it was completely in our control), and showed a general lack of empathy for the incredibly stressful position we had found ourselves in with our buyers buyer. Put simply she didn't care.In the end Countryside followed through with one of their threats and cancelled our reservation this week. This despite two clear emails stating we wanted to sit down and discuss all options at Director level before they proceeded. An initial email to the Sales Director with a request for a response to several questions and a follow-up call was mostly ignored with assumptions cast on our Financial capability to exchange without selling which we were in a position to do. No other options presented, no compassion shown for the fact they were cancelling our dream home, and no acknowledgment for some of the poor Customer Service provided. He had decided to cancel our reservation over email, having "considered this overnight" despite our email being sent at 1am that day. Quite simply a disgrace of a response.Escalated then to the MD of the Northern Counties region. Our emails have been completely ignored and instead we have been sent 2 lovely contradictory emails from Countryside in the meantime. One of a cancellation letter closely followed by a "Happy Easter". You couldn't write it.We now find our plot back on the market this morning. Unsurprisingly they've upped the price 5% and got it on just in time for Easter. What does the Customer matter for as long as they get their bonuses in for year end!This will no doubt be followed with the customary "We're sorry to hear you were unhappy with your customer service. If you'd like to raise this further, please do email our Customer Services team and someone will be in touch."Put simply we don't want someone to be in touch. Someone shouldn't have to be in touch, you should treat Customers like Customers not someone who is doing you a favor! We want the MD to acknowledge the situation, give a response to the points made and actually have the guts to have a face to face conversation around how they've treated what would have been a second time Customer of Countryside. As we've been clear with Countryside throughout, we understand their challenges, but if you can sit people down and spend time with them buying a house, you should have the decency on the rare occasion you're cancelling a reservation to have a meeting with the Customer to look at all options as requested.If there is one message to any prospective buyers we'd share it's be careful. Countryside's core value is PROFIT OVER PEOPLE - if it could have been zero stars it would have.

Rob · 15 April 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Construction site complaint

So annoyed with Countryside. I work at a local school and have to go through the construction site on Priestley way to get to work. Further up the road is a dead end, so the only people using this road are school staff, parents and the construction team using both sides of the road.Twice now I have had a puncture in my tyres, from a screw/nail. I emailed the first time, but I hadnt kept the tyre for proof,so took it on the chin.The second time it happened- a month ago, my car was 2 weeks old! Had done less than 100 miles ( I live on the adjoining estate) and literally drive to work and home. I had to abandon my car at work and hurry to collect my daughter from school.Alex, on the site entrance, admitted to me the road sweeper hadn't been there for a couple of days. The road is covered in debris daily! I passed my information onto the person in charge and have been awaiting his contact, which I still have not received.My husband has spoken to head office and now after all this time their only reply is "We don't use those screws." The same reply as last time!Are you telling me that the building works, hoarding, machinery and all vehicles only use certain screws? Nonsense.I will further pursue the cost of my brand new £130 tyre, plus raise my concerns regarding the safety of the sites, particularly at school drop off and pick up times.

SkM.K · 6 April 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Reserved with Lisa.

Recently reserved a property in Abbotsfield. Lisa has been amazing throughout helping us with the whole process as we are first time buyers especially throughout the lockdown. All my questions where answered and more. Can’t wait until we are in 👍🏻

Adam · 20 May 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Countryside (in particular the Colleys)…

Countryside (in particular the Colleys) are a shambles of a company. The customer service is nearly non-existent. When you do try and complain to the group cpplc email and launch a formal complaint, they either do not reply or you get a phone call to arrange a meeting where you think you can air your complaints, which actually just turns out to be a build update. To quote the associate Construction Director, ‘countryside have no legal obligation, and are not contractually obliged to give good customer service, or deliver a house within the time frames suggested to you’. Please save yourself the heartache and buy with someone else.

Anonymous · 25 March 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Great experience at City Fields Wakefield

We reserved our plot at City Fields Wakefield in August 2021 and the sales team have done everything they can to ensure we have had a great experience. They have been open about how the build is progressing and Rhodri has provided regular updates about each stage of the build, even taking time to go the extra mile with photos at key stages. Both Rhodri and Gav have been extremely helpful and informative with no problems in answering our many questions. Overall we have had a really positive experience with Rhodri, Gav and the sales progressor who are a credit to Countryside.

Kathryn · 22 March 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Kirsten and Justine were very helpful…

Kirsten and Justine were very helpful and understanding from the start and kept us updated throughout the process. Would highly recommend countryside to any one looking to buy in future

John · 24 June 2022