Connells Rugby reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

BEWARE of Connells and NEVER use their Recommended Solicitors!

Just sold my flat with Connells. An absolute horrendous experience and would never use them again. I paid for high quality brochures to be given to potential buyers when holding an open day. I was told this would be the best motive but the brochures were not ready for 3 weeks after the open day and once the flat was sold, due to a continous, already known problem with the printers they contract! Connells did not think that this was there error even though they charged me for the service and did not deliver. A slight annoyance to say the least. The biggest problem was using Black Solicitors their 'recommended' solicitors. It took 8 months for them to conclude the sale. My buyers used Shoesmiths another recommended solicitors by Blacks. Both solicitors did everything in their power to try and and ensure that this would cost me hugely and were hell bent on not working together to progress the sale. Example being that even though this property had share of the freehold they wanted a DOV to include the balcony in the demise. I could understand this if this was a lease hold property. Anyhow, I agreed to do it and Blacks wanted to charge me £1500 which I feel is outrageous. I refused to pay and instructed another solicitors who charged my less than £500. I complained to Connells about their 'recommended' solicitors who were not acting in my best interests at all. I also felt that Connells seemed to be acting more in the buyers interests than mine. Constantly not telling me the hole picture and it transpires that my buyers did not have the funds available to buy the property. In the end I flipped out, and told them they had two weeks to exchange or I was putting the property back on the market with another agent. Suddenly after 8 months we got somewhere. Connells are unprofessional, and really should rethink who their 'recommend' solicitors are as they are not fit for purpose. They have totally put me off using and estate agents in the future and I can now see why Purple bricks do so well. Thats exactly where I will be going next time. Charging me lots of money and not being honest with me, fobbing me off and trying to stitch me up with solicitors. You should be a shamed of the way you conduct yourselves. The fact it took you 8 months to sell my flat and you think you did a good job is deplorable.

Christopher · 27 May 2017

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

No communication skills

So myself and my partner put our property on the market with Connells at the orbital, swindon in February. They were on the ball and very motivated.... for the first week! I had viewings before we'd even signed up with them however this attitude changed shortly afterwards: the wrong information was put up about our property, we had agreed an open house a few weeks after signing up to allow is to finish some decorating etc however the week before the open house was due I noticed that it wasn't actually advertised on their website, I called immediately and spoke to a member of staff who had no idea our property was even arranged for an open house, although he had been the one organising most of the viewings!!. So after 2 phonecalls the same day after being told they would call me back within the hour (4 hours later) I called again and got told it was on their website but for some reason wasn't showing on Zoopla or rightmove as we had paid for it to be displayed, once again I spent half the day chasing them as I wasn't contacted when I was told i would be ( by a senior member of staff) so we had our open house after eventually getting all the issues sorted, for me to then find out later that day that the reason we had only 3 people attend was because the particular member of staff calling out to registered interest had decided to do so at 6pm on a Friday for a Saturday morning viewing. This lack of communication went on for a number of weeks with different things, until the biggest issue occurred on Saturday ( if I hadn't already given them notice on selling my property I definately would be now!!) So I arrived back from a night away to an estate agent and an interested buyer on my doorstep that I had no knowledge of exactly why they were there!! Considering a week before I had spoken to a member of staff and asked them to postpone any further viewings until I told them otherwise, however despite this they had been calling me all that week to arrange viewings leaving a number of voicemails that unfortunately due to my job and working 12 he shifts I was unable to respond to these during office hours. So despite having no contact with myself a member of Connells staff still took it upon himself to send an estate agent and the interested buyer to my home!! When I called Connells understandably quite angry that this had happened without my knowledge I was told ' that's weird he wouldn't of just booked in a viewing as confirmed without speaking to someone!' Well I can assure them thats exactly what he did, not only that but he also ignored the instruction given the week before to postpone all viewings. I was then told while on the phone that this would be looked into yesterday (Monday morning) and I would receive a phonecall back, I had to contact Connells myself to discuss this at 5pm yesterday- giving them all day to contact me, I made it clear to them that I expected an apology from the person involved and was told he would call me as soon as he came off the phone and that the next person in line would contact me today which he did however he wasn't in the office when I was able to call him back and I was advised they would get him to call me between half 3 and 4pm when he was back and I was on my break from work, once again I have heard nothing from either of the two people I was told would contact me today I wouldn't recommend Connells to anyone anymore, estate agents are supposed to be there to.take the stress out of moving all they have done is created me more!

Rebecca · 23 May 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Underhand, inefficient and rude. They give estate agents a bad name

Connells made buying a house extremely difficult. They refused to accept our offer unless we used their mortgage services which they charged at £600 and did not offer the best rates on the market at the time. Trying to discuss this with them was impossible, one member of staff became very rude and hostile towards us. We were lied to and told the seller was ready to move and had found a place when she had not. The whole experience dampened our interest in the property so we ended up withdrawing our offer.

Mr · 23 May 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

So bad there funny

The worst estate agents/letting agents ive ever used. Rented a home from the swindon branch for a year and them and the office in cardiff were useless. Never returned phone calls,never logged any of the issues we raised with them regarding the property.numerous calls and emails to get our deposit back while being lied too.was given inventory upon leaving the property and was told there was various damage to the property and the landlord wanted to claim against our deposit. I happend to know our landlord who informed me the house was kept in excellent condition and he had not had any contact from connells regarding claiming.if you enjoy being lied to,messed about and love poor customer service this is the company for you.!!!

Gary · 8 May 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

No problems when i was in the property

No problems when i was in the property. But once I gave my leave date it went down hill. Connells requested to shorten my contract so that they could let the property as soon as. I agreed as that would work better for me. I was promised that because I had paid a full month's rent, I would get half of that money back as my contract was ending two weeks earlier. On the paper correspondence, it was stated that if there were any significant problems when it would take up to 3 months. From the report, there were no significant problems.Literally 5 days later, the property was let for the agreed date. I handed my keys in and was told that my deposit and half of the rent would be with me after 5 days. I gave it two weeks and followed it up by e mail. I had the report through and it was good except for a couple of areas in the out building which had a leak and became mouldy. The landlord and letting agent knew about this it had been reported numerous times. Yet, nothing was done. I understood therefore that some of my deposit would be used to pay to clean this. Fair enough, shouldn't cost too much. So I gave it another 2 weeks and gave them another prompt for a timeframe. Yet again, another 5 days. 7 days later and no correspondence, I asked yet again where my money was. Luckily only had to wait another 2 days. But i didn't get my full deposit with which I kind of expected and no sign of the rest of the rent. So I gave up. Absolutely useless company and I will not be using them again.

Kath · 25 April 2017

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

My husband and I rented out our house

My husband and I rented out our house, and moved abroad. Connells were hired to manage the letting, which worked very well until:1. No one explained to us that being abroad we would have to pay tax at source on our rental income. This is the law, but no explanation.2. My husband died 8 months ago. Only now, after so many phone calls and emails, I have lost count, have they finally moved the account into my sole name.3. Every time there was an issue with their accounts department, i.e. a change had to be made, the rent just stopped coming, even though the tenant had paid. This usually tool up to 3 weeks to resolve, and the first time took a solicitors letter.4. My branch manager is polite and helpful, when I can get hold of her, but has never returned a call. I am a patient person, but finally, I decided to make an official complaint. Turns out they have a complaints department.5. The general attitude is: No empathy, no apology, no acknowledgement that a bereaved person might not actually want continual emails, and letters to their deceased husband.6. They do not have a process for dealing with the tax that has been paid to HMRC, so when my husband died, they continued to send his portion of the tax, despite my boring numerous requests. This is still ongoing after 8 months.7. The lease came to an end. What now? No contact from them, and no rent paid either. I had to initiate the call to consider renewing the lease, and have now changed my mind.8. The annual statement showing income and expenditure, does not show the tax paid, by either me or my husband. When asked why. was told, I can figure it out myself from the monthly statements!!!!! Not forgetting that they charge £66.00 x 2 for 2 useless bits of paper.9. They have no idea what to do in event of a death. I mean they are a huge company, and apparently no process. First send a death certificate. Then send a solicitors letter. Then 6 months later, oh we need probate. Basically they have no idea, just say whatever someone else in the office says.10. I am now going after them for the refund of all the management fees since my husband died. This is around £1113.60, and I am not afraid to take them to the small claims court.

Moira · 20 April 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Useless

Useless, waiting hours to get in cntact with the vengeaful lettings agency that have opened accounts into our names with utility companies and council to pay tax for the period we HAVEN"T LIVED THERE, we have left the property and Connells knows but still Connells have sent emails to these guis to tax us? WHY?

Florin · 19 May 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Avoid Connells Property surveyors!

Connells Property surveyors Did a home buyers survey which has proved to be completely inaccurate - the house has structural problems, failed double glazing, leaking conservatory roof with rotten wood on the door frames and windows - giving evidence that it has leaked for some years. We are looking at £30,000 minimum to put right what the surveyor who was either drunk or blind missed.Complained to them and they fobbed me off with an offer of £1000?!! Now taken it to their Ombudsman for full investigation Complete cowboys! Terrible customer service AVOID THIS COMPANY

Rosa · 3 April 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Don't Buy a House Listed by Them

A warning for anyone about to trust them with one of the biggest decisions of your life.

Louise · 20 April 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Shocking company

This company is shocking undervalued by £45,000, can't get any answers as to why , if a buyer wants to use this company my answer is refuse!!!

Lindsay · 8 December 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Unacceptable behaviour

When making an enquiry to view a rental property, their agent wanted a lot of personal information upfront, which as I explained, was not willing to provide over the phone. The agent became rude, basically stating he did not want to waste his time and needed to establish affordability, even though I stated I'd act as guarantor, however he then asked me if I earned in excess of £60k per annum and owned my own property. My enquiry was to simply arrange a viewing, his poor customer service and rudeness means I will no longer deal with them.

Paul · 21 March 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Liars and scammers

I've had such a bad experience with them trying to buy a home. Put an offer which had been accepted - as a First Time Buyer they are trying to blackmail us to use their mortgage broker rather then look around. If we don't use theirs then we will not get the house/ won't be in our favor as the seller are all using Connells broker and solicitors. Really poor customer service and do not trust them with buying or selling my house. they give people a bad experience and lie to make you increase your original offer.

K · 13 March 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Its all gone wrong for Connells Letting

I used to speak highly of Connells letting department, but unfortunately this is no more since they've moved all the property management to a call centre in the Wirral. They are a waste of time and don't seem to have the experience, to deal with any thing that is out of the ordinary. I have threatened to terminate my contract with them, they are so reactive, they actually send you a email telling you how to do it, instead of trying to calm the situation down and get problems sorted.My advice find a letting agent, with their property management locally, who can know the area and may have even seen your property. ( I have had a couple of times, where the call centre staff talked about a flat when I own a house that I rent)

Pip · 8 March 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Would not use these again, my in house mortgage advisor was a nightmare to get in touch with ,even my Conveyancer couldn't get hold of him.People in the office never got back to me ,just a bad experience all round, very poor service and not very professional at all.

Dean · 25 October 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Iona did an excellent viewing and although we didn’t buy the house her customer service stood out!

Amrita · 25 October 2023

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

Why i use Purple Brick

I had three very bad experiences with this company, one on renting a property and two on buying, in two different areas Warwickshire and Dorset. Most of the people i came across were devious and only interested in selling you things you didn't want. Luckily i sold my house through Purple Bricks, it not only saved me £3000, but because everything is done online the estate agents can't con you, as you e mail directly with the people interested in buying your property, or the one you want to buy.if you need a traditonal estate agent which some people might, go to the independent local ones, not the national chains

Mr · 20 February 2017

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

What a waste of time!

What a waste of time! The branch manger (Giuseppe Varano) valued our house and did his sales pitch etc. and then we began negotiating rates. We eventually settled on a rate which was 0.3% lower than their original rate. Another week went by with me considering other agents. I decided to go with Connells and asked him to send me the contract. I then got a phone call from the Giuseppe saying that they could not offer the rate they promised and it has to be the original percentage offered on day one. He said he doesn't have the authority (even as branch manager) to offer rates below the 1% they originally stated. So the couple of weeks negotiating was a complete waste of time. If he doesn't have the authority offer different rates then why did he waste my time. I'm really glad this happened at this stage as it shows how trustworthy they are and how unprofessional they are.

James · 26 January 2017

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Fantastic Estate agents

First time i have rented a property through Connells Estate agent, and was the best choice I made! The staff have been fantastic keeping me up to date with the process of my application form, was so patient with it all, and answered all questions every time i called them (was a lot)And even now I'm in my lovely new home they are still always happy to help. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking to private rent 😊

Steph · 17 November 2016

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

First time buyer with wolverhampton branch

As we are first time buyer Connells Wton couldnt have made our experience any easier. From calling and arranging viewings with Tish, To going through the buying process with Amo/Jackie. We cant thank you all enough for your hard work in helping us to get the house we wanted. The professionalism was brilliant, always keeping us posted with any update and doing the chasing for us. Its been a weight lifted knowing now we've got our first home all thanks to the fab team at Connells. Will recommend 100%..... Thanks you.

Amy · 20 October 2016

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Failed to sell house then when other agent sold it demanded over 12K 3 years later

We instructed Connells to sell our property in late 2012 after moving from another agent. The were utterly useless, they promised to accompany all viewing but ended up by use doing most viewings, sending people round when no body in. When we went away for a few days requested no viewings they sent people round again. After the 8 week contract period was up we could wait to get rid of them. I phoned and wrote to them informing them we were terminating the agreement. We moved to another agent who sold the property within weeks. We didn't hear from Connells again or have any more viewings from them but three years later they demanded £12840.00 as an unpaid fee for a house they didn't sell!!!!! This is still ongoing.Update two months of grief with them taking them to the Ombudsmen and they finally admitted their mistake and offered £75 compensation!!!!!!!!

Tim · 4 October 2016

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

DO NOT USE - DO NOT CARE & BREACH GOVERMENT RULES

This is there worst experience I have ever had in terms of a letting agency. Branch don't care as pass buck to property management company who also don't care. They said here's your landlords number and deal with it. Thankfully we had a nice landlord but who knows why he would pay them a fee. Despite repeated warnings about breaching government code for return of deposit - we still have not had it even though we had full agreement. Court action here we come - I think the other comments speak for themselves and sincerely hope management change their ways but unlikely.

Helen · 26 September 2016

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Avoid like the plague

Use another agent you will regret it if you do notAs a landlord we persistently pestered Connells who were managing our properties to get maintenance issues done etc as quickly as possible,some jobs really took forever when instruction had been given early We have now moved this property to another Agent and in the process of removing other property as maintenance is only one issue of a really really poor service givenCommunicate is absolutely appalling I have got to give a star rating but it should be zero rated

Richard · 22 September 2016

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Failed to sell house then when other agent sold it demanded over 10K 2 years later

Tim - we have had a similar experience. After terminating agreement in 2014 due to poor service we went to another agent who sold the house in 2015.We have just received a bill for professional services?? for around £10,500. Is this happening to other ex Connells clients. Perhaps the Property Ombudsman should get involved? UPDATE: after having sent an email giving information of sale etc. and informing them that we would be consulting the Property Ombudsman they have emailed an apology and retracted the request for payment.

Vanessa · 7 September 2016

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Giving estate agents a bad name

The initial sales experience was very positive, but that ended once we were signed. After that, they never returned or calls, they would not deal with interested prospects of our property outside of the chain they were dealing with. Very non-proactive, very rude when we could get hold of them. Never provided feedback post open day so we had no idea of the level of interest; only had one prospect presented to us which I can assume was also a Connells prospect in their chain.I would NOT recommended this estate agent. When I raised my concerns they acted as though they were not delivering a service, and as long as they found a buyer for our house why should it be a problem. The epitome of bad service, as, it IS a service they are delivering. And until they can get their heads around that fact, they will never stand out above the smaller estate agents that actually give a s**t. DO NOT USE.

Michael · 11 August 2016