Connells Shirley reviews in Southampton

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Horrendous

Horrendous - do not use.Connells are part of the problem when it comes to the cladding scandal. They value properties then when they come back out to do a lenders surveyor they say a EWS1 is required, when it isn’t, thus sale falls through.There is no consistency. They’ve been to my building many of times, values are always under market value if not zero and they don’t seem to know when a EWS1 is required.They don’t allow complaints and ignore emails.Horrendous from start to end.Avoid at all costs.

M · 20 April 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Worst experience ever

Me and my fiance decided to rent our first property together. We viewed a house with Connells estate agents when the previous tenants were still occupying the property, not much of big deal but due to covid we obviously couldn't check out the house in full detail. We decided we loved the property from what we saw and got approved for the house. We made sure to fill out paperwork as soon as we got it as we were so excited for our first house. We were suppose to move in on the 12th March but it was delayed a week to clean the property. We didn't mind and took the reassurance it would be clean. We were then suppose to recieve the tennancy agreement on the 12th which didn't arrive, we contacted Connells but the response time was poor. Finally receiving the contract the following week they had put the wrong address so we informed them. It took a few days of being sent the wrong information on the contract before we finally got a correct contract the evening before we moved. The day of the move we collected the keys first thing in the morning from the branch but wasn't asked for any ID which we thought was odd as we were collecting it from a different Connells branch in our location and hadn't met the staff there before.We get to the property and a pile of rubbish was left on a drive which included tyres, a rabbit run, corragated metal sheets etc... piled up. The electric box door was cracked and the gas box door was completely missing. We found crates on the front garden that were left and as we ventured into the back garden we found yet another pile of broken furniture and househould items down the side of the shed. Empty plastic packets, hardcore and broken toys were also left scattered around the garden. We contacted the agency about it as soon as we saw and apparently the tenants left it for bin day... I don't think large items of broken furniture can be collected by the wheelie bin collector's.First thoughts entering the property was that it was very dirty and unsanitary. As we walked through the house our feet were sticking to the floor and piles of crumbs and dirt were left in each room. We found the mop they had used to clean the floor which was completly black with dirt and honestly the worst mop I've seen. The oven and hobs was still covered in food there were smears on the sink and oven door from where it had been wiped with a dirty cloth. We found mould growing in the corner of the kitchen wall and on the window seals which were also cracked. In the bathrooms 3 dirty used toilet brushes were left, crumbs in the bath, water marks on the shower screen, the bathroom unit was falling apart badly stained and had chunks of wood missing from it, the downstairs toilet seat wasn't attached properly, upstairs toilet had lots of marks on the bottom and wouldn't flush properly. There was no curtain rails in a few of the rooms and a few broken blinds as we went to close them they fell off. The carpet on the landing and stairs was dirty and very worn away. In the shed in the garden was a dirty mini fridge and some open wired electricals which when speaking to Connells they knew nothing about.We recieved the inventory on the day which had 5 pages of things that needed repairing to the property including a deep clean that was urgently required. We hadn't received any safety certificates on the day and when asked for them Connells finally sent them over the following day in which we found a few electrical issues recorded and that wasn't including the dodgy wiring in the shed. We had organised a man with a van to move our large furniture to the property on the day which we did but due to how unclean and unsafe it was we decided not to stay. We spent days trying to contact Connells and finally got through to the director who kept interrupting us and didn't seem to understand the unhabitabal state it was left in. Due to an outbreak of Covid at one of there offices they were all self isolating and didn't have a back up plan to help tennants like us. There were alot of things wrong with the property which we felt were breaking the tennancy act but each time we mentioned it we were dismissed and told that we had signed a contract. Yes we can follow the law on the contract but they haven't done there part on following the legislation for tenants! We wiĺl never use or recommend Connells again!

Kay · 27 March 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Sam and his team were really helpful!

Zero · 11 October 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Officially the WORSE surveyors!

Officially the WORSE surveyors!! Having owned multiple properties with variety of lender never had as worse experience as this. I paid £500 for survey and they deemed property unsuitable due to some foam on roof. Irony is 2 X other lenders have offered on same property without any questions & my own professional surveyor has happily signed off the property. I’m glad I made alternative arrangements in time. Stop wasting your Time! Read review and do your research. There’s way better surveyors available & if your lender uses this company run a MILE!!

A · 7 March 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Rude and massively undervalued

Valuer was in the property for less than 5 mins, obviously wasn't local, very unfriendly and rude. The value came back way lower (45k) than the offer received from my buyer, so the sale is likely to fall through and I will loose my next property too. Property is rarely available on this road so it is a tricky one to value, but asking price is comparable to local properties of similar size and finish and property sold very quickly with multiple offers which proves it was well priced for the market. Absolutely fuming!

Lorna · 25 February 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Bent con men !

As others I would score zero if I could.Valuer appointed through Natwest's underwriters, Mr C Hill was at my property 5 mins,and under valued my house for 40 k. He already knew the value I had stated as he mentioned it to me, so why if the company was supposed to be "independent" did he already know the honest value??Then provided feed back to Natwest that there wasn't any comparable house sold recently. There was in the last 3 years for well over his valuation of my larger house, but not in the last 3 months during a pandemic (shock!)My new mortgage deal is now £3k more expensive over the next 5 years thanks to his incompetence. Natwest wont let you appeal the valuation, but I know for sure that if the repossessed my house they wouldn't sell it for his valuation = bent as f.... ! Back handers central! I cant beleive Natwest use such a company with these review rating unless they are going to make a healthy profit from them ....oh wait...!

Grant · 18 February 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

He was very professional and made my letting process quite easy.

Judeus · 11 February 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Can I give no stars

Can I give no stars? Appalling service from start to finish. Pulled out of a purchase mainly due to this agent. Day 1 view a property. Agent strolled up the street after our arrival, had to force door open due to post and junk mail piled up. This should have been moved prior to our arrival to give a better impression. Agent gave us wrong sale price around £20,000 than actual price. Property was also marketed incorrectly in our opinion. Garage blocked of with inner wall making it a gym, agent conveniently didn’t have the key for us to see this. Due to issues with our buyer the purchase of this property was unexpectedly delayed, whilst we were keen to keep the vendor updated, these agents were not so forthcoming with information including that they had put the house back up for sale. I only found this out when calling with information. I’m quite certain at this point he attempted to get us to increase our offer to “secure” the purchase. After reassuring them of our position we were then given an incredibly unachievable deadline . This simply led us to reevaluate our position and rather than proceed proceed with the purchase ( of which I had no confidence was now secured to us) and came to the unfortunate decision to withdraw our offer and look for another property. When searching a quite limited choice for our situation I had to discount any property’s listed with connells regardless of how much I liked them. I found these agents to be very unprofessional and on rude.

Clare · 23 December 2020

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I recently bought my house through Connells, Shirley. Jake dealt with the purchase from the start and I honestly cannot fault him and the service I received. He always got back to me quickly and did everything he could to ensure a smooth purchase. Was Very much apreciated at a stressful time in buying a house . Very happy with him and the team there. Thank you :)

Joanna · 29 January 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Time wasters

In June 2020, I viewed a retirement flat in Watford..Price was agreed, memorandum of sales was issued solicitors was appointed. We even got to signing a draft contract when I was told by solicitors the flat is not for over 55s but for 60. Before putting an offer Connells had reassured me that this was for 55..Even after solicitors email, two agents of Connells Kyara and Scott emailed / phoned me and reassured me all will be fine. I wasted 3.5 months of emotional, physical ( note I am disable) and financial energy and had turned down 3 potential properties before putting in an offer. Connels supposededly appealed to the company many times not that I was privy to emails exchanged..I was constantly having to chase but was fobbed off with half cut explanations as to exactly why the E&M would not sell to me..And that too in very poor English. People over 55 are living in that block so I feel very much discriminated against. On the last day when Connells told me of final decision and that the sale will definitely not proceed, the agency didnt even offer their services by asking if they could help me look for other options or offer a refund of fees taken. I had paid £400 in vain. Again I had a chase for my refund. I was again told it would be paid after 3 days. I chased up after 5 days for me to get an email about shortage of staff. This was paid after 8 days. However I had lost money paid to Solicitors. If they are to be believed and vendor too was chasing the landlord, they have no doubt costed the vendor additional expenses. If only this small but hugely important details about age was in black and white from day one, this mess could have been avoided. All in all Connels is unreliable, time wasters, no diligence and definitely not recommended from a buyer's point of view

Rita · 29 October 2020

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

After securing a job in Southampton I was looking for a letting on a tight turnaround. Luke was amazing, friendly, professional and one of the most knowledgeable estate agents to ever show me a property. All communication was clear and prompt and after deciding to let with them the communication and professionalism from the office team and Bethany in particular was second to none. Very happy with the property and lettings team and looking forwards to renting with them for the foreseeable future.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism

Thomas · 26 October 2020

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Outstanding service provided by Finlay and Amy. I have never had a very high opinion of estate agents and still don’t of most estate agents however these two totally shocked me. They were most helpful and went above and beyond in the help to find me, my husband and my daughter the right property. Both Amy and Finley went out of there way to accommodate us, they are both really friendly, warm and welcoming with a fantastic positive approach, they truly do want the best for your customers (unusual for most estate agents) and have outstanding customer service skills, they are going to go far in life. I have dealt with many estate agents and no one will ever live up to these two. They are a credit to your firm and I hope they get some recognition for what they do.

Caroline · 26 October 2020

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

My partner and I found our first home through Connells. From start to finish they were great. We had two viewings of our property and Amy was fantastic and made us feel at ease. Due to a lot of delays (not the fault of Connells) our mortgage offer was on the verge of running out. Finlay took charge of the situation and remained professional, responsive and empathetic through out. I’d happy deal with Finlay and Amy again. They are a credit not only to the branch but also to the the company and I do hope that Connells see this and they are both given the recognition they deserve.PositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism

K · 26 October 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Shockingly poor experience across sales and lettings lack of care

My experience with Connells has been shockingly poor across both its sales and lettings services.

Customer · 28 August 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Stay well away. The Shirley branch manager Sam Binnington encourages gazummping. Their mortgage advisor Lee Hounslow is not to be trusted with mortgage advice. Buying a house is meant to be an exciting time, they turn it into a complete nightmare. If you like throwing money down the drain, being lied to, and wasting months of your life for nothing. This is the estate agent for you.

Boo · 26 October 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

From the moment I stepped into the Southampton - Shirley office, Jake Larkin provided exceptional service. He listened attentively to my needs and presented several well-matched property options, answering all my questions with clarity and … More

AlinkA186 · 9 May 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Beware when buying home insurance through connels

Beware when buying home insurance through their mortgage brokers.I took out a mortgage through a connels mortgage broker and was offered home insurance at the same time. I informed their agent that I required additional cover for an expensive mountian bike and asked for this to be added to the policy.When trying to make a claim for the loss of this bike I wa sinformed by ageas that the bike had not been declared as a specific item to them by connells and I would only be able to claim up to the maximum value of £1000. The bike was worth £2500 so I have been paying additioinal fees for my home insurance for additional cover that when needed hasn't paid out in full.When I made a complaint to connels the person dealing with it didn't uphold my complaint or offer any resolution. Avoid and organise your own insurance!

Alexander · 16 December 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

I would not recommend this company to…

I would not recommend this company to anyone. They took my deposit after assuring me I would get the apartment, fully knowing my situation. Once they had my money, the communication became almost impossible you can’t reach them after 12pm, and they completely stopped responding to messages and calls.

Kola · 3 December 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

This is the worst company I have ever…

This is the worst company I have ever had to deal with. The incompetence is shocking. The lack of knowledge and and disinterest from the staff to try and resolve the smallest issue is crazy. They end up costing you money and then start harrassing you for arrears rental on the 6th of the month whe your rent is only due on the 11th. Unfortunately I have to deal with them for another 11 months and then hopefully never again.

Martin · 7 December 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Had Simon from connells

Had Simon from connells, contacted us before hand to ask if we had any concerns about the property. Then after the survey contacted us to explain what he had found and explained what we would need to do. Survey was excellent and helped us clarify certain parts of the report. Would recommend that having a survey by people like simon was the best money we have ever spent . Thanks again

Peter · 7 March 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

I wish I had read more reviews before…

I wish I had read more reviews before deciding to use Connells. The branch manager who came to value was over pushy and persuaded us to take an additional package to showcase the property. Poor quality pictures which were allegedly taken by a professional photographer. I could have done better with a mobile phone. Had to complain about the quality of the pictures and the number and one or two extra were added. Still poor quality.Description of property was initially not agreed with us. Connells wrote an initial description which we did not see. Eventually it was changed.The property has now been on the market for 10. weeks and not a single viewing. Only one call from the office during that time despite going into the office and expressing our dissatisfaction. Manager was out and has never bothered to get in touch with any suggestions on marketing. Extremely disappointing and extreme poor quality customer service.We are locked in for 6 months and already paid out money for photographs and extra marketing. A very poor company who just do not seem to care.

Neville · 9 March 2020

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Letting experience with Nick from…

Letting experience with Nick from Connells, DorchesterJust wanted to say a very big thank you to Nick who has been great from my first telephone call to view a property, to meeting up with him to look at the property and then for helping with all the admin needed to rent a new property and meeting him again today to hand over the keys. We felt we could rely on Nick all through this process and would like to thank him for helping us to find such an awesome property.Many thanks Frank & Barbara

Barbara · 28 February 2020

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Julie Davies - Emerson’s Green branch Bristol.

Julie Davies was our sales negotiator for our recent purchase of our first house. Timely, helpful and efficient, Julie went above and beyond to ensure clear communication was had between ourselves and the sellers. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to get on the property ladder.

Aisling · 12 January 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Totally corrupted being a key worker

Totally corrupted branch- Midlands branch- being a key worker , applied for accommodation two years ago , yet was totally ignored. Someone called Becky does not answer phone calls , leave voice mails and she never comes back , she comes back after 6 months after all the accommodation is gone and she received whatever benefit to dictate to you what she wants you to live in ,,,,! as s she is my partner to do so , raised a complaint about that suspicous activity , her manager Annabell did not do any , dont get involved unless you ready to give some gifts

Bbb · 27 November 2024