Every review we hold for the Southsea office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleJames Elvin was absolutely fantastic throughout the whole letting process. He was professional, efficient, and kept everything moving smoothly from start to finish. Any questions or concerns were dealt with quickly, and all the moving dates and arrangements were sorted out super fast, which made the whole experience so much less stressful.
Really appreciated his communication, organisation, and how on top of everything he was. Would definitely recommend James to anyone looking for a smooth and hassle-free renting experience :)
Agnes · 22 May 2026
Agent replied · 22 August 2026
Really appreciate this lovely review, Agnes. Thank you!
All the very best,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleWe had a really poor experience. We viewed a house with a serious leak that had caused mushrooms to grow, and were assured it would be repaired within 6 weeks. We committed to the rental after exchanging on our sale, but when we collected the keys the hallway was still flooded, with water coming up underfoot. It looked like the agent had tried to mask the issue with multiple electric radiators, despite rainwater still pouring down the walls. There was also no working hot water or heating.
We had to find a new rental with just one week’s notice, which cost over £1,000 more per month. When we asked for support with the extra removal costs and utility contract issues, the company completely washed their hands of it. This was all avoidable with proper property management. We had a plan to rent this place for 6 months prior to buying it. Due to all of the above we have obviously decided not to buy either. The property owner has been let down twice. Interesting what Matt says about the oil heating and hot water provision. The truth was we received at call at lunchtime on Monday from the oil truck that was outside the property! We had cancelled our tenant and already received a refund. These would have also been 3 very cold days without hot water or heating in the middle of winter. Actually illegal! Again another failure and even worse that the company director has tried to put it to bed with a lie. We collected the keys on Friday night as well!
Seamus · 17 December 2025
Agent replied · 18 December 2025
Good afternoon Mr Flood,
Thank you for your feedback and I am very sorry to hear that your experience fell short of expectations.
For clarity, Martin & Co was appointed to manage the property on Thursday 2 October 2025, following the landlord’s approach on 1 October 2025. The property had been historically self-managed, however due to difficulties securing roofing contractors to resolve water ingress from the garage roof into the utility room, the landlord requested our assistance.
Our roofing contractor attended on Tuesday 7 October 2025, completing replacement of the tin flashing, re-cementing of breached brickwork and re-application of lead sealant. At the time, the contractor advised that roof leaks can involve an element of trial and error but was confident the source had been addressed.
Representatives from Martin & Co attended the property on 17, 24 and 31 October, and 7 November 2025 to empty dehumidifiers and monitor the internal drying process. Plug-in heaters were provided to assist with drying, which is standard practice following water ingress.
Between Monday 10 November and Friday 14 November 2025, Storm Claudia brought severe weather conditions. During our visit on Friday 14 November 2025, it was unfortunately discovered that the leak had returned. The roofing contractor was contacted immediately but advised that, due to the storm, it was not safe to re-attend until conditions improved. You were updated on site at approximately 2:30pm.
On Saturday 15 November 2025, you collected the keys to the property and, having seen the issue, advised that you no longer wished to proceed with the tenancy. The landlord accepted this decision in full and agreed to terminate the tenancy with immediate effect. Your deposit and first month’s rent were returned to your bank account in full within 60 minutes.
Regarding the heating, the property operates on an oil-fired system. As you may recall, an oil delivery and engineer visit had already been arranged for the afternoon of Saturday 15 November 2025 to replenish the tank and explain the system’s operation to you.
I hope the above clearly sets out the timeline and demonstrates that both ourselves and the landlord acted promptly and reasonably throughout, and facilitated an immediate and penalty-free exit once you chose not to proceed.
I am very sorry again that your experience fell short of expectations and I wish you the very best moving forward.
Best regards,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAbsolutely fantastic service from Matt from start to finish. He never felt like your typical estate agent, more like a friend who genuinely wanted to help. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and he was always on hand whenever we needed him.
When our sale fell through, Matt was straight on the case and had another buyer lined up within days. Even the landlady we bought from commented on what a great estate agent he was and how refreshing it was to deal with someone so different from the norm.
Matt is professional, polite, and made the whole process feel stress-free because I always knew he had everything under control. There were no pushy sales tactics or commission-driven pressure, just a genuinely nice guy who really cares about helping people sell their homes.
10/10. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Matt to anyone, and I definitely wouldn't use anyone else again!
Tasmin · 22 July 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMy experience with Martin and Co has been great.
They have been as helpful as possible, especially James Elvin and Cara Stanton.
Every issue I have had has been dealt with quickly and efficiently.
And I was kept informed throughout.
I would very happily rent through them again.
Vanessa · 22 May 2026
Agent replied · 22 August 2026
Thank you very much for your kind review, Vanessa.
We hope all is going well at your new home.
Best wishes,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMr. James Elvin who I met is not only a top professional but also incredibly kind and efficient in handling everything. Without James, I honestly doubt I could have found a cozy home for my family within such a tight deadline. I am truly grateful, and I sincerely hope anyone working with James can have the same wonderful experience that I did. James is simply the best.
박광서 · 22 September 2025
Agent replied · 17 October 2025
Good afternoon,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback. We’re delighted to hear James was able to make the process smooth and help you find the right home within your timeframe. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him!
All the best,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMany thanks to James Elvin for all his help and support throughout the process. As a letting agent, he was professional, responsive, and extremely helpful. His assistance made everything much smoother and less stressful. Highly recommended.
Mohamed · 22 May 2026
Agent replied · 22 August 2026
Thank you very much Mohamed, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a kind review.
All the best,
Matt
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleDisgusted at the way this branch treated me and allowed the landlord to get away with whatever he wanted. Only interested in what they were being paid, never the tenants interests
Edit - 10 June 2024: My deposit has just been fully refunded by the DPS, there were no damages or missing itmes, my landlord made them up and Martin and co once again washed their hands of it, knowing it was untrue. When I called on a number of times to state how unfair my treatment was, they all made me feel like a nuisance, or that I had done something wrong. In response to Mathew's comments, this is frankly untrue. Martin and Co have been collecting the rent on behalf of the landlord for the past 6 years, they take a fee to do this. They also take fees for rental agreement signings each year, organising safety checks, etc. and in the past have charged me huge credit check fees before these were outlawed. Why would any compmany engage in tasks that made them no money for 10 years? Of course they earned money. They chased me whenever the rent was a couple of days late, including throughout Covid-19 etc., I am self employed, and like many, struggled during this time, but over 10 years I never missed a months rent. They never asked how I was doing, no support, they just sent blunt, to the point, sometimes rude emails, demanding the rent money. However, I called to speak to Mathew on a number of occasions about the way the landlord was treating me. The landlord was a bully, did not do repairs, leaking ceilings etc. Mathew was not interested to talk to me, was always busy when I asked to speak to him and never returned my calls.This is my point about only making contact concerning money but never concerning my well being. Mathew could have spoken to me or my landlord on plenty of occasions to highlight my concerns but he never bothered. However, one negative review, and all of a sudden he has the time and inclination to communicate to reslove my concerns, surprising that, isn't it?
Ian · 20 March 2025
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Hello Ian,
I am sorry to read of your dis-satisfaction and frustrations.
It is important for me to advise that, as you are aware, your recent tenancy was not managed by Martin & Co and for the past nine and a half years you have been dealing directly with your Landlord and not ourselves. I would therefore refute your claim of any financial motivation, as we have not received a penny in management fees since introducing you to the property as a tenant almost a decade ago.
I understand that as the tenancy has now come to an end, the Landlord is proposing deductions to the security deposit for alleged damages, missing items and under-paid rent. Please note that the security deposit is safely protected via the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), who have an Adjudication Service in place to assist with cases where there is a landlord/tenant dispute.
I am keen for us to do what we can to bring the matter to a fair and satisfactory conclusion as soon as possible, therefore please do feel free to contact myself or our Senior Property Manager, Cara Stanton on 02392 987001 who will be to talk you through how to raise a dispute with the DPS.
Best regards,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI received outstanding customer care from Martin & Co. in Portsmouth. The staff have all been very welcoming and helpful every time I have entered their building.
Communication via email has been fantastic throughout the period of my tenancy and any issues have been responded to immediately and dealt with as quickly as possible.
I would like to say a massive thank you to James for his continued excellence throughout the last year.
I highly recommend Martin & Co. Portsmouth to anyone looking to rent.
Thank you!
Jasmine · 5 February 2025
Agent replied · 23 January 2025
Hello Jasmine,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review. I'm really pleased you had a great experience with our office and i'll be sure to pass on your feedback to James and the team.
Wishing you all the best for the future.
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAbsolutely seamless process with Martin & Co Portsmouth. James was extremely professional, helpful and personable. Any information required was promptly provided. James took care of everything, and my house was rented out within days of being placed on the market. Can not recommend Martin & Co or James Elvin enough, absolute pleasure to deal with.
Joe · 5 November 2025
Agent replied · 23 October 2025
Hello Joe,
Thank you very much for your kind review and entrusting us to let and manage your property.
I'll be sure to pass on your feedback to James, he'll be delighted to hear you were pleased with the service provided.
Thanks again and all the very best,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMany thanks to James and the team for providing a professional service to let my property. I was given good advice and guided through the process until the new tenants moved in. They found a suitable tenant within a week of marketing the property. Well done.
Gloria · 20 January 2026
Agent replied · 20 March 2026
Thank you for your kind words. We’re delighted to hear you were happy with the service James and the team provided and that we were able to find a suitable tenant so quickly. We really appreciate your feedback and your trust in us.
Best wishes,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleJames was very professional and helpful from our first enquiry to moving in. He made the whole process as smooth as possible and was always available to answer any questions.
Heather · 22 May 2026
Agent replied · 22 August 2026
Thank you very much indeed, Heather. I will be sure to pass your feedback on to James.
All the best,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleJames was helpful and efficient when arranging viewings and getting the tenancy set up. The move‑in process went smoothly with no issues. Would recommend compared to other agents in Portsmouth!
Peter · 22 May 2026
Agent replied · 22 August 2026
Many thanks for your kind review, Peter.
Best regards,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI can highly recommend Darren the Snr Sales Negotiator for his quiet professional attititude and quiet tenacity in getting this sale through. It hasn't been particularly easy but Darren has "managed" us all extremely well to achieve what I hope is an excellent outcome for all concerned and finally in a timeframe to suit us all. Through no fault of his I have ended up having to pay more in solicitor's fees but his communication skills and attention to detail have kept everyone on track and costs to a minimum. I can highly recommend Darren and Martin & Co for sales and prior to this I had experience of their lettings department so can recommend them as well. Many thanks for all of your help. It has been much appreciated.
Tina · 7 November 2024
Agent replied · 8 November 2024
Dear Tina,
Thank you very much for your thoughtful review and for highly recommending Darren and our team. We’re delighted to hear that Darren’s professionalism, persistence, and communication skills helped bring your sale to a successful close. Navigating a complex sale can be challenging, and we're pleased to know that his attention to detail kept everything on track. We’re also grateful for your kind words about our Lettings department. Your trust in Martin & Co means a lot to us.
Best regards,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleJames was really good and communicated exceptionally all the way along the process and continues too! Could ask for a better agent
Jamie · 22 May 2026
Agent replied · 22 August 2026
Many thanks Jamie, really appreciate you taking the time to leave us this review.
All the very best,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe recently went through Martin and Co to rent our new property and the journey we had was such a smooth journey thanks to James ! Would definitely recommend, they made our experience so quick and easy! James was so helpful! We thank you again for all your help!
Paige · 12 August 2025
Agent replied · 15 August 2025
Hello Paige,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted James made your rental experience smooth and straightforward. We truly appreciate your recommendation and wish you all the best in your new home.
Best regards,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDealt with Darren. Really helpful throughout. It wasn't the easiest of transactions outside of our control but he really helped when needed. 100% would use again.
Nick · 20 February 2026
Agent replied · 20 March 2026
Good afternoon Nick,
Thank you very much for your kind review, it’s greatly appreciated. I’m delighted that the sale reached a successful conclusion and I wish you every success with the project.
Once the refurbishment works are complete, we would love the opportunity to see the finished result, it would be great to see how everything has come together.
All the best,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleA huge thank you to Matt, Darren and James for all of their help and support through a very long and tough journey of selling our property! We highly recommend these guys, they have been first class throughout! They are all extremely friendly and genuine and we would not hesitate in using them again! Thanks Ali & Darren :)
Ali · 20 March 2025
Agent replied · 15 August 2024
Thank you so much, Ali and Darren! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with us during the sale of your property. It was a pleasure working with you both, and we’re glad we could support you through the process. Your … More
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI recently contacted James at the Southsea branch to view a property.
Right from the first contact James has been extremely professional. His communication was excellent and he kept me informed throughout the whole process. He went above and beyond to ensure there were no issues and he is assest to Martin & Co.
Marc · 30 April 2025
Agent replied · 30 April 2025
Good morning Marc,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with our office.
We’re proud to have James as part of the team, and your words reflect the dedication and professionalism he brings to his role. Your feedback means a great deal to us and will be shared with the wider team as recognition of a job well done.
Wishing you all the best in your new home.
Best regards,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMartin & Co's listings on property search websites are very thorough and informative, with a very useful 360 degree walkthrough in my case. The photos of the property I bought were very accurate with no perspective trickery giving a false sense of size.
From our first viewing of the property, to the day we were handed the keys, Darren from Martin & Co took an extremely hands on approach with greasing the wheels of the sale. We ended up completing within two months of our first viewing, and in all honesty, a huge part of that success was made possible by Darren.
Without his support, attention to details and superb communication and liaison skills, the wheels would have turned a lot slower and we may have never successfully completed at all.
Thank you Martin & Co, and thank you Darren for helping use get our lovely new home. I'd absolutely recommend working with this company as both a buyer or a seller as they genuinely throw all they have to support both parties.
Andy · 20 March 2024
Agent replied · 4 July 2023
Good afternoon Andy,
Just a note to say thank you for taking the time to leave us this review, I'm really pleased that you were happy with the service provided by Darren.
Thanks again.
All the best,
Matt Berry - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleA big thank you to Matt Berry and his team at Martin & Co for their help and support over the years. The lettings team have always been helpful and efficient, keeping us informed and taking care of problems very promptly.
Recently the sales team completed the sale of our property. Darren was a great help in dealing with a very difficult and potentially disastrous situation during the process, handling it with admirable diplomacy and bringing the sale to a satisfactory conclusion. Thank you!
Louise · 20 March 2024
Agent replied · 13 March 2024
Good afternoon Louise,
Thank you very much indeed for taking the time to write such a kind review. Thank you also for your support and loyalty over the years, we have really enjoyed working with you and wish you all the very best for the future.
Thanks again,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWonderful service! A huge thank you to James Elvin for all their help getting us into our first rental home. Everyone we spoke to at Martin & Co were so friendly and very helpful with any questions we had. Cara has been fantastic since we moved in, quick and informative replies. Great communication throughout. Super fast process even across the Christmas period. Really happy and would recommend Martin & Co to anyone looking to let in the Portsmouth/Southsea area.
Aurora · 20 March 2024
Agent replied · 13 January 2024
Dear Aurora, We're delighted to hear about your positive experience! Thank you for acknowledging James, Cara, and our team's efforts. Your recommendation is the highest compliment we could receive. We look forward to continuing to serve you with the same dedication and care.
Thanks again,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleRented a property for several years through these guys which I've ended up purchasing. Always been really helpful and sorted issues quickly and efficiently from the perspective of a renter. Provided great customer service as a purchaser. Particular shout out to Darren for making the process of buying a property as easy and simple as it can be.
Rekall · 5 February 2025
Agent replied · 7 February 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that your journey, from renting to purchasing, was smooth and that our team could assist you. It's wonderful to know that you found our service prompt, efficient, and supportive. I'll be sure to pass on your kind words to Darren; he'll be delighted to hear that his efforts made a difference for you. Enjoy your new home, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything in the future.
Best regards,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleThe service, professionalism, and responsiveness has been above and beyond excellent from the beginining. The team have set the standard that other agents should strive for. Everybody who works for them is always very polite and helpful.We dealt with Hayley while organising our tenancy she was amazing. We were kept fully informed at every stage and were very impressed with the speed and efficiency of the whole process; from carrying out credit checks and referencing, to the tenancy agreement.
The whole team are so helpful and knowledgeable it is an absolute pleasure to deal with them. Highly recommended.
Karen · 30 January 2024
Agent replied · 6 February 2024
Good morning Karen,
Thank you very much for taking the trouble to write this lovely review, we are really grateful for your kind words and feedback.
All the very best,
Matt - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleSold a leasehold property via Martin & Co with Darren Dickinson from the Portsmouth office as my key contact.
Darren was very helpful and always professional. Kept me updated with progress and worked well with my solicitor. Would not hesitate to engage him again and have no reservation recommending his service.
Kamla · 20 March 2025
Agent replied · 7 June 2024
Dear Kamla, Thank you so much for your review and for highlighting Darren's dedication to providing exceptional service. We're delighted to hear about your positive experience and are grateful for your willingness to recommend us.
All the very best for the future.
Matt - Director
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