ANCHOR LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Standish reviews

★★★★★ 5/5

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We were given the opertunity to accept…the 1 bedroom apartment at Summerville House near Chester

We were given the opertunity to accept the offer at Summerville House near Chester and were happy to go ahead with the help of the property manager Carolyn Ferris, even though we signed the tenency agreement and paid the rental, due to my wife expecting an appointment to replace her left knee joint here in Spain where we currently live,we cannot move in until later in the year. We cannot thank Carolyn Ferris enough for the way she guided us through the process and look forward to joining her when the situation is ava;lable for us to move back to the UK.to be close to our daughter and grand children.

Mr · 3 December 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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My move to Bengeworth Court

My move to Bengeworth Court in Wellingborough has been the best move in securing a safe home.Gill Walsh the manager is a very professional, resourceful and kind person so very empathetic and understanding when I and my husband needed a home at a time in our life when we were becoming homeless.I cannot thank Gill enough for all her support and recently again in another life changing situation for me whilst I am going through a bereavement.Anchor housing is a home where I feel safe and supported ,and a brilliant project with excellent facilities and a brilliant manager always ready to listen to you.

Miriam · 17 November 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

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Nightmare

Nightmare . Sleeping in room with no window. Told exchange not possible any more. No flooring . No nothing. Block stinks of urine. Moving out as soon as possible. Anchor has responded to my review, with a request to call them on this number. Called 7 times 0345 602 5516 cut of each time. ??????

Chris · 23 September 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

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Lovely And Relaxing

So this is my second review of Anchor ,I moved in two weeks ago to Ridgeway court, Ayor my scheme manager has been so lovely, even before I moved in The scheme is very quiet and has a relaxed atmosphere, I feel so happy and chilled , my flat is adequate for my needs due to my health issues . Everyone I have met so far has been very polite and welcoming ,Thank you Anchor and thank you Ayor 😊.

Linda · 11 October 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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Over The Moon

Well I have just signed my new tenancy at Ridgeway court, from viewing, to being offered the flat and signing up all just took 10 days, Absolutely over the moon with how efficient the court manager Ayor has been , welcoming , caring and informative covering all aspects, all the residents I've met so far along the way have also been extremely welcoming, even Monica the cleaner, I am so looking forward to settling in and becoming a life long tenant with Anchor .. many thanks indeed

Linda · 21 September 2024

★★★★★ 3/5

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Okay however bedroom too small

The manager was good, the apartment is small, especially the bedroom. There has been issues with other tenants smoking and the smoke coming under my door, this appears to have been resolved. I wish I could let my cat out, cats are not allowed on the gardens, which is a shame because he is now depressed. The rent appears high for what you actually get. I also think the kitchen and bathroom need updating, they are old 1980s style and tired I have spoken to the scheme manager about my cat, and she informed it was Anchor policy

Suzanne · 17 September 2024

★★★★★ 3/5

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Why is it that we are being charged for…

Why is it that we are being charged for carpets each year but ours have never been replaced or cleaned in the 2 1/2 years that I have resided here ? Also any of the points that we have raised in the previous so called residents meetings have never been met so obviously we have no faith in the company. Also our main door is faulty as the latch constantly sticks in so that anyone can enter without a key it has been reported numerous times and has been attended to but within a few days it’s back to sticking again we need a new mechanism or new door but nothing is done about it I’m sure that the residents safety should come first .

Andrea · 17 September 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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I am so happy Mum has moved to Anchor

I have just moved my Mum into Tonson Court. She is so happy with her lovely spacious flat. Adele has been amazing, she is very warm and welcoming, I know Mum is going to be in safe hands with Adele looking out for her. Agnes keeps the communal areas spotlessly clean, she too is a credit to Anchor. The gardens are beautiful and well tended. I can’t wait to sit out there with Mum. The residents’ lounge is really welcoming with comfortable upholstered chairs, I hope it won’t be long before Mum feels confident in joining in the social activities. Keighley is a busy town yet Tonson Court is a peaceful haven away from the noise, but within walking distance of the many amenities Keighley has to offer.

Maria · 10 September 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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Cannot speak for others but my complex…

Cannot speak for others but my complex is pretty well run. I am lucky to have a full time, helpful and friendly manager on site who keeps an eye on everything. My only concern is how unbearably hot 🔥 🥵 the flats are in summer! My discomfort level is off the scale!

Janet · 18 September 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

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It is now the 8th week since Anchor's…

It is now the 8th week since Anchor's local surveyor put two data logger (one in my flat) and the other in the communal area. It was agreed to have them for 3 weeks. He stated that he collected both to measure the temperature in my flat. I am looking at the one in my flat - economical with the truth. I have e-mailed their Operations Manager over a week ago and still no reply!I will be taking Anchor to court over the excessive temperatures in my flat - the Law states that the temperature should not exceed 28c for 1% of the dwelling time. I would be fortunate indeed if this was the case. 29c at present with all my windows open - air cooler, with added ice on! Anchor ignore my communications with them - especially their local surveyor.Not allowed to open our front doors and ineffective ventilation. Anchor's surveyors' do not know the difference between a 'fan light' which they state that I have and a ineffective 'trickle vent' which the fireman and Environmental Health Officer truthfully know that I have.Anchor are a self-preserving organisation who will only to save face! My scheme manager has e-mailed the temperatures, which she has witnessed, to their surveyor, but he just stonewalls and never picks up his mobile. He just does not want to be bothered and never responds. He has only ever sent one very sarcastic e-mail to myself and did not keep an appointment at my home and never bothered to telephone me to say why!Please, please do not get housed with Anchor - you will live to regret it as many do. I cannot wait to move. Do your homework, as many other organisations offer better quality housing - Optivo for example- and their service charges are so much less and you get your repairs done - something that does not happen with Anchor as they drag things out.The 5 stars given are by new tenants, mainly in response to their scheme managers'. Yes, I have a good scheme manager, but sadly, Anchor will not always respond to her requests.Anchor hope that by stonewalling elderly tenants, they will give up, but where the Law is concerned they bend it as far as they can. There are many organisations out there offering excellent quality Independent Living housing - sadly Anchor are the worst slumlords out! With outrageous service charges for the privilege!Up date on the data logger. My Scheme Manager has come up into my flat and witnessed that the surveyor did not collect it, as he told the operations manager, and has now collected it herself.

Jayg · 20 August 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

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My roof leaked from almost day one 30…

My roof leaked from almost day one 30 plus roofers all claimed success,none kept. To stated time or even day,none fixed the leak.I lost all my carpets ended up with large holes in ceilings damp in every room impossible to heat the flat,had to resort to living in bedroom in winter.After 10 years a new roofer discovered a large crack on roof gully and no one saw it before because no one cleaned the gully.Lost all my carpets all completely sodden and taken away by Anchor.Recently asked for compensation for the great hardship we have endured.many promises of assessing due compensation and money for carpets,but the many dates promised come and go with nothing.Over the years we always paid the rent,but the lies have been constant nothing they say is ever true.The fourth promise of some sort of settlement has just passed After I asked for compensation a campaign of harassment started in the form of workmen not keeping appointments,so you stay in all day waiting.The gas service man did come by appointment and serviced the boiler.Now they say he did not come and must come again ,fortunately I can prove he came so I said they must stop harassing me,next day they cut my gas off.Fortunatly I don't use the heating as too much heat would be lost, its not possible to heat the flat,but I have lost my hot water.They put in emails that they are working out my compensation and they apologise ,but then nothing.The man saying these things a Mrhooley is a absolute night mare a jackal and Hyde character,nothing he says is ever carried through.Ninety percent of my furniture and possession s had to go into storage long ago.If I go away on holiday there is a flurry of emails saying workmen have to come in to my flat,even though they know I am away.Theres a lot more but you can't tell it all in one go.We desperately need help we will pay but need guidance to go to court,please if you can help,eternally grateful for anything,the stress is off the chart.thank you,Richard Hanover court 27 bd20 6dw. When the crack was found their own surveyor apologised and said it was terrible that we were so badly let down by so many workmen and Anchor.My wife had to leave 5 years ago due to bad chest,she remains supportive in this matter though.My health has gone down which is only to be expected at 73 and living so badly.i begrudge the rent but know if I stop paying,they would just kick me out.I have never complained a bout anything else only the roof.For a long time now I have felt unbeliever as all the workmen claimed success.The lady estate manager has disbelieved me for. Years,I don't mean always they new there was a problem,I mean in recent times.A few years ago they put my sodden carpets on. The communal landing,they left them 4 weeks till they began to realy smell bad.when the crack was found the area surveyor apologised profusely,when he realise it was all true.That day they had found the roof space sodden wet.First time any one went in loft space.To say it has been awful is an understatement by far.The worse thing is the harassment which means constant claims men need to come in,especially if I go away.I have never refused access but have stayed in and been let down so much.I am a go out person every day,probably because conditions here are so bad.The estate manager expects you always to be in whenever workmen come to your door.I have never had the pease and comfort of my flat,if the world saw in my flat I'm sure they would be shocked.Once when water was pouring into the lounge I phoned the emergency Anchor line to be told someone would contact tomorrow,they never did,and later I'm told no record of my call.I believe I can prove the truth of this from emails,but I can't understand how they think they can get away with it.The solicitors wanted thousand up front Nd 295 per hour.A no win no charge people wanted me to lie and exaggerate,so I declined as I feel I have enough evidence without exaggerating.what I need is guidance to take them to court,its not that I'm greedy I want to draw a line under this its stolen a large part of my retirement.Thank you.Richard.just want to add Mr Hooley asked me to phone him on a mobile at a set time,when I called on time no answer,5 more calls over next 2 days no answer.

Richard · 18 August 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Anchor - Not a very good organisation to have a property with !!

In 2019 my wife's father who was in his 90's bought a property on Anchor's Priory Gardens Estate in Abergavenny South Wales. Unfortunately he passed away last year. Having gone through the lengthy process of probate we were able to put the property on the market in October 2023. Then came our next serious stumbling block - Anchor. We have a willing buyer who is in her 80's and has sold her property to first time buyers. On the 7th May 2024 we accepted her offer and the legal process of selling the property was immediately started and the information that Anchor needed to provide to our solicitor was requested. We thought that because there was no chain of properties that the sale process would be quite quick. Our solicitor has repeatedly requested this information from Anchor with virtually zero response. Anchor have procrastinated since May in providing the relevant answers to a very simple set of queries. Because of the lack of any meaningful communication with Anchor I was contacted by the Estate agent who was handling the sale and also separately by my solicitor to see if I could expedite the situation with Anchor. I tried to contact Anchor by telephone and also email with zero response. I then lodged a complaint via their “online complaints form”. This did elicit an almost immediate response. I had a telephone call on Friday 27th of July from Anchor's solicitor and a follow up e-mail the same afternoon confirming what was said in the telephone call. Which was :- “I refer to our telephone conversation just now and write to advise that I am personally reviewing your matter. As discussed, I will review the file on Monday/Tuesday and revert to your Solicitors asap thereafter as I appreciate that all parties are eager to proceed towards completion without further delay”.Since then I have heard nothing from him and have been unable to contact him. I also have now had three or four telephone conversations (one each week) with one of Anchor's area managers who has asked if my solicitor has received any information (she obviously was not in any information loop regarding this matter) and said that I could escalate my complaint to the next level. I asked her what that would achieve as Anchor has not responded to any of my emails or phone calls and all that needs to happen for this to go away is for Anchor to simply respond to the queries. All she seemed interested in was my complaint.I have again e-mailed Anchor with my displeasure at the lack of response and I have also indicated that I will take legal action against them if the sale does not go ahead because of their lack of response to answering my solicitor's queries. This has also been met with a zero response. I have also written personally to Anchor's CEO Sarah Jones regarding this matter and I have yet to to receive any response from her. I find that Anchor is a very disorganised operation and has very little compassion over a period in which the family of the bereaved are having quite a tough time. My solicitor has also informed me that she is acting for other properties that are for sale on that development and is encountering similar problems with Anchor. I am in my 70's and I do not need this sort of hassle and stress from an organisation like Anchor. With the treatment that I have had from Anchor, when I need to downsize and move into smaller accommodation, would I consider buying a property on one of Anchor's Estates - DEFINITELY NOT !!!

Phillip · 16 August 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Anchor housings awful treatment of…

Anchor housings awful treatment of tenant regarding ant infestation of bedsit.In September of 2021 I viewed flat two at Vicarage Court, Gateshead, NE10 8HG.During the viewing attended by myself and my carer Maria Adams, nothing was said about the terrible ant infestation problem in the previous ten years. A problem that was rife and still ongoing. I was offered and accepted the tenancy. Had I been made aware of the ant problem I would never have accepted the tenancy.Then came the start of the spring of 2022 and the ant problems with the ant infestation began. The floor, benches and cupboards were crawling with ants. I reported this to the manager Marie Brunskill who told me it was a problem that I would have to deal with myself as Anchor policy stated that they would not deal with ant problems. I believed her, why would I not, she was the manager. It never occurred to me that she might be lying.So I threw away all the food in my cupboards and purchased ant traps, sprays and ant powder. None of which eradicated the problem. I continued this fight with the ants all summer, throwing away more and more food. Until the winter, when the ants finally went into hibernation. Then during the winter of 2022-2023 I began to find out from the long term residents about the awful problems that the previous tenant of my flat had with the ants. And how the manager Marie Brunskill was well aware of the problems.Then came the spring of 2023. Things took the same course as 2022 and I continued to complain. At one point Marie was off sick and I complained to the area manager who also told me it was not Anchor's problem. But I did manage to get them to get someone out to spray the kitchen and the flat next door as Mary next door was also having similar problems and had for many years. I was told not to use the kitchen for two weeks, but the ants still came back. I found out from the pest controllers who are now dealing with the problem that this was because by this point there were several well established nests. By this time my mental health was being affected and I was losing weight.I will at this point tell you about my health issues. I have stage four Parkinson's disease and I am fed my Parkinson's medication via a peg tube which needs to be kept clean. Having ants in the medication cupboard was causing me a great deal of distress. I have sleep apnea and am supposed to sleep with the aid of a CPAP machine, but I was not using it due to fear that ants may have crawled into the hose. I suffer from depression and anxiety which have worsened with these ant problems. I have trouble sleeping due to fear of ants crawling on me while I sleep. I also have dystonia, arthritis and spondylosis of the lumbar spine. This year I have lost two stone due to not being able to feed myself, having no usable kitchen.Now we come to this year, when I made my first complaints Marie had someone come out and put down some gel which did not work. When I informed her that the ants were back she told me that she had been told by the area manager not to get anyone else out as it was up to me to find a solution and it was Anchor policy not to deal with ants. I asked her to put this in writing because I was going to the Citizens advice bureau, she refused. At this point I was advised that it was Anchor's responsibility. At this point I was so sick of Maries lies I went straight to head office. They have admitted their liability and are now dealing with the ants. Over the past 3 years I have thrown away at the very least £350 worth of food and spent at the very least £150 on ant products, sprays and cleaning products. For loss of food, cleaning products, stress, anxiety, loss of weight and having to deal with all the problems and being lied to, Anchor has offered me £150 in compensation. This is an insult and I intend to take Anchor to the small claims court.

Michael · 13 August 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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My manager Mel was extremely helpful…

My manager Mel was extremely helpful and put my mind to rest dealing with universal credit and housing benefits.

MS · 1 June 2026

★★★★★ 4/5

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The Manager is excellent

The Manager is excellent. She is welcoming, helpful and efficient. I've only given 4 stars because I'm disappointed that Anchor wouldn't replace the bathroom flooring so I paid for it to be done. I think this should have been done for hygiene reasons as the flooring was certainly not new.

MS · 2 June 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Once again Anchor has let us down

Once again Anchor has let us down. Our laundry facilities are inoperable due to the wrong fuses installed. Our lives have been exposed to a fire risk. We are into the 6th day now and still no remedy. Rachael Shimmin the ceo of Anchor should hold her head in shame. On a salary of circa £600,000 pa for what. Dame Hariet Baldwin our MP would be horrified to hear of this, particularly in view of the Grenfell tower tragedy. Church meadow Court, Malvern

Ian · 1 October 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

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I spoke to male advisor Adam

I spoke to male advisor, Adam. He listened attentively to my issue then he explained everything to me in small simple words so that I understood him. He is very clear patient and had a calm approach. He is professional and I highly recommend him. Sheila.

Sheila · 8 October 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

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Louise the manager was extremely…

Louise the manager was extremely helpful..although it took over two and half weeks to get outside company in to clean..check electrics and paint. I am very happy now I am in my studio..It does however seem to take time to get repairs done despite the warden putting in report.

Pat · 18 September 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

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Hi I moved in on September 4th i…

Hi I moved in on September 4th i absolutely love it.Michelle the manager is lovely she helped my whole experience. the other residents are so friendly and very helpful..the flats are beautiful inside i would highly recommend living here .plus there's a Aldi..Costa.Greggs.Subway.Notcutts and McDonald's just a walk away..

Michael · 17 September 2026

★★★★★ 2/5

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I moved from a first floor flat to a…r

Perhaps all the new tenants who have written such glowing reports about anchor will feel the same a few years down the line. After 16 years in 1st floor flat I moved to a ground floor flat within the same complex. Here is what I was faced with. No cleaning had been done even though flat had been empty for six months. Stuff still in store cupboard. Filthy shower chair left in wet room. Integral kitchen appliances but no instructions for anything. Still can't use cooker as all markings for temperatures have been rubbed off. Patio left in disgusting state with loads of old flower pots. Massive ugly furniture and to top it all a huge old wooden box filled with earth which anchor have refused to move. Mould found on outside wall in bedroom. Anchor treated it. But in spite of being advised by myself and an anchor builder that there was and still is mould behind and inside two built in wardrobes (one of which I got removed myself) the anchor surveyor refused to remove. I was told that if I got it removed myself they would treat the wall. Although as I said anchor have done some workthey have failed to address a lot more. For this at a rent of £845.40 per month. Why oh why I accepted this flat I really don't know. It was not fit to be rented out but at the time I was anxious to stop having to go up and down stairs. I am now a very unhappy 80 year old and cannot forget the way I have been treated. What is left I wonder

Brenda · 30 June 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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What a lovely place me and my wife are…

What a lovely place me and my wife are in we love the piece and quite of the apartment and the people at St James court has made us feel so welcome since we have moved in we are getting more and more coming into the communal lounge and we have livened it up by arranging a breakfast morning and we have had a drink and chat night last Saturday it was a brilliant and lively night the manager Linda has been fantastic helping us with posters to arrange these events she also says since we have got more people in the flats to come to these events the atmosphere has come back at St james court as it was before covid

Mr · 25 May 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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I found the application process to be…

I found the application process to be on the waiting list was easy to do, which is what you want. However, I did feel that maybe from time to time whilst waiting for a place that Anchor could have emailed me to inform me, how far I was on the list. Because I was always wondering, and so I just kept calling myself every 3 months. But the good thing is that I wasn't waiting years like I would be if I was on the Council list.That is the only negative I have. From the time that I received confirmation of an offer of a studio flat. The whole process of going to Box Gardens and meeting the Manager (Caroline), to going through the paperwork and sign them, went very well with no issues there. I found Caroline to be really approachable & helpful especially when I moved in, she has offered help and support when I have needed it. A lovely lady/Manager to have for Anchor. I have met some of the residents who I have found to be very friendly and helpful too. So I feel that I will be very happy here at Box Gardens 🙂

Diane · 24 May 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

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Anchor do not maintain their properties…

Anchor do not maintain their properties as required within our lease stipulation.Have been waiting 12 plus years to have balcony's maintained even though lease says approx every 4 years.We have had problems with our dryers for 3 years plus,over 40 properties on site with just one dryer available and anchor couldnt care less.They are totally aware of what is happening.Were promised a visit from area manager every 6 months,this was at a meeting 3 years plus ago.Havnt seen the area manager since.Yet another AncHor lie.Anchor appears to care for itself and only itself,not for its many elderly residents.We have resided here for 10 years.Its getting worse every year.The problem is regarding the maintinence is getting anchor to authorise our money to get repairs done.Yes its all our money not Anchors thats used for repairs yet they are taking over 6 months to arrange and organise anything.Its both heartbreaking and frustrating.There is no way of getting a complaint beyond manager or area manager without finding a brick wall of progress.Shame on you Anchor.

Andrew · 26 April 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

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I have been residing Anchor at Alfred…

I have been residing Anchor at Alfred Court for a few years and would like to share my experience of Anchor Staff and Management. The moving in process by the Management was straightforward and helpful. The other residents are lovely. I cannot express enough gratitude to my warden Maria Cullen, who helps all the residents with professional support, when they need it. I am very grateful to the Anchor management and staff.

T · 7 September 2024