Every review we hold for the Thame office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExceptional service from start to finish, and we couldn't recommend College and County more highly! Rachel and Darren were absolutely outstanding throughout the entire process of selling our home. From the very first meeting, they took the time to truly listen to us and understand exactly what we needed, and that personal approach never wavered. What sets them apart is their relentless work ethic and proactive communication, which kept us always informed and never required us to chase updates. They stayed consistently on the ball at every stage, anticipating issues before they arose and handling everything with complete professionalism. Their positive attitude made what can be a stressful experience feel genuinely manageable. We always felt in safe hands. If you're looking for an estate agent who will go above and beyond, look no further!
Lily-May · 14 March 2026
Agent replied · 14 April 2026
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind review, Lily-May. It truly means a lot to us that you took the time to share your experience.
Rachel and I will be absolutely delighted to hear your feedback. We pride ourselves on providing a personal, proactive service, so it’s wonderful to know that the communication, support, and attention throughout your sale helped make the process feel manageable and reassuring.
It was a genuine pleasure working with you, and we’re so pleased we could help guide you through the sale of your home. Wishing you all the very best in your next chapter, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can help again in the future.
Warm regards,
Darren and the College & County Team
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDarren from College and County did a great job in helping find the home that we had been looking for.
Darren was always very supportive and responsive in arranging visits and answering our requests.
The property we purchased through College and County was owned by an elderly lady and Darren got the balance perfect for respecting her needs whilst ensuring that we as the purchasers had everything we needed.
We would definitely recommend College and County.
Thank you Darren.
Mike · 29 November 2024
Agent replied · 29 March 2025
Thank you Mike
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDarren was a great help when purchasing our new property. It wasn’t the most straight forward of situations, but the communication from him throughout kept us fully in the loop and that enabled us to be as relaxed as we could have been. He’s an experienced, skilled agent and I feel had it have been someone less so, it might not have got over the line.
A · 29 December 2024
Agent replied · 29 March 2025
Thank you for your kind words and great to get you in
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleHave had a terrible experience unfortunately.
I am a first time buyer and found a flat I really liked. I worked with Darren who assisted with putting the offer in.
I had a solicitor and mortgage advisor in place ready to go when I found a property but I’ve found it hard to find a property. So I’ve been holding off paying the fee to both until I found a property- as once you pay the fee it starts a 6 months countdown until the service is no longer valid.
So when I found a flat I liked in thame with Darren I was excited. He told me the service charge was £1300 per year. So I put an offer in. Then he told me it was £2300 per year instead - after I put the offer in!
And he didn’t mention ground rent was due to double next year!
And the biggest issue was that he didn’t mentioned that the building had cladding that did not have the neccessary certificate to grant a mortgage from most lenders.
So after I had instructed a solicitor and paid my mortgage advisor, all these details came out- which meant I could not continue with the application.
Unfortunately I was duped by Darren.
I do not recommend this company or Darren as an estate agent.
He has left me significantly out of pocket as I now have to race to find somewhere else to put an offer in, before the time runs out with the solicitor and the mortgage advisor.
Truly disappointing service. I could be out nearly £500!
Kathryn · 14 April 2024
Agent replied · 28 April 2024
Dear Kathryn
I am of course sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied with your experience. We take this kind of feedback very seriously and I have spent today going through the email and text exchange with Darren to better understand what happened and why you felt unhappy with the communication.
I am certain Darren did not in any way intend to dupe you. I appreciate there is a disagreement in terms of what information was shared but Darren would have nothing to gain in sharing false information. I have seen that Darren had informed you via email and text of the service charge correctly prior to and on confirmation of your offer being accepted. Darren is certain that you also discussed both the ground rent charge increase and cladding limitations, prior to your offer being submitted at the viewing, but I appreciate you do not recall this. Darren will in the future ensure such matters are additionally shared via email to make sure they cannot be missed by potential purchasers.
Darren and the College and County Sales team always strive to provide exceptional experiences for both vendors and purchasers and it greatly disappointing that you decided to withdraw from the purchase. I do fully empathise and appreciate your frustration, but I honestly believe Darren was in no way trying to mislead you.
I really hope you find another suitable property soon and we would be happy to assist you again should we list anything that might be of interest.
Kind regards
David Gilson (Managing Director)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe recently sold our home through College and County Thame, and couldn’t be happier with the experience. It was quite a quirky property and the market’s been fairly quiet, but they managed to find the right buyer quickly and kept everything moving smoothly right through to exchange. Communication was excellent from start to finish, always friendly, professional, and proactive. A big well done and thank you to the whole team for making the process so straightforward! Highly recommend.
Darren · 14 November 2025
Agent replied · 14 April 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review!
We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience selling your home through College and County Thame.
It’s always rewarding to help match unique properties with the right buyers, especially in quieter market conditions, and we’re thrilled that everything went smoothly for you.
Your feedback on our communication and professionalism means a lot to the whole team. We work hard to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, so it’s wonderful to know that came through.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDarren was brilliant during our sale and purchase, he really worked hard for us from the initial photos and listing through to finding prospective buyers and following up with our solicitors. He had great judgment and we always trusted his advice - we always felt he was telling it straight. He put in a lot of effort on our behalf, was personally great to deal with and we would definitely recommend him.
James · 14 April 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDarren has been extremely helpful and informative throughout our purchase. During viewings he is always happy to answer any questions fully and very quick get back to us with communications from sellers. His video tours are also the best in the business! We have referred to them constantly throughout our property search. It was very reassuring knowing that he would help sort out any issues along the way and we were extremely glad to be able to purchase our new home through College and County. Many thanks!
Geoff · 9 October 2022
Agent replied · 6 July 2023
Thank you Geoff for such a positive review. Darren's many years of experience are invaluable to customers, especially in a market that is tricky at the moment with many cogs in the chain being extra cautious because of uncertain prevailing economic conditions. Wishing you all the best in your new home. Mark Crampton Smith - Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe worked with Darren at College and County. He looked after the sale of our property as well as the purchase of our new property in the Haddenham, Aylesbury area. He is friendly, professional and kept us up to date throughout. We had a couple of last minute broken chains along the way for our sale but, each time, College and County had found a new buyer within a few days and we were back on track. The great thing about Darren is that he is very responsive and will get back to you on the same day you raise a query. He provides good advice and sticks with you even if a buyer or two falls through. Very happy customers, Nigel and VerityPositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Nigel · 28 August 2022
Agent replied · 6 July 2023
So pleased Nigel that it all came together........3.when nationally nearly 40% of agreed sales "fall out of bed" this can make moving particularly stressful. Of course Darren has enough experience to be able to make the best of almost any situation......... This does really pay dividends for our clients as his figures for sale agreed but not completed are far less than half the national average. Mark Crampton Smith - Managing Director.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe have nothing but praise for Darren and the service he provided throughout our house sale.
Darren's valuation was spot on, the photos and video were highly professional and drew lots of interest in our property from day one. In fact, we sold to the first people that viewed!
Darren kept us informed along the way, liaised with both sets of solicitors when needed and was a positive force throughout what can only be described as a slightly stressful experience!
We would recommend Darren without hesitation to anyone thinking of selling their house and wish him and his company all the best for the future :)PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Alison · 28 August 2022
Agent replied · 6 July 2023
Thank you Alison for posting a review. I am delighted that you found the service Darren provided worthy of commendation to others. Darren has built an exceptional reputation on a short time; there is no doubt that "word of mouth" and it's digital equivalent have been a major driver in the success of our sales operation in the Thame area. Mark Crampton Smith - Managing Director.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe purchased our new home through Darren at College and County and could not recommend him highly enough. Ours wasn't the smoothest purchase (through no fault of Darren) with lots of complex issues that required a lot of communication to resolve with both the vendor and our respective solicitors. Darren was extremely proactive with his chain chasing and always called when he said he would, even if there was no news to update us on. If the stress of this purchase hasn't put us off moving again, we would certainly reach out to Darren if we decide to sell in the future.
Jade-Elise · 28 August 2022
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
This is great news Jade-Elise.......The market has been decidedly turbulent in recent months; almost one third of all "offers accepted" do not result in an exchange. This is where Darren's experience and capacity to interpret what is really going on, makes such a difference to our clients. His fall through rate is less than 10% of all offers accepted because he is so careful to ensure "buy-ability" before advising vendors to accept. His tenacity in chain chasing is second to none! Mark Crampton Smith - Managing Director.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDarren has been a great help throughout our efforts to move house - professional, courteous and approachable. He gave us good advice and guided us through some challenging situations as we tried (and failed) to buy a number of properties, while keeping our spirits up and the buyers of our house on board! As he said it would, it all came together in the end! We would recommend College & County to anyone thinking about selling their house.PositiveResponsiveness, Professionalism
Carmel · 28 August 2022
Agent replied · 6 July 2023
Delighted Carmel that you feel able to commend us, and that Darren has delivered what he promised. This is of course one of the most stressful times in our lives (when we are selling and buying a property) and it is often really important to have a seasoned professional at hand to keep all the wheels on the track and the plates spinning! Mark Crampton Smith - Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe bought a property sold through College and County. Darren was extremely helpful at every stage and helped us to exchange and complete (with a chain of 4) in only 6 weeks. He was always available on the phone if we had any questions and very responsive in helping us find out information from the vendors. They also did a good job of marketing the property, the photos and videos really helped us fall in love with the property.
Golly · 6 July 2022
Agent replied · 6 July 2023
Thank you for taking the time to post a review: There is no doubt that the experience of customers as expressed via reviews, is a principle driver for business sustainability. I am delighted that you found Darren’s service worthy of such a strong commendation. I hope you have many happy years in your new home! Mark Crampton Smith - Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDarren was professional, friendly, extremely helpful and personable when helping us find our perfect home. He was always on hand to answer any questions and he made the whole process as straight forward as possible. Would highly recommend College and County.
Aimee · 29 November 2024
Agent replied · 29 March 2025
Thank you and trust your enjoying your new home
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotSuch a lovely agency!
I had such a positive experience with College and County. While trying to relocate to Oxford, I rang a lot of different agencies, and Ines was one of the few people who was genuinely enthusiastic to find out what I wanted/needed in my search. I felt she really cared about finding the right fit for me as a person, not just as a potential client. Couldn't have asked for a better service, or a more approachable firm!
Naomi · 1 April 2022
Agent replied · 6 July 2023
Thank you for posting a review Naomi. I am delighted that Ines was able to assist you with care and enthusiasm. It is so important that we strive to find the right property for people and the right people for property. Mark Crampton Smith- Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotProfessional, engaged and helpful Lettings agent
We have been trying to find a flat for our daughter for when she starts uni in September and were really frustrated by the service we got from local agents until I started to speak to Lewis at College and Country. We live in Somerset so Oxford is several hours away which makes it really hard to do viewings made even more complicated with Covid restrictions. Lewis has been so helpful and coped with delays due to travel and has answered all our questions & helped us secure a new home for her as she starts out on the next part of her journey. Thanks for all your help Lewis, I will recommend you to everyone!
Mrs · 11 August 2021
Agent replied · 6 July 2023
Very pleased that Lewis was able to assist you and your daughter. It is tough to keep service levels as high as we all strive for when the "pingdemic" has depleted our lettings team by over 30% at our busiest time of year........ Luckily we have a very committed team but feedback like yours is an important part of keeping them all motivated to create win-win solutions for our customers. Mark Crampton Smith - Managing Director
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleCollege and County are a very helpful and professional organisation to work with. They are quick to respond to queries that I have and always keep me up to date, at every stage. The warm and friendly staff explain everything meticulously, Samantha and Ellen from the Thame branch being stand out members of the team. The renting process has been very smooth and painless for me using College and County, Thame. Thank you.
James · 14 March 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotGreat estate agents!
Great estate agents! My partner and I recently moved to Oxford and the team at College and County were great from the start! They showed us round the property on a Saturday and had us moved in 10 days later. They left us a lovely move in note and have been really responsive about a faulty appliance in the property. Special thanks to Lewis and Tabitha for being really helpful and friendly! We will definitely be using their services again!!
Olivia · 17 March 2021
Agent replied · 6 July 2023
Thank you Olivia. Whilst I am not surprised your experience was so positive, (I know how strong my team are, and how lucky I am to have them!) I am delighted that you have been moved to commend us with a review. At a time when Covid has made everybody a little more "short-fused" than before, there is sometimes a tendency for our customers to express frustration in our direction. Your positive feedback, therefore, becomes all the more precious to maintaining morale and drive to provide the level of service you have commented on. Mark Crampton Smith - Managing Director
★★★★★ 2/5
TrustpilotBad experience applying for rent in Oxford.
My name is Bernardo. I had applied for a tenancy in Oxford. Ed Taylor was my point of contact. I was told the application process would take 1-2 weeks. No move in date was confirmed. When the application was complete I was told the contract would start two days later, I explained I could not move in until a week later. They came back to me saying that was my problem, that I had a agreed that date (which I never did) and would have to pay a week of rent without moving in until the following date. They made it very clear that they would defend the landlord’s opinion and not mine as the customer, not taking my opinion or situation in consideration. That is even offering to pay 6 months in advance. Very poor communication and always siding with the landlord and not the customer. If that is how they are acting before I pay or sign anything imagine once I have signed the contract! Really would not recommend and ended up signing for another property with obviously another agency. Absolute waste of time!!!
Bernardo · 19 April 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleDarren was unbelievably helpful and supportive the whole way through and was always on call to answer our questions and provide the updates we were after. Nothing was too much trouble and we received a truly exemplary service from start to finish.
We would highly recommend college and county as a business, but would especially like to recommend our agent Darren Hunt to anyone that is looking to make the process of buying and selling a home easy.
Scott · 14 April 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI inherited my mother's retirement flat in Thame and had tried to sell it twice, both times without even getting an offer. Darren was recommended to me and advised a strategy that resulted in two offers and a successful sale. What more can you say!
William · 14 July 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotLewis Stacey was a pleasure to deal…
Lewis Stacey was a pleasure to deal with. He is extremely professional, dedicated to creating a smooth process for clients, and kept us informed every step of the way. Above all, he is very approachable and kind. He always sticks to the values and ethics of the company he works for and his own. Lewis truly delivered excellent service throughout! Thank you for helping us find a place we love
Gerard · 5 February 2022
Agent replied · 6 July 2023
Thank you Gerald for taking the time to post a review. I am delighted that Lewis was able to help you find a property that works so well for you. I know how stressful moving can be, and the team do try and go the extra mile to make sure the process is as straightforward as possible.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI can not recommend Darren at College and County highly enough, he went consistently above and beyond in all aspects of the sale process, keeping me frequently informed as we navigated our way through this. If you want an agent that will work extremely hard for you, give you honest and required feedback then Darren and team are the agent for you. Excellent job well done
Andrew · 6 July 2022
Agent replied · 6 July 2023
Wow Andrew...What a review! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Our reputation with customers is such an important part of making the business sustainable. Mark Crampton Smith - Managing Director.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleCollege and County are a delight to work with. I have just rented out my apartment in Thame and it couldn't have been easier. Always pleasant to speak to on the phone or in person, both Catherine and Sam were fabulous. The whole process was pain free and their communication with me spot on. My apartment was only empty for one week between tenancies which is just what you want as a landlord. Thank you! :O)
Charlotte · 6 July 2020
Agent replied · 6 July 2023
Thank you for taking the time to post a review. I am delighted that the service you experienced was such that you felt able to commend us. The fact that Sam and Catherine were "fabulous" is invaluable feedback........ I certainly think they are, but it is you, the customer that is the important judge! If you can ever think of any way in which we can make the service even better, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Mark Crampton Smith - Managing Director.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWould recommend College and County as they are very responsive, always helpful, good local knowledge and very easy to deal with. I did not find anything negative at all about the team and the service they provide .
Simon · 14 January 2026
Agent replied · 14 April 2026
Thank you so much, Simon! We’re thrilled to hear you found our team responsive and helpful. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re always here if you need any further assistance.
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