Every review we hold for the Worthing office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 3/5
TrustpilotBeware of the pitfalls
Beware of the pitfalls: If you are unlucky enough pass away within a short time of moving to your new home the lease money will be not be returned so Homewise will end up with their house and your lease money. Also because you are responsible for repairs and maintenance on a property you don’t OWN you could end up spending thousands I.E Rewiring, replacing the boiler, new kitchen, bathroom etc.
Peter · 9 May 2023
Agent replied · 13 June 2024
Thank you for taking the time to review our product. Customer feedback is important to us to ensure we provide first-class service and clear communications, so we have reached out via Trustpilot to ask for further details on your experience with us as a customer, as there may have been a miscommunication along the way that can help resolve. The Home for Life Plan is designed to protect you, the customer, for the long term. While it is correct that you would not own the property itself, you would own a Lifetime Lease which provides the legal right and protection to live in a property of your choice (rent-free and mortgage-free) for your lifetime. You also have the opportunity to safeguard up to 50% of the property’s future value for your estate if you wish. As part of the property search process, we conduct due diligence on any property you want to live in prior to purchase. This includes surveys. So, any immediate issues to resolve would be flagged up front and are likely to deter you from choosing that property if you’re not looking for a project for example. Ultimately, it’s your home to live in and maintain as you would with any property you live in. You may choose to decorate and make changes to the property as time goes on; many Home for Life Plan customers will live in their chosen property for 20+ years. When the plan ends, the property is valued and any safeguarded percentage of the value at that time is paid to your estate. We hope this will of course be in many years’ time. A Home for Life Plan is not a government scheme and there is no financial lending. It is a long-term investment for Homewise and, with no rent or repayments ever paid, there is no return until the plan ends, and the property is vacated. We’re a family-run business and we provide choices to those aged 60 and over. It may not be the right option for everyone, but for those we do help it can be life-changing; to live debt-free and secure in a property/location they love and perhaps could not have previously afforded. We’re really proud of the service and solutions we offer, and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about how a Home for Life Plan may work for you at any time. Best regards, Raye (on behalf of Homewise)
★★★★★ 4/5
TrustpilotThe agent was extremely helpful and…
The agent was extremely helpful and answered all my questions, then sent me all the information that I had requested very quickly to allow me time to look at all my options
Dawn · 4 March 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotHomewise helped buy me a retirement property perfect for my needs
Rhonda Wilkins was the person at Homewise who dealt with me. She was always so welcoming and friendly and was able to answer my questions promptly and thoroughly. The whole process of using Homewise was painless and I was walked through the various stages by Rhonda quickly and efficiently.
MR · 22 September 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotCharlotte looked after us so well and…
Charlotte looked after us so well and made us feel safe and took us on a journey to give us all the answers to our questions.i think Homewise is so the way to go for people over 60,i know they did for Irene and me.we look forward to a long association with them.
Victor · 8 August 2025
★★★★★ 2/5
TrustpilotBeware of extra costs
Went on the trust pilot calculator and got a price for a place but when I told them that it's a retirement flat they added on £12.000 I think they should state any extra costs and be more up front all I can say is beware of added costs we didn't go ahead
Mrs · 10 May 2024
Agent replied · 13 June 2024
Thank you for your feedback Mrs Payne, as you may have seen, our online calculators show a quick indicative estimate based on the information inputted and using a freehold property as a guide. For accurate figures, it is best to speak with our team directly as every Home for Life Plan is bespoke and the price for the plan on any property will vary depending on circumstances and property criteria.We remain here to help should you wish to explore your options and calculate your budget boost for freehold properties or retirement homes. There are always new opportunities coming to market and we could conduct a new search to see what properties are available within your budget that meet your needs. Please do feel free to get in touch at any time. Best regards, Rachel (on behalf of Homewise)
★★★★★ 4/5
TrustpilotFriendly Company
Friendly Staff, Explained the process clearly. Available to speak to easily.
Julie · 21 July 2026
★★★★★ 4/5
TrustpilotStill looking… but very helpful
Christy · 30 August 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI am purchasing a property via Homewise. Rhonda Wilkins is guiding me through the process of buying a property straight forward and stress free. Rhonda has been excellent! 5 star thank you so much
Lewis · 10 June 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotKayleigh was friendly and very clear in…
Kayleigh was friendly and very clear in her explanation of how Homewise works. I didn’t feel any pressure at this stage to sign anything or pay anything. I am left feeling more confident in the possibility of working with Homewise.m
Mrs · 6 February 2024
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotListed my property without my knowledge
Listed my property without my knowledge at far below market price. I don't care if this is part of their "scheme" I've never heard of them nor given them permission to do so and the multiple adverts with different values created confusion about my propert and may have affected interest. I will be exploring legal action and I can see I'm not the only one.
Neil · 2 July 2023
Agent replied · 13 June 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to learn of your experience.We would like to take this opportunity to explain why you saw the advert; we have partnerships with trusted Estate Agents across the country and they can then offer their vendors (you) a free, optional, second listing on property portals such as Rightmove. This Homewise listing is detailed in the vendor agreement you have with your agent and is called ‘Market Plus’. Market Plus can be opted out of at any time by reaching out to your estate agent or us (Homewise).We have found that an additional listing can increase exposure for the properties listed under Market Plus and generate greater interest from prospective buyers. The advertised Homewise guide price is an indication of what a Home for Life Plan could cost for a Homewise customer to live there. You won’t receive any less for your property if one of our customers chose it. Homewise would purchase the property from you like any other buyer and our customer would pay the lesser amount to us for the Home for Life Plan. If you have further questions about the Homewise service or are aged 60+ and would like to know more about Homewise as a customer, please do get in touch directly at any time. Best regards, Raye (on behalf of Homewise)
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotAdviser knew what she was talking…
Adviser knew what she was talking about. Nice, polite and answered my questions and pointed me in the right direction for further advice.
Graham · 15 April 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleTheir lifetime Lease helped my Mum buy her home. She wouldn't have been able to do this without the team at Homewise - really supportive team and big thanks to Hannah in particularPositiveProfessionalism
Ben · 28 August 2021
Agent replied · 17 June 2024
Hi Ben, thanks so much for your feedback. We're so happy to have been able to help your mum. Every customer is like family to us and it's great to hear from the loved ones of our customers too. I'll be sure to pass on the message to Hannah as well. Best regards, Danielle
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotFriendly no pressure consultation
I was referred by a partner estate agent through to Homewise and had an excellent phone consultation with Kiera. She was very thorough,and was friendly and approachable throughout. I didn't feel under any pressure. After taking all the relevant details and explaining the plan, she emailed my personal illustration straight through along with a selection of properties that may be suitable for me. I have since emailed a couple of extra questions through which have been replied to promptly.
Mandy · 19 July 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleFrom the very first call I made every one as been so helpful and pleasant to speak to especially Sam who as been very patient and explained everything clearly I would certainly recommend Homewise to anyone.
Ida · 18 April 2024
★★★★★ 3/5
TrustpilotIts an option for some.
I contacted Homewise, having read various reviews and they are all over Rightmove. My partner and I wish to down size our house, we live in the London area and expect to have £900,000 left after sales. A budget of £600,000 to spend on a new house. So £300,000 to invest in us. Aged 60, Homewise would give us £60,000 of the £600,000 for a 50% share in the new house. We would maintain and cover various costs and upon both deaths or care home, Homewise would sell the property. So our estate would receive 50% of the sale price. As property doubles on average every 20 years, its a very interesting option. Our present house has trebled in 17yrs.I spoke to my IFA, who had one question before we got too excited. Homewise talk about up to 59%, how do you get the 59% investment? Simple, your older than 60.Homewise and I had already exchanged a few emails and I had explained our needs. They arranged a phone call with an advisor. A very quick Q&A they estimated that at aged 60. They would offer £60,000 on a £600,000 purchase subject to T&C.The Homewise offer was not substantial enough to be worth while to us. I understand why the offer was low, if we live another 25yrs. Homewise have a long wait for any substantial return and the rules on CGT may have changed. Its not a simple investment to either party.As an option to buy a property, its very interesting and I would recommend looking at. Everyone’s situation is different.I have read some of the 1 star reviews and feel some didn't understand the product fully. A home is a big and often complex investment, so please ask questions.
David · 13 June 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe are first time customers of Homewise,and consider ourselves extremely lucky to have Rhonda Wilkins as our account manager.Everything is explained fully to us in an open,honest and sometimes frank way,which makes our purchasing a nice easy experience.Rhonda is a true professional,and an absolute credit to Homewise.💯%👍😊 …
Marc · 18 June 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotAccount Manager updates
Our account manager Rhonda has been fantastic keeping us updated with any changes that need to be address while we have been out if country
Neil · 7 October 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotVery helpful and patient and explain…
Very helpful and patient and explain everything that you need to know.I spoke to a lady called Gemma who was very informative with what you needed to know.
Mr · 18 February 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleVery knowledgeable and professional call advisor.friendly and patient.great experience
Lynne · 11 July 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotExcellent help and advice
Although I have not used their services, I was very impressed with the quality of help and assistance that was provided to me.
Alan · 27 March 2026
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleCan we just say, Homewise have been fantastic in our search for our dream home.
Starting from the very beginning with Kayleigh, who took our initial call, all the way through the team.
We have had contact with a young man called Conner, and one other, whose name we didnt quite catch.
Finally, we have Rhonda! Huge praise goes to this wonderful lady! She has been there for us all the way through, supporting, explaining things more than once if we didn't quite get it the first time (old brains etc!)
She is knowledgeable, helpful, supportive, kind and friendly, whilst always remaining professional!
Thank you!
S & J D
Jacqueline · 18 April 2024
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleAvoid like the plague. This company is truly unethical. They exploit the vulnerable by offering a very unattractive deal to people who don't know what signing up to them means. My mother thought she was signing up to a home for life when she contributed £225, 000 towards a £275,000 property and is now only entitled to 30% of the value and has been converted into a life tenant whilst her freehold was sold to an investor. Beyond disgusting when she lacks capacity and had the money to fully pay for the property. We are trying hard to extricate ourselves from an onerous, extortionate contract. Stay away if you value your estate.
Lynette · 18 June 2020
Agent replied · 17 June 2024
Hi Lynette, I believe you have been speaking with our Customer Care Team in recent weeks, to gather all the information you require regarding your mother’s Home for Life Plan. I understand you were previously unaware of your mother’s decision to use the plan, when leaving rented accommodation to her current home some years ago.
To add further reassurance to you, and others who may be reading this post; we are a family-run business, and our values, ethos, and Code of Practice are at the very core of everything we do. As such, we go to great lengths to ensure that our customer’s interests are protected, which is why many customers choose Homewise. We always encourage anyone considering the Home for Life Plan to involve family throughout the process, so everyone involved is fully informed and happy with the plan, which many do. But of course, we cannot enforce this on those who do not wish to.
Also, we do insist that all customers seek independent legal advice. We cannot, and will not, proceed without an independent solicitor who is acting on behalf of the customer, signing a certificate to confirm all parties fully understand the agreement. I understand that at the time, your mother was very clear on the fact that she did not want to use her fund as it was her wish that this was to be left for inheritance, and that staying in the current area was imperative, conducting the search and negotiations on her chosen property herself.
The FCA, who we have liaised with transparently and closely, advised that we don’t fall under regulation as a Home for Life Plan is not a financial product (like a loan or other form of lending). We have been helping people aged over 60 move to a property of their choice for almost 50 years, enabling them to live rent and mortgage free.
The Home for Life Plan can be set up in many ways to suit the customer as to how they would like to plan for inheritance, either by creating an early inheritance, or by safeguarding up to 50% of the property’s future value. When the property is sold, this percentage equivalent amount of the proceeds of sale are rightfully issued to the customer’s estate as they specified. Of course, this percentage is the decision of each customer, depending on how much importance they place on inheritance.
As with any product, there are pros and cons to the plan and of course it’s not for everyone, but for those who we are able to help, it can make a big difference to their living situation and happiness in retirement.
I have spoken with the Customer Care Team to ensure they are aware of your feedback here. I know you’re in regular contact looking at the options for your mother’s current and/or future needs, and as always, our Customer Care team are here to help with anything you need.
Best regards, Danielle
On behalf of Homewise
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAll the help I received on the phone was professional at all times and precise with no complex terminology just precise layman terms and very direct all done with a polite professional attitude and at no times rushed.
Martin · 11 October 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotVery knowledgeable and helpful easy to…
Very knowledgeable and helpful easy to understand answered all my questions
David · 27 May 2026
Where the same review appears twice we show it once. We leave out reviews that name another agent or another of the brand's offices.
