Cray & Norton
Croydon, CR0
4.4/5, 112 reviews
82% recommended
96% sales valuation accuracy
95% sales fee satisfaction
100% lettings valuation accuracy
99% lettings fee satisfaction

“This agent is not a part of any scheme and ......”

Share on :
Jul 31,2011
Minithumbdown
By: 'Shantya'
Jul 31,2011
41 people found
this helpful
This agent is not a part of any scheme and thus you cannot go to anyone for dispute resolution.This agent forfeited my 300£ holding fees. I had confirmed news from other agents that viewings are still going on despite me having paid holding for a property. Another agent clearly had told that this property is not meant for tenants with kids.I was asked to go through referencing for a six month breakage clause i had asked for. The agent did a referencing for 12 months and the report mentioned to get a guarantor for me.However, i was never asked for one, no options given and my fees forfeited. This agent is not a part of any scheme, used to be a part of Ombudsman lettings but still circulating his pamphlets using their name.

Sequence of Events

1. On 29th May, I went on findaproperty.com and sent relevant contact details to several agents for contacting me for suitable rental properties. Please find confirmation mails from findaproperty attached. Both Bairstow eves and Cray and Norton were sent a mail for this property by the website.
2. On 31st May, I got a call from Lauren from Cray and Norton about Elgin Road property and asked me if I would be interested in viewing it. I confirmed to view it on the same date along with another property they had for viewing in South Croydon.
3. I reached there on time at 5:15 p.m. and had a close look at the property and was happy with it.
4. In the car on our way to South Croydon property, I asked all details regarding the process of this since I was new to the country. I clearly communicated my term status and asked the process for a six month breakage clause.
5. I did not like the South Croydon property and there itself I told Lauren that I like the Elgin road property and would like to go ahead with the tenancy process with this. This is after I asked her if the landlord is willing to have 700£ per month as rent instead of the 725£ that Lauren had communicated to me earlier. She communicated to me in positive.
6. I went to the Cray and Norton Office with her directly from there around 6:25 p.m and the process of filling the receipt and paying holding deposit completed very quickly within 3-5 minutes. I signed the document without even reading it as I trusted the agents the way I trust everyone. Even though I would have read the clause that holding fee is forfeited if referencing fails, I would have signed. This is because I had told every fact, I work for a very big and established firm and have no credit history here and have an immaculate status back home. It was not even once mentioned to me verbally that the holding fee is non refundable. I was told then that I would get an online form and just put details of my HR. Wife's referencing is not a problem because anyway she is still in India and will not work here / is your dependent, but nonetheless get details filled for both. I had no idea what referencing means; Lauren just told me to fill online forms and just put HR names there.
7. On the 2nd of June, I received a call from Marcus from Bairstow eves to know if I was interested in another property. I said thanks, I have paid holding fee and am no more interested. We had spoken on phone on about two properties and hence when he asked me where I got it, I said Flag G 25 Elgin road. He expressed disbelief and said this cannot be possible because I have some viewings lined up there today evening and Cray and Norton too is still doing viewings there. I was shocked to learn this and immediately called up Lauren. She said she believed Hannah had spoken to the landlord and this should not happen. She said she will call me back but said not to listen to another agent because he may be trying to scare me in going for his property.
8. I got the referencing on line forms on 1st June late in the day and filled them as soon as possible on 1st June Evening.
9. On 3rd June I received a message in my mailbox and voicemail from Chelsea from FCC Paragon that she needs my assignment or contract document. This is because my HR representative Laura Everitt was away and did not respond to her referencing request. I immediately sent her a scanned copy of my assignment document enclosed herewith.
10. Concerned still with what Marcus had said, I visited Cray and Norton office along with a friend on 4th June and spoke to Lauren. The director interrupted our discussion and said he cannot control it if other agents are still doing viewings, but he is not. He said I can be the tenant of the flat if my referencing does not fail.
11. On 5th June, I called Lauren to again understand if there were any updates on referencing and my tenancy and she said she did not have any.
12. On 6th June, Lauren called me and informed me that my referencing had failed because the document that I had shared shows my end date in UK as January 2012. When asked about my holding she said to refer the signed document which clearly mentions that it is non refundable. On expressing my disappointment, she said please make a complaint with the Director and she cannot do anything in it. I kept on calling for giving me options but every time I got the same answer.
13. On 8th June, I got a call from Chrissie from Streets Ahead to enquire about another property. Again, I had been talking to her and also had done a viewing on Ashburton road with her which I did not like. On knowing about my Holding fee for the Elgin road flat, she too was in disbelief because she said this landlady does not want children in her property. She also helped me by telling that if the landlord has turned down tenancy, the agent should refund the holding fee.
14. I talked to my HR and informed this to her, she was back in office. She asked Chelsea on mail if she needed anything from her on 6th June. On this, Chelsea contacted her and got the relevant phone number in our organization which does referncing. She sent me the authorization form which was sent to her by my company and I sent the authorization form to my company to release my personal data to Chelsea. Thus now, official process was done to send referencing from my Company on 8th June.
15. I enquired a couple of times in the week on phone about the re referencing but never got any response from both Lauren and Hannah, apart from asking me to talk to the director after he returns from vacation
16. I again visited the agent's office on 11th where I spoke to Hannah as rest were off that day. I requested her to refund money or else give me any other options or search another property for me. Again I got the same answer that I should make a complaint only to the director. Here I kept a business card, noted email addresses of the manager Kevin and the director Darren.
17. Sent a complaint to all in Cray and Norton guys on 14th June and received the final viewpoint from Darren as seen in the mail communication attached.

To recap, following paragraphs summarize what I want to say again-

I had clearly stated that I want to go with six month breakage contract before giving holding fee after viewing this property. I had even discussed six month breakage clause with Lauren - the representative of the agent. The agent said after referencing that the landlord has turned down your tenancy because my stay in UK is till Jan 2012 and forfeited my 300£ holding fee.

Couple of other agents who were in touch with me regarding my search expressed disbelief on hearing that I had given holding fee for this property. Marcus from Bairstow Eves said, his agency and even Cray and Norton are still doing viewings for this property. Also he along with Chrissie from Streets Ahead clearly
mentioned that this property is not intended for tenants with Children, so it's not possible to take holding from you for this property. When I told this to the agent, Hannah, another representative from Cray and Norton said that these are typical games agents play and do not trust what 'other' agents say.

The HR representative of my company was out of office and even before taking a reference from her, referencing for me was done only on basis of an internal assignment memo of my company which was asked to me. I was only sharing a document (Foreign Assignment Memorandum) which enforced the things I had already told them with complete honesty, had told upfront my type of Company travel policy type, my current official term, visa validity, my prospective stay, my family visa status and information on them. I am so new to the country that I do not have any credit history too.

I got the referencing report on 28th June when I asked for it. However it clearly advices the tenant to produce a guarantor, however I was never asked to produce one but my tenancy was rejected straightaway without giving me any options and for no fault of mine. In the first place, the agent shouldn't have taken holding from me since I had very very clearly communicated that I have a 2 year old kid and that I need a six month breakage and if they knew landlord is not OK with this. In any case I did not turn back on anything I had communicated and since the landlord turned down my tenancy, I should get my money back.

When I thought what has happened is really unfair to me and I asked for my rights, the Director clearly mentioned in his communication that his company is not a part of any Ombudsman Scheme and I can go to Citizens advice or Legal advice. However two days later, I received a pamphlet from the agent for advertising his agency, which clearly mentions that this company is covered under the scheme. Ombudsman later informed me after receiving my complaint that the agent is no more their member and this will be taken up separately with the membership department but they can't help me with this complaint and I should go to ARLA.
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Shantya
Oct 31, 2012
I had not failed referencing. The referencing report said that i should have a guarantor. This does not mean that the referencing has failed. I have received communication from Citizens advice to go to a solicitor and they have clearly told me that what you did is unethical.
By: Darren Cray - Director Cray & Norton
Mar 06, 2012
In short you signed the holding fee form which clearly stated that if you failed referencing your £300 would be forfeited. You failed referencing therefore your holding fee was forfeited.

Agent Response / Add a Comment

You can use this form to reply to the above review or a displayed comment on the above review.




Note: Your comment will not be activated until you click on the link in an email sent to your address as submitted in the form above. By clicking on Submit Comment you agree to receive an activation email from allAgents.


Opening Hours
Address

Cray & Norton
323 Lower Addiscombe Road
Croydon
Greater London
CR0 6RF
0208 655 0700

Performance statistics
Services Valuation Accuracy Fees Satisfaction Min Price of property reviewed Max Price of property reviewed
Sales 96% 95% £255,100 £5,400,000
Lettings 100% 99% £825 £2,350
Review statistics
From Landlords From Tenants From Vendors From Buyers Other
12 2 12 8 32 2 33 2 3 6
Areas covered
  • CR0
  • SE25
  • CR2
  • CR7
Services offered
  • Sales
  • Lettings
  • Block Management
  • Surveys
  • Conveyancing
  • Mortgage Advice
  • Home Builder
Members of
TPOS Sales TPOS DPS The Guild
Latest Properties

No Properties

“Great independent estate agent...”

Share on :
May 20,2024
Minithumbup
Darren
By: 'Fran'
May 20,2024
0 people found
this helpful
Would highly recommend Darren and the team at Cray and Norton who recently sold a house for us in addiscombe. Excellent service and great communication throughout the process....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Wendy
May 21, 2024
View all comments (2)
Full service which went the extra mile. Expert advice of the area and helpful guidance. Also a very friendly team. No question is too much trouble. I would recommend using Cray and Norton. ...

“Excellent service with regular communication ......”

Share on :
Mar 06,2024
Minithumbup
Andrea
Archie Cray
By: 'Peter'
Mar 06,2024
0 people found
this helpful
Excellent service with regular communication in dealing with my property sale, highly recommended...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Darren Cray
Mar 10, 2024
View all comments (1)
Thanks for taking the time to write us a review and we are pleased that you were happy with the service we provided. ...

“Really professional outfit yet down to earth ......”

Share on :
Mar 03,2024
Minithumbup
Darren
Marcel
By: 'Trudy Wright'
Mar 03,2024
0 people found
this helpful
Really professional outfit yet down to earth - no spin just action. Marcel, Archie & Darren are the 'A' team all do their bit to make it happen. I was let down by an auction site which often makes it harder to sell but Marcel brought ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Excellent level of professionalism & experience...”

Share on :
Oct 29,2023
Minithumbup
Marcel
Andrea
By: 'Aris Sanchez'
Oct 29,2023
0 people found
this helpful
Excellent level of professionalism throughout the whole process of renting our loved flat for the first time guiding us to make it as smooth as possible. Highly recommended this amazing team of Estate Agents (Marcel, Andrea, Lucas, Archie) among all the companies around...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Good service from start to finish and a big t......”

Share on :
Aug 01,2023
Minithumbup
Archie
By: 'Mr Jason Peploe'
Aug 01,2023
0 people found
this helpful
Good service from start to finish and a big thank you to all the team at Cray and norton....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Darren Cray
Aug 02, 2023
View all comments (1)
Thanks Jason, it was a pleasure to work for you and Lisa and thanks for giving us your business. ...

“Above and beyond...”

Share on :
Jun 26,2023
Minithumbup
By: 'Clare'
Jun 26,2023
0 people found
this helpful
I'm glad I chose Cray & Norton when I had to put my late parents home on the market. The whole team were understanding of the circumstances, and respectful of the property, going above and beyond to get the sale through....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Excellent service and support to a bereaved family...”

Share on :
Jun 11,2023
Minithumbup
Marcel
Archie Cray
By: 'Tom L'
Jun 11,2023
0 people found
this helpful
Excellent service and support to a bereaved family in difficult circumstances: from my first email to Cray and Norton, Darren's prompt, clear and transparent response, through the process of accessing and clearing the house, holding keys for us, Marcel providing advice and contacts for clearance ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Fantastic purchase experience...”

Share on :
May 18,2023
Minithumbup
Darren
By: 'Jonathan E'
May 18,2023
0 people found
this helpful
My husband and I purchased a property from Cray & Norton recently. The service we received was really great. The communication was fantastic, and the team were happy to help answer any questions that we had along the way. Their knowledge of the area was outstanding. ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Darren Cray
May 18, 2023
View all comments (1)
Thanks for taking the time to write us a lovely review and the Cray & Norton team wish you and your husband all the best for the future. ...

“Great letting and sales agent .I would highl......”

Share on :
Dec 14,2022
Minithumbup
Marcel
Darren
By: 'J.OBRIEN'
Dec 14,2022
0 people found
this helpful
Great letting and sales agent . I would highly recommend using cray Norton , on lettings they manage several of my properties and always do so with great care and attention , at the same time obtaining great market rents. I have also just sold a house via ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Cray and Norton act as rental agents on my be......”

Share on :
Dec 14,2022
Minithumbup
By: 'L.S.'
Dec 14,2022
0 people found
this helpful
Cray and Norton act as rental agents on my behalf for a property in the Addiscombe area. A high street presence and being contactable during office hours to deal efficiently with any queries arising, as a landlord is important in order to provide a good ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Exceptional agents....”

Share on :
Dec 12,2022
Minithumbup
Darren
Marcel
By: 'Mr Prince'
Dec 12,2022
0 people found
this helpful
I have been a landlord for the last 15 plus yrs and have used the services of Cray & Norton a number of times for my properties. The team have always been personable, professional and reliable. Andrea, Darren, Marcel and the team are true experts in what ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Darren Cray
Dec 13, 2022
View all comments (1)
Thanks Cyril, it’s been a pleasure working for you all these years and we appreciate your business ? ...

“I have been using Cray & Norton for over 15 y......”

Share on :
Dec 12,2022
Minithumbdown
By: 'Lisa'
Dec 12,2022
0 people found
this helpful
I have been using Cray & Norton for over 15 years to let out my properties. The team are always very helpful and offer excellent service....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Darren Cray
Dec 13, 2022
View all comments (1)
Thanks Lisa, it’s been a pleasure working for you for so many years and thanks for your continued business ? Darren & the team ...

“House letting...”

Share on :
Dec 10,2022
Minithumbup
By: 'Rebecca Lilley Ballaman'
Dec 10,2022
0 people found
this helpful
Cray and Norton have been very helpful and are a friendly local team who have assisted us with letting our house....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
Dec 13, 2022
View all comments (2)
Thanks for your lovely review and for giving us your business, it’s very much appreciated ? Darren & The Team ...

“The team at Cray & Norton have been great thr......”

Share on :
Dec 09,2022
Minithumbup
By: 'Paul'
Dec 09,2022
0 people found
this helpful
The team at Cray & Norton have been great throughout the process of letting our house when we moved overseas. We thoroughly recommend them....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Darren Cray
Dec 13, 2022
View all comments (1)
Thanks for taking the time to write us a lovely review and for In trusting your property to us ? Darren & The Team ...

“A lovely local team...”

Share on :
Dec 09,2022
Minithumbup
By: 'Mr Sam Thomas'
Dec 09,2022
0 people found
this helpful
A lovely local team that have always responded quickly to concerns and queries from both myself and my tenants. Will remain my go to estate agent for the local area....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Darren Cray
Dec 13, 2022
View all comments (1)
What a lovely review, thanks Sam ? Darren & The Team ...

“Highly recommended...”

Share on :
Nov 24,2022
Minithumbup
By: 'Sonia'
Nov 24,2022
0 people found
this helpful
Cray and Norton provided excellent personal service. All emails were promptly answered and any problems immediately dealt with. We can thoroughly recommend this agency....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Darren Cray
Dec 13, 2022
View all comments (1)
Thanks Sonia, we really appreciate you taking the time to write us a nice review ? Darren & The Team ...

“Excellent service and care...”

Share on :
Nov 17,2022
Minithumbup
Darren
Marcel
By: 'Marcus'
Nov 17,2022
0 people found
this helpful
Cray & Norton have helped with both our house moves in recent years and the team are prompt to respond and always willing to go the extra mile to help....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Cray & Norton - Excellent Agency...”

Share on :
Oct 13,2022
Minithumbup
Archie
By: 'Matthew'
Oct 13,2022
0 people found
this helpful
Cray & Norton have provided an excellent estate agents service. They've been knowledgeable, approachable and responsive throughout our whole experience with them. Would highly recommend....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Excellent Service...”

Share on :
Sep 23,2022
Minithumbup
Archie
By: 'Claire'
Sep 23,2022
0 people found
this helpful
We bought a lovely property in Woodside Green from Cray and Norton. Archie is a lovely, polite and knowledgeable young man who promptly responds to all queries. Darren supported key milestones in the sale, due to our mortgage company it was slower than expected but ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Professional and dedicated service....”

Share on :
Sep 20,2022
Minithumbup
Marcel
Darren
By: 'Paul'
Sep 20,2022
0 people found
this helpful
I found all of the agents and the branch manager to be unfailingly helpful and professional. They gave good advice but were also good listeners and I very much felt that they were working for me and in my best interests at all times. A ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Cray & Norton are a fantastic family run esta......”

Share on :
Aug 24,2022
Minithumbup
Darren
By: 'Rachel King'
Aug 24,2022
0 people found
this helpful
Cray & Norton are a fantastic family run estate agent who supported us every step of the way in buying our new home. In contrary to many others, they are non-pushy, efficient and extremely pleasant to deal with. Nothing was too much trouble and were always ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Many thanks Darren...”

Share on :
Aug 10,2022
Minithumbup
Darren
Marcel
By: 'John'
Aug 10,2022
0 people found
this helpful
Darren managed the sale very efficiently and was really diligent to raise concerns when issues with our inward purchase caused our vendors and others in the chain to get impatient. In the end everything went smoothly. Thanks Darren- great job....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Darren Cray
Aug 10, 2022
View all comments (1)
Thanks for taking the time to write us a nice review John. I am pleased you were happy with our service and thanks again for instructing Cray & Norton to handle your sale. Darren ...

“Professional and friendly advisors...”

Share on :
Aug 03,2022
Minithumbup
Darren
Marcel
By: 'Stefan'
Aug 03,2022
0 people found
this helpful
Completed today after an extremely easy process having worked with Darren, Marcel and Archie to sell my flat. They advised me well throughout and pushed the sale through at a great pace. Thanks guys. It was great working with you....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“First class service from Cray and Norton. F......”

Share on :
Aug 02,2022
Minithumbup
By: 'Ian'
Aug 02,2022
0 people found
this helpful
First class service from Cray and Norton. From the valuation process to marketing and viewing the whole team were on top of the process. Excellent communication and management of our sale throughout. The UK housing market being what it is, a sale fell through which ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Darren, Archie, Marcel and the rest of the Cr......”

Share on :
Jul 08,2022
Minithumbup
Darren
Marcel
By: 'Danielle'
Jul 08,2022
0 people found
this helpful
Darren, Archie, Marcel and the rest of the Cray and Norton team were amazing in helping and supporting us with the purchase of our first flat. As first time buyers they made us feel really comfortable and at ease. Darren made sure to keep in ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Excellent service by Cray & Norton. Jessica h......”

Share on :
Mar 01,2022
Minithumbup
By: 'mehraj'
Mar 01,2022
0 people found
this helpful
Excellent service by Cray & Norton. Jessica has been an amazing agent. She has outstanding service she provides throughout the process... She was always available and kept us in the loop so there is no delays from either side. She made sure that our messages were ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Excellent service by Cray & Norton.I was sel......”

Share on :
Dec 22,2021
Minithumbdown
Marcel
By: 'Katie'
Dec 22,2021
0 people found
this helpful
Excellent service by Cray & Norton. I was selling my late fathers property and had no idea what to do. They put me at ease and gave me excellent advice and help during the whole process. Thank you Marcel and Jessica for all your help and ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Darren Cray
Dec 31, 2021
View all comments (1)
Thanks Katie, its always nice to get good feedback especially in regards to our staff. ...

“Really good experience as purchaser - we rece......”

Share on :
Nov 24,2021
Minithumbup
By: 'Alexandra Inett'
Nov 24,2021
0 people found
this helpful
Really good experience as purchaser - we recently bought a house in South Norwood and although the purchase was delayed due to faults in the chain Mark and later Jess were brilliant at keeping us updated on progress and establishing a great relationship with our ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Darren Cray
Nov 29, 2021
View all comments (1)
Thanks for taking the time to write us a nice review, it's always nice to get good feedback on my staff and we all hope that you are really happy in your new home. ...

“A great professional team. Reccomended...”

Share on :
Sep 28,2021
Minithumbup
By: 'stuart'
Sep 28,2021
0 people found
this helpful
Cray and Norton brought professionalism, diligence and tenacity to a tricky sale of an executor property to achieve a successful and smooth transaction at a good price. Excellent team, highly reccomended....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Brilliant Service!...”

Share on :
Sep 15,2021
Minithumbdown
Marcel
Darren
By: 'Mark'
Sep 15,2021
0 people found
this helpful
I recently completed on a property in South Croydon through Cray & Norton and I cannot thank Darren, Marcel and the team enough for ensuring the transaction went through. From what we expected to be a relatively straight forward purchase, turned out to be an incredibly ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
Staff picture Marcel
Staff picture Andrea
Staff picture Sam
Staff picture Lucas

Vendor Fees

1.2%

Landlord Fees

8%

Tenant Fees

No fees set.
Last updated at 20/05/2024, 1:33 PM by Darren
Kindly note that legally, letting agents need to publish information about their tenancy fees, government-approved redress schemes and client money protection schemes on their website and on third party websites (on which agents are listed). For properties to lease/rent in England, agents need to keep this information up to date and precise on allAgents or specify within the property description.

Complaints Procedure

No procedure set.
Last updated at 12:33 PM 20/05/2024 by Darren

Awards won by Cray & Norton, Croydon CR0 6RF



Find the Best Agent to
Sell or Rent Your Home