94% sales valuation accuracy
99% sales fee satisfaction
93% lettings valuation accuracy
95% lettings fee satisfaction
Aug 26,2016
Aug 26,2016
10
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I viewed a rental property with Drivers and Norris and decided to make an offer the same day. The contract clearly stated that unless six months of payslips can be produced, a guarantor would be required. It also said that, should these conditions not be met, the holding deposit, admin and referencing fees of about £700 between my partner and I would not be returned to us. I explained that I had neither payslips, nor the possibility of a guarantor, but I did have a job starting at the same time as the tenancy. I did not want to sign the contract because I did not want to lose a large sum of cash and was frankly shocked with the persuasive techniques that the letting agent then used to get me to sign the contract.
I asked if it would be possible to phone the landlord to ask whether he would accept a tenant without previous payslips or a guarantor, and was told that the property was not managed by the landlord and that they were unable to contact him. This was all fair enough, but when I explained that I was worried about losing the holding deposit and admin fees, he kept repeating that, whilst he could make no guarantees, it would probably be fine, and I probably wouldn't lose my money. Everyone knows that the content of a contract is binding, and anything that a letting agent says, which is not in the contract, means nothing. He then proceeded to compare the contract to the terms and conditions boxes you get on the Internet - everyone just ticks them but they don't really mean anything.
I couldn't help but feel that he was completely insulting my intelligence by trying to convince me to sign a contract on the premise that no-one would read it. I would also like to believe that any reputable lettings company would take their contracts very seriously and not compare them to the type of boxes you tick when buying a Netflix subscription!
I felt that I was being pressured when he explained that this was standard practice in the London rental market and that I would experience the same thing everywhere. Luckily, rather than taking his word for it, I found out for myself that this is not true, and it is possible to speak to landlords before any credit checks are paid for.
Another colleague did email me afterwards, and told me that any reference checks would be completed before any money would be spent, but by then I had lost faith in the company and had a bad feeling about the mixed messages, inconsistencies, and unprofessionalism.
I asked if it would be possible to phone the landlord to ask whether he would accept a tenant without previous payslips or a guarantor, and was told that the property was not managed by the landlord and that they were unable to contact him. This was all fair enough, but when I explained that I was worried about losing the holding deposit and admin fees, he kept repeating that, whilst he could make no guarantees, it would probably be fine, and I probably wouldn't lose my money. Everyone knows that the content of a contract is binding, and anything that a letting agent says, which is not in the contract, means nothing. He then proceeded to compare the contract to the terms and conditions boxes you get on the Internet - everyone just ticks them but they don't really mean anything.
I couldn't help but feel that he was completely insulting my intelligence by trying to convince me to sign a contract on the premise that no-one would read it. I would also like to believe that any reputable lettings company would take their contracts very seriously and not compare them to the type of boxes you tick when buying a Netflix subscription!
I felt that I was being pressured when he explained that this was standard practice in the London rental market and that I would experience the same thing everywhere. Luckily, rather than taking his word for it, I found out for myself that this is not true, and it is possible to speak to landlords before any credit checks are paid for.
Another colleague did email me afterwards, and told me that any reference checks would be completed before any money would be spent, but by then I had lost faith in the company and had a bad feeling about the mixed messages, inconsistencies, and unprofessionalism.
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Latest Reviews
31st Jan 2024
reviewed by 'Martin'
10th Oct 2022
reviewed by 'Chloe'
7th Feb 2022
reviewed by 'Larisa'
23rd Nov 2021
reviewed by 'Tram'
15th Nov 2021
reviewed by 'ATTILA'
Opening Hours
Address
Drivers & Norris
407-409 Holloway Road
Holloway,London
Greater London
N7 6HP
02076075001
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 94% | 99% | £104,000 | £20,800,000 |
| Lettings | 93% | 95% | £345 | £4,200 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 4 | 201 | 8 | 49 | 0 | 41 | 0 | 14 | 4 |
Areas covered
- N7
- Archway
- N1
- Tufnell Park
- N19
- N8
- Holborn
- N4
- Finsbury Park
- NW1
- N5
- Camden
- N6
- Islington
- NW5
- Seven Sisters
- Highbury
- Holloway
Services offered
- Sales
- Lettings
- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
- Home Builder
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Latest Properties
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Jan 31,2024
Jan 31,2024
0
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I really don't know where to start with my frustration at Drivers and Norris and in particular Michael Porter who has actually raised the bar on the level of incompetence that was possible.
Drivers were allegedly 'Managing' our block, but when Michael took over, the ...
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Oct 10,2022
Oct 10,2022
1
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Absolutely Terrible Estate Agents
I'm the last person to become a keyboard warrior and write reviews as I have better things to do with my time. HOWEVER, I greatly feel the need to express how awful Drivers and Norris was with the handling of our ...
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Mar 17,2022
Mar 17,2022
0
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Sarah was incredibly communicative, kind and really helpful throughout the process of searching for and viewing the property. I would highly recommend her. Thank you!...
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Feb 07,2022
Feb 07,2022
0
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Great communication skills and always been available for all the extra informations that I needed. Made the whole process much easier.
Thanks...
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Nov 23,2021
Nov 23,2021
3
people found
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We had a commercial view today. * was the person work on phone with us but we met ** on the view appointment. He is most impolite guy ever we have seen in 15 years doing business.
Poor the landlord, now we know why the listing stay there ...
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Nov 15,2021
Nov 15,2021
0
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Sarah was a great help in finding my ideal flat. She completely understand what I was looking for and was eager to help. Very flexible and polite. 5 strars for sure....
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Sep 16,2021
Sep 16,2021
0
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Sarah Twiner has been really helpful throughout my nearly 3 years tenancy agreement. Thank you Sarah! She’s helped with any issues along the way and has been particularly helpful with supporting me to co-ordinate the move in of someone else to take my places in ...
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Sep 15,2021
Sep 15,2021
0
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A hard worker and kindly honest when we asked for his opinion, John helped me and my flatmate immensely when we were in desperate need of a flat in the rush before uni.
John miraculously found us a lovely two bed in an ideal location ...
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Sep 13,2021
Sep 13,2021
0
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Sarah went above and beyond for me! Honestly I can't rate her enough - I'm over the moon with the apartment she found me. Absolute star....
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Sep 10,2021
Sep 10,2021
0
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Sarah has been wonderful in helping us find our perfect flat in London! She provided us with ample information and really gave us confidence that we had chosen the right place. Throughout the journey she has been calling/ emailing to update us on the process. ...
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Sep 10,2021
Sep 10,2021
0
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Sarah was very helpful for me in securing my new flat. She was very responsive when I had any questions and was generally very helpful....
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Sep 09,2021
Sep 09,2021
0
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Sarah has been amazing, helping us secure the property quickly, and has made sure our transition has been seamless. Thanks!...
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Sep 07,2021
Sep 07,2021
0
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John helped us a lot at making sure we get the flat we liked as quick as possible! We managed to organise an online viewing of the property within 15 min and he even managed to record a video of the flat for us, although it ...
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Sep 01,2021
Sep 01,2021
0
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Jason sold our 3 bed flat, completing the sale before the Stamp Duty holiday ended, despite numerous hurdles we encountered. Jason was a pleasure to work with and a great support throughout the entire process....
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Comment on agent fees
Very competitive fees.
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Aug 27,2021
Aug 27,2021
0
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Jason has been an invaluable asset during this challenging process. His experience, knowledge and advice allowed us to make informed decisions that assisted with our purchase. We are grateful to him for being so patient and supportive during a very stressful time, his calm professionalism ...
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Aug 27,2021
Aug 27,2021
0
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Fantastic bunch @Drivers&Norris
Simon and Jason sold my mothers house that she lived in for over 40 years and done a fantastic job steering the ship all the way through. The buyers were a little testing at times though we cannot fault their willingness, but ...
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Aug 26,2021
Aug 26,2021
0
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We chose Drivers & Norris after speaking to a few local agents, in the end it was Drivers local experience and prescience in N7 that won us over. It's safe to say we were not disappointed and Simon and the team were fantastic, after a run ...
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Aug 26,2021
Aug 26,2021
0
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Good customer service and had very friendly approach during and after the viewing. Very professional and ensures clarity in communications...
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Aug 26,2021
Aug 26,2021
0
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I was so pleased i chose to go ahead with Drivers and Norris, this was a complex investment sale of 4 shops and 4 flats all of which had their quirks. The agents enthusiasm for the transaction never wavered and he was very helpful....
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Aug 25,2021
Aug 25,2021
0
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I have purchased a number of properties through Martin Jackson at Drivers and Norris Holloway Rd. He has always been extremely helpful, knowledgeable and very aware of the property market and what is suitable for our requirements.
He has made it very easy dealing with ...
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Aug 25,2021
Aug 25,2021
0
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Martin from Drivers and Norris was great to deal with, he was pushing to get the deal over the line and always had a smile on his face! Refreshing to deal with!...
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Aug 25,2021
Aug 25,2021
0
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Martin is a very courteous and knowledgeable agent. Thank you Martin, for your excellent service and all your advice and help....
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Aug 25,2021
Aug 25,2021
0
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Fantastic service, very friendly and knowledgeable! Martin will always find a solution for any problems that arise and is very prompt with dealing with any issues! Highly recommended....
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Aug 25,2021
Aug 25,2021
0
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This was a tricky sale due to the type and use of building. Kirill was very informative and made the process very simple, from valuation to completion. Sale made simple!...
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Aug 25,2021
Aug 25,2021
0
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Last month we sold flat on Hilldrop Crescent .Martin was excellent in coordinating with the sale. Through out the whole stage from start to finish I did not call my solicitor once as Martin was on top of matters....
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Jul 29,2021
Jul 29,2021
0
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Very helpful and efficient with providing us knowledge on the property and details of our contract. Would recommend to anyone moving to London...
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Jul 26,2021
Jul 26,2021
0
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John was quick and helpful. He offered us good arrangement and ge kept his words to deliver the housing plan....
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Jun 26,2021
Jun 26,2021
0
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We received an excellent service from both John and Lauren, who were helpful finding us new tenants and organising the contracts....
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Jun 23,2021
Jun 23,2021
0
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Sarah was very supportive and helped us secure the property we really wanted. Thank you very much for your assistance....
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Jun 17,2021
Jun 17,2021
0
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When I contacted Drivers & Norris for the first time, Sarah immediately understood what I was looking for in a new flat to rent. Her help has been definitely crucial and I totally recommend her as she is an outstanding professional....
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Last updated at 2:43 PM 21/08/2018 by allAgents
Best Letting Agent in N7 
