100% sales valuation accuracy
100% sales fee satisfaction
Dec 23,2009
Dec 23,2009
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Beals Estate Agent in Hedge End is so bad that it is hard to imagine how they could be any worse!!! I can't speak for the rest of the network as I have not dealt with them but take it from me. Stay away from Hedge End branch!!!
This is my Story:
I was planning a move from Manchester to Hamble. I visited Hamble and spotted a property for rent with a Beals board outside. I drove to the office in Hedge End and it was closed (Saturday 1pm....despite the opening hours saying that it should be open), but then I spotted someone working at their desk. I knocked on the door and the lady inside waved me away. I rang the number and she sat by the phone as it rang but did not answer. Having spoken to a friendly member of staff in a different Beals office I rang them for the details of a specific house but they simply said that I had to speak to Hedge End directly. She rang Hedge End on our behalf, the lady picked up the phone this time and was convinced to open the back door and thrust some house details into our hand and closed it again before we had chance to say hello!!
I realised that they had not given me the letting details but the for sale details, at which point I gave up for the day. I drove the 200 miles back to Manchester the following day. I rang on the following Tuesday to arrange a viewing for the weekend and enquire about the rent etc. I drove down from Manchester, after confirming the viewing on the Friday and sat outside the house on Saturday morning. Our appointment time came and went, and after 15 minutes I called to find out where they were. It turns out that there was no appointment (admin error), not only that, but the sitting tenant was not in and the no-one at Beals would call him to try to make a viewing because they need 24 hours notice! Apparently he was a very awkward tenant ( keep reading and you'll see why he probably wasn't awkward at all), and they simply sent me back to Manchester without seeing the house! I had run out of time and had no more opportunity to visit from Manchester before I needed to move so I rented the house without even viewing it.
I was assured that the house was checked for cleanliness before a tenant vacated or moved in and that I shouldn't worry. On the day we (my wife & I) moved in, the house was filthy! The previous tenant had a cat that was clearly loosing a lot of hair and the oven, windows, fridge, and toilets had not been cleaned for a long time. We left all of our furniture in the van - and spent then next few hours cleaning, and booked a domestic cleaner for the oven the following day! Beals answer: It must have been checked, but if we had a problem someone could come round and check it next week! Not much use as we needed somewhere to sleep, so we told them we'd do it our self. When we asked for compensation to cover the cost they said that this was not possible without an inspection (which would not have happened during the weekend).
We lived in the house for a few months at which point the boiler stopped working properly. I informed Beals of this but nothing happened for weeks. They rang me to chase a rent payment that I was withholding, at which point I explained that we had repeatedly asked for the boiler to be fixed but heard nothing. They convinced me that they had spoken to head office and that I should pay - which I duly did, but again nothing for weeks. I phoned head office myself who confirmed that no-one had spoken to them and that they had no record of it. An engineer came out after another weeks delay. He checked the boiler and told me that he would have to order the part. I spoke to Beals about the progress of this after a week or so when they rang to chase the next months payment that I was also withholding as it still had not been done and guess what - NO RECORD OF THE OUSTANDING JOB WITH THE BOILER MAN!!! I recalled the name I read on the boiler mans van and called him direct to come and fit the part.
After renting house for a year our landlady decided to sell. We were interested and submitted an offer to Beals with a condition. The condition was that we would like an answer before the house goes on the market. We got no answer for at least a week on our offer. I presumed that the vendor was contemplating our offer. I called the office but could not get hold our contact, and approx 10 days after submitting our offer my wife returned home to find Beals showing a couple round the house without permission or prior arrangement!! I complained only to find out that offer had not even been submitted!!!
The offer was submitted and the vendor accepted. The sale is meant to be completed in a few days, but I was spurred on to write this after having an telephone argument with a member of staff at Beals who was insistent on taking a rent payment from me for the next month, despite having already exchanged contracts and completion being in 5 days!! The argument was actually yesterday, and today I received a letter asking for 2 months rent, no just one, for some unknown reason, and also informing me that if they have to write to me again, they will charge me
This is my Story:
I was planning a move from Manchester to Hamble. I visited Hamble and spotted a property for rent with a Beals board outside. I drove to the office in Hedge End and it was closed (Saturday 1pm....despite the opening hours saying that it should be open), but then I spotted someone working at their desk. I knocked on the door and the lady inside waved me away. I rang the number and she sat by the phone as it rang but did not answer. Having spoken to a friendly member of staff in a different Beals office I rang them for the details of a specific house but they simply said that I had to speak to Hedge End directly. She rang Hedge End on our behalf, the lady picked up the phone this time and was convinced to open the back door and thrust some house details into our hand and closed it again before we had chance to say hello!!
I realised that they had not given me the letting details but the for sale details, at which point I gave up for the day. I drove the 200 miles back to Manchester the following day. I rang on the following Tuesday to arrange a viewing for the weekend and enquire about the rent etc. I drove down from Manchester, after confirming the viewing on the Friday and sat outside the house on Saturday morning. Our appointment time came and went, and after 15 minutes I called to find out where they were. It turns out that there was no appointment (admin error), not only that, but the sitting tenant was not in and the no-one at Beals would call him to try to make a viewing because they need 24 hours notice! Apparently he was a very awkward tenant ( keep reading and you'll see why he probably wasn't awkward at all), and they simply sent me back to Manchester without seeing the house! I had run out of time and had no more opportunity to visit from Manchester before I needed to move so I rented the house without even viewing it.
I was assured that the house was checked for cleanliness before a tenant vacated or moved in and that I shouldn't worry. On the day we (my wife & I) moved in, the house was filthy! The previous tenant had a cat that was clearly loosing a lot of hair and the oven, windows, fridge, and toilets had not been cleaned for a long time. We left all of our furniture in the van - and spent then next few hours cleaning, and booked a domestic cleaner for the oven the following day! Beals answer: It must have been checked, but if we had a problem someone could come round and check it next week! Not much use as we needed somewhere to sleep, so we told them we'd do it our self. When we asked for compensation to cover the cost they said that this was not possible without an inspection (which would not have happened during the weekend).
We lived in the house for a few months at which point the boiler stopped working properly. I informed Beals of this but nothing happened for weeks. They rang me to chase a rent payment that I was withholding, at which point I explained that we had repeatedly asked for the boiler to be fixed but heard nothing. They convinced me that they had spoken to head office and that I should pay - which I duly did, but again nothing for weeks. I phoned head office myself who confirmed that no-one had spoken to them and that they had no record of it. An engineer came out after another weeks delay. He checked the boiler and told me that he would have to order the part. I spoke to Beals about the progress of this after a week or so when they rang to chase the next months payment that I was also withholding as it still had not been done and guess what - NO RECORD OF THE OUSTANDING JOB WITH THE BOILER MAN!!! I recalled the name I read on the boiler mans van and called him direct to come and fit the part.
After renting house for a year our landlady decided to sell. We were interested and submitted an offer to Beals with a condition. The condition was that we would like an answer before the house goes on the market. We got no answer for at least a week on our offer. I presumed that the vendor was contemplating our offer. I called the office but could not get hold our contact, and approx 10 days after submitting our offer my wife returned home to find Beals showing a couple round the house without permission or prior arrangement!! I complained only to find out that offer had not even been submitted!!!
The offer was submitted and the vendor accepted. The sale is meant to be completed in a few days, but I was spurred on to write this after having an telephone argument with a member of staff at Beals who was insistent on taking a rent payment from me for the next month, despite having already exchanged contracts and completion being in 5 days!! The argument was actually yesterday, and today I received a letter asking for 2 months rent, no just one, for some unknown reason, and also informing me that if they have to write to me again, they will charge me
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28th Apr 2021
reviewed by 'Lionel'
20th Aug 2019
reviewed by 'CONTRACT'
24th Jul 2019
reviewed by 'Damian'
Opening Hours
Address
Beals Independent Sales and Letting Agents
361 Bitterne Road
Southampton
Hampshire
SO18 5RR
023 8043 9885
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 100% | 100% | £40,000 | £275,000 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Areas covered
- SO18
- SO19
- SO17
Services offered
- Sales
- Lettings
- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
- Home Builder
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Apr 28,2021
Apr 28,2021
1
people found
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I’d like to say Both Aisha & Oliver have been excellent once again in both their service and just as important their attitude. They ‘Let’ my property quickly and efficiently and now I have an excellent Tenant! I have dealt with them both for many ...
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Apr 02,2020
Apr 02,2020
0
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Excellent service from Jade & Alan, even during the recent virus outbreak the communication throughout my purchase was superb & the whole team have been a pleasure to deal with!...
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Aug 20,2019
Aug 20,2019
3
people found
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The most unprofessional lettings agents on the market. Performance wise they are not interested in looking after their business. Only chasing New business. Hopeless shambles, especially inventory/inspection which is based at their head office in Whitely. Their top management think rudeness is more appropriate ...
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Jul 24,2019
Jul 24,2019
1
people found
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Excellent service from the team from start to finish me and my wife couldn't be happier with our new home and Beals made the move easy and stress free! Thanks especially to Alan who took care of us exceptionally. Highly recommended....
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Jun 04,2019
Jun 04,2019
0
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Real attention to detail, was constantly foreseeing issues before they arrived and planned for them accordingly. Was fantastic with dealing with problems that had nothing to do with our sale but were lower down in the chain. A real people's person and real professional....
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Comment on agent fees
Really fair best on the market
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Feb 23,2019
Feb 23,2019
0
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Excellent service from Alan and his team. Smooth process from start to finish. Clear guidance given. Would definitely recommend and be happy to use again....
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Feb 20,2019
Feb 20,2019
1
people found
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this helpful
After having our house on the market with another agent for several months Alan approached us & offered to advertise for us. The advert looks so much better & we are now getting a lot of viewings.
In the meantime Jade has showed us two properties we ...
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Comment on agent fees
The fees were slightly higher than our other agent but we can see why already!
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Feb 20,2019
Feb 20,2019
1
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Thank you Alan for your professionalism in gaining a successful sale of our family home. An honest appraisal from the outset was much appreciated....
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Comment on agent fees
Fair
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Dec 10,2018
Dec 10,2018
1
people found
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this helpful
Alan & Andrew at Beals helped us find a property over a period of many months, the buying process was made simply & relatively hassle-free & we would highly recommend them both!...
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Comment on agent fees
We did not pay as we were buying, the only thing we paid for through Beals were their solicitors who were reasonably priced & also very good.
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Sep 18,2018
Sep 18,2018
1
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Very pleased with the service we received as purchasers. Alison was very helpful throughout the buying process. Alan was prompt and courteous in conducting initial negotiations between ourselves and the vendors and we appreciated his patience when our own sale took longer than expected, partly ...
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Sep 14,2018
Sep 14,2018
1
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Have to say that our experience with Beals was excellent. Their expertise and understanding was amazing and managed to seek the house for more than we thought and in a quicker time scale, and dealt with problems on the way with great professionalism....
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Comment on agent fees
As agreed and expected
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Sep 12,2018
Sep 12,2018
1
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My first impression of Beals was NOT a good one.
UNTIL Alan Woodhouse took over. I would definitely use Beals again if Alan is there.
I think that statement says it all....
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Comment on agent fees
Good
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Jun 29,2018
Jun 29,2018
1
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Their marketing was modern & professional, they sold our home within the first few weeks at the price we had discussed & we were kept informed of progress by Alan throughout....
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Comment on agent fees
We were offered an "online" fee of only £795 plus VAT which is a great alternative to Purple Bricks but decided this was not for us. The fee we paid was about the same as quoted by most other agents
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May 30,2018
May 30,2018
1
people found
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Alan and the team at Beales, Bitterne have been, at all times, helpful and supportive through the sale of my house and purchase of my new home. Alan kept me updated throughout the process and has provided a professional service which I would not hesitate ...
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Comment on agent fees
Fair price for a great service. I wanted from the outset to use a local agent with an established office.
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Feb 16,2018
Feb 16,2018
0
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The whole process from our first meeting with Mr Woodhouse was very impressive. He advised us of the best way to market the bungalow and he was spot on with his valuation, and the process he advised. The actual sale of the property was handled ...
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Comment on agent fees
Very fair for what they did in relation to this sale.
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Jul 28,2017
Jul 28,2017
0
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Fantsatic members of staff always ready to go the extra mile and always keep eveyone informed.
Very helpful and professional and very professional...
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Comment on agent fees
Fees are competative
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Jul 28,2017
Jul 28,2017
1
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Oliver has successfully found a tenant for my property on 3 occasions. Ensuring the property was never left vacant. Best advice was taking out the Gold package and having Beals, Oliver fully manage the property for me. A completely stress free process. Would recommend to any ...
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Comment on agent fees
Good
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Jul 28,2017
Jul 28,2017
0
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I am a landlord with several properties and have always only used Beals to manage them for me. Dan is superb and so are the rest of the staff. They sort out any problems that come in from my tenants and take all the hassle ...
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Comment on agent fees
The agent fees are also good.
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Mar 23,2017
Mar 23,2017
7
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Unfortunate experience,*. Rude and very unprofessional, tried telling me that our offer would be taken more seriously if we used their conveyancey service. (strike 1 this is illegal, trying to force customers to use their service) then after I refused as well as stating our offer ...
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Dec 22,2016
Dec 22,2016
5
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Beaks are good if your buying a property but if your renting they are shocking.
No one seems to want to help you out.
I have had a leak in my roof for over 7 weeks now my items have been damaged the place stinks of ...
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Aug 17,2016
Aug 17,2016
1
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this helpful
I wanted to write to you to let you know what a wonderful experience dealing with your team has been.
In particular Josh has been a real pleasure to deal with....
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Apr 06,2016
Apr 06,2016
0
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Purchased my flat through Beal's and used their letting department to source me a tenant and manage the property. Found me a tenant very quickly and have had no issues. Dan and Oliver kept me updated from start to finish, great customer service. Have recommended ...
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Comment on agent fees
I had spoken with a number of agencies and felt the fees were very reasonable. Cheaper then other agents locally
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Dec 09,2014
Dec 09,2014
0
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My partner and I were first time buyers and obviously had an idea in our heads as to what type of property we wanted to buy & in what location, from the moment we contacted Beals and spoke with Barry we knew we were dealing with ...
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Jun 13,2014
Jun 13,2014
1
people found
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this helpful
Excellent communication, advice and help over the last 6 months. You were certainly the most efficient estate agent I have dealt with. Friendly and always effective in every manner that I dealt with them in....
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Jun 07,2014
Jun 07,2014
1
people found
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this helpful
Costa found a prospective buyer for my property very quickly. As I live in Spain he liased with my letting agent and my tenant and kept me constantly informed as to progress, finally helping exchange of contracts to proceed smoothly and rapidly....
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Feb 17,2014
Feb 17,2014
1
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Very good service. Good communication. Polite and considerate. Had my interests at heart. Would definitely use again. Costa and Barry in particular were very good in dealing with my affairs....
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Dec 20,2013
Dec 20,2013
1
people found
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We sold our property through Beals in Bitterne Southampton. The majority of our contact was with Costa and Barry.
The review and pricing of our property was accurate and not unrealistic. Beals made sure that the property was sent out on mailing lists and always ...
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Nov 19,2013
Nov 19,2013
1
people found
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this helpful
Had two viewings on the property and each time George was professional and courteuos. Fantastic service and we felt like a valued customer. The viewing wasn't rushed and we are now looking forward to moving into our new home. The service care after the viewings ...
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Jun 27,2013
Jun 27,2013
2
people found
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this helpful
Very professional firm, yet still maintain a friendly disposition. Costa in particular went more than "the extra mile" in arranging viewings, following up, providing feedback and ensuring the final sale went thru to completion. Also did much of the solictors work for them.
Many thanks ...
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Jun 11,2013
Jun 11,2013
2
people found
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I would like to express my complete satisfaction with the service that Beales provided in my recent search for properties to purchase. The range of properties that were presented to me were as per my request and were realistic options. Whilst I ultimately ended up ...
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Last updated at 9:08 AM 10/12/2018 by Alan Woodhouse
Best Estate Agent in SO18 
Best Estate Agent in Southampton 
Good luck with recovering the money for the over-paid rent.