100% sales valuation accuracy
100% sales fee satisfaction
67% lettings valuation accuracy
79% lettings fee satisfaction
Nov 17,2013
Nov 17,2013
0
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We saw four estate agents. Barring one, the initial meeting was positive with all. Honestly it was a toss-up between Bushells and one other. I guess instinct chose for me. Rachel Sweeney came to the house and was polite, professional and not pushy at all. She listened to what we wanted and explained the terms simply. My one concern was to be able to deal with one primary person in the agency I chose. I did not want to be passed around the staff. Rachel promised that and kept to her promise.
We knew we had a fairly decent flat with a freehold and good transport links etc. but were shocked by the market and totally unaware how desperate people were to buy in the area. We hoped for a certain price but that was far exceeded. We started to realise how lucky we were when 10 very solid offers came in after the first open viewing, all over the asking. At that point I realised how ridiculous the notion of handling the sale ourselves was. We had considered selling privately but suddenly you appreciate the value of having people thoroughly checked out financially, and managing bids in what turned out to be practically an auction. It all seemed plain sailing until our lovely buyer decided to leave for China a couple of days before the exchange with no more than a one line email to his lawyer. We had our own mortgage offer and proposed purchase then hanging in the balance while already having committed all the money to the sale / purchase that you do, i.e. a lot! Rachel had to make that call and inform me. I wasn't thrilled by the news. She handled everything calmly and with sympathy and understanding. Most importantly she handled it extremely professionally, immediately going back to other bidders and calling in new potential buyers for viewings. Within a week we had sold again (yes, we were very lucky, we know) and at exactly the same price. It was handled perfectly by Rachel and Bushells as a team.
Our second buyer, being a nervous first-time buyer and guided by a difficult solicitor then posed us a lot of questions, unnecessary delays and bumps in the road. Selling is a negotiation and you do accept that but sometimes people act ridiculous, quibbling over tiny things when there's so much more at stake. Despite two very quick actual "sales" the whole process for us took 6 months from the first meeting with Rachel. The final two weeks were pretty stressful and it looked again like the sale (and our resultant purchase) would all fall through. We had pressure for both sides but again, Rachel and Kim at Bushells were terrific, guiding us through the process, reassuring us and most crucially, using their experience to nudge people to where they had to be to make the deal happen. In these final few weeks we learned that we were expecting our first child which added to the feeling that we had to move. Our own mortgage offer had a few weeks only to run and we probably wouldn't have re-qualified. It felt very tense and you do lose some sense of perspective because it feels like everything at the time. I'm not sure we would have have got there and completed without the focus and attention given by Rachel Sweeney. There were crucial moments were she had to intervene and edge things toward an exchange and she was always dependable and always available. We are now very happy in our new home thanks to an excellent solicitor (yes, incredible but actually true), a lot of luck and the hard work, kept promises and attention to detail of Rachel and Kim at Bushells, Lordship Lane in Dulwich.
We knew we had a fairly decent flat with a freehold and good transport links etc. but were shocked by the market and totally unaware how desperate people were to buy in the area. We hoped for a certain price but that was far exceeded. We started to realise how lucky we were when 10 very solid offers came in after the first open viewing, all over the asking. At that point I realised how ridiculous the notion of handling the sale ourselves was. We had considered selling privately but suddenly you appreciate the value of having people thoroughly checked out financially, and managing bids in what turned out to be practically an auction. It all seemed plain sailing until our lovely buyer decided to leave for China a couple of days before the exchange with no more than a one line email to his lawyer. We had our own mortgage offer and proposed purchase then hanging in the balance while already having committed all the money to the sale / purchase that you do, i.e. a lot! Rachel had to make that call and inform me. I wasn't thrilled by the news. She handled everything calmly and with sympathy and understanding. Most importantly she handled it extremely professionally, immediately going back to other bidders and calling in new potential buyers for viewings. Within a week we had sold again (yes, we were very lucky, we know) and at exactly the same price. It was handled perfectly by Rachel and Bushells as a team.
Our second buyer, being a nervous first-time buyer and guided by a difficult solicitor then posed us a lot of questions, unnecessary delays and bumps in the road. Selling is a negotiation and you do accept that but sometimes people act ridiculous, quibbling over tiny things when there's so much more at stake. Despite two very quick actual "sales" the whole process for us took 6 months from the first meeting with Rachel. The final two weeks were pretty stressful and it looked again like the sale (and our resultant purchase) would all fall through. We had pressure for both sides but again, Rachel and Kim at Bushells were terrific, guiding us through the process, reassuring us and most crucially, using their experience to nudge people to where they had to be to make the deal happen. In these final few weeks we learned that we were expecting our first child which added to the feeling that we had to move. Our own mortgage offer had a few weeks only to run and we probably wouldn't have re-qualified. It felt very tense and you do lose some sense of perspective because it feels like everything at the time. I'm not sure we would have have got there and completed without the focus and attention given by Rachel Sweeney. There were crucial moments were she had to intervene and edge things toward an exchange and she was always dependable and always available. We are now very happy in our new home thanks to an excellent solicitor (yes, incredible but actually true), a lot of luck and the hard work, kept promises and attention to detail of Rachel and Kim at Bushells, Lordship Lane in Dulwich.
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Latest Reviews
25th Jun 2023
reviewed by 'Adam'
12th Jul 2022
reviewed by 'Andrew'
12th Jul 2022
reviewed by 'Hector'
26th Jun 2020
reviewed by 'Dave'
Opening Hours
Address
Portico
94 Lordship Lane
Dulwich,London
Greater London
SE22 8HF
020 8299 6066
Performance statistics
| Services | Valuation Accuracy | Fees Satisfaction | Min Price of property reviewed | Max Price of property reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 100% | 100% | £380,000 | £425,000 |
| Lettings | 67% | 79% | £925 | £1,850 |
Review statistics
| From Landlords | From Tenants | From Vendors | From Buyers | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 1 | 17 | 7 | 20 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Areas covered
- SE22
- SE27
- SE5
- SE13
- SE15
- SE24
- SE21
Services offered
- Sales
- Lettings
- Block Management
- Surveys
- Conveyancing
- Mortgage Advice
- Home Builder
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Jun 25,2023
Jun 25,2023
0
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Thanks again for your help through the buying process we appreciated it...
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Jul 12,2022
Jul 12,2022
0
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Portico has provided professional and prompt support to me as a landlord. They have helped me successful source good quality tenants and to source suppliers/workers to get work done to a high standard. Communication is prompt and clear. I am very pleased with their ...
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Jul 12,2022
Jul 12,2022
0
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Portico have ignored our emails regarding the return of our deposit for a rental property. We are still waiting for the return of our deposit, despite us leaving the property over 3 weeks ago and it being in exactly the same state as we found it ...
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Jun 26,2020
Jun 26,2020
2
people found
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this helpful
It looks like they're in bankruptcy; they're unable to return deposits to their tenants and telling lies to make up deductions....
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Sep 19,2019
Sep 19,2019
2
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Renting with this company meant nothing was maintained whilst living there. Now they're over a month on waiting for my deposit to be returned, called today as it was promised to be paid by - they responded by stating "hopefully your call will be returned ...
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Jun 28,2018
Jun 28,2018
2
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Awful customer service from this branch - absolutely incompetent 'estate agents' who hound you for information that has already been sitting in their office for days.
A pity they don't have more than a few brain cells to rub together in order to carry out ...
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Mar 05,2018
Mar 05,2018
7
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Currently highly disappointed with Portico, shocking customer service from our property manager at their head office in Kentish Town. No communication at all, totally unbelievable! There are issues at our property which we have been trying to solve for months and no one seems to ...
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Mar 09, 2018
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Agreed. I know of at least one contractor who left because of non payment. Their maintenance department is a joke. ...
Nov 21,2017
Nov 21,2017
25
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Agent refused to deal with issues internally so this is why a review is being left.
* Refused to deal with complaint internally.
* When agent looked at property he said he would have it rented within 10 days but 21 days later he didn't have a single offer.
* ...
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Comment on agent fees
The fees were fine, although we never needed them.
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Apr 30,2017
Apr 30,2017
0
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My boyfriend and I looked at several properties with Jasmine. She is super sweet, patient, and really works with you to understand what you're looking for. She's very responsive and always follows up, but without being pushy. We would definitely recommend going with Jasmine to ...
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Apr 28,2016
Apr 28,2016
0
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Both Jasmine and Steve were very helpful and efficient with any query I had.
Many thanks to bothj of them in finding my flat....
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Nov 19,2015
Nov 19,2015
8
people found
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Agent* I found really rode ,not polite,did not respect,me at all as a customer.I was looking for a flat,to rent. She did not want to listen,to my needs,at all.I asked,about quiet residential road,but,she did not ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
She,should have,more respect,for a costumers,she needs,to learn,to listen to client needs.Jasmine should value,her customers.She needs,to STOP in being rude,with customers.Attached Filesnbsp;
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Aug 04,2015
Aug 04,2015
15
people found
this helpful
this helpful
Worst agents you'll ever come across! High costs and Terrible services is what they provide.
I have dealt with about 5 representatives from the same company, as every other representative seem to leave the job in every 2 months or so. To be fair on employees, if ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Agent should have been more responsive and should value its customers.Attached Filesnbsp;
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Jul 29,2015
Jul 29,2015
0
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This agent responded quickly to our enquiry and made appointments at our convenience. They have been friendly and helpful at all stages of the process. Our agent, Jasmine, has made us feel very looked after, and has kept us updated on all developments, whilst making ...
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Comment on agent fees
The fees seem quite high, even if the service provided was excellent. Portico charged around ‚£900 in all, which is a lot of money for a short let.
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Jul 14,2015
Jul 14,2015
0
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A lot more professional and slicker service than estate agents I have dealt with before. As a new tenant, they have been very thorough in terms of timescales, saying exactly what is needed and explaining the process. Also responded quickly to any queries. Would definitely ...
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Mar 08,2015
Mar 08,2015
8
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Having tried to view a property with this agent, he has twice cancelled at short notice, without even bothering to ring to notify me. Terribly poor service from Bushells....
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What agent could do to change your mind?
Not cancelled bookings at short notice by email.Attached Filesnbsp;
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Nov 11,2014
Nov 11,2014
0
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We rented our flat from Bushells' earlier this month. I am always wary of letting agents but I found Cherie and Will to be fantastic. They were helpful, quick to respond and facilitated our letting without any delays. I was pleased with the level of ...
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Comment on agent fees
Obviously it is a lot of money and would rather not have to pay them as its often not the case when you go direct through a landlord. Also working in housing myself I know the true cost of such checks/fees. However, having said that I can say that I was impressed with the speed and efficiency of the letting and the inventory check when we moved into the flat.
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Nov 11,2014
Nov 11,2014
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I have just rented through Bushells for the second time in a couple of years. We did look around at other properties with other agents, but were let down constantly by bad service and agents lying about properties. We went back to Jasmine at Bushells ...
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Nov 03,2014
Nov 03,2014
8
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BUSHELLS ARE HORRIFIC!!!!!
THEY LIED AND PUT US IN A LONG TERM TENANCY UNDER FALSE PRETENCES!
My husband and I rented a bottom floor flat from Bushells. We specified we wanted a garden for our dogs as well as needed to know about any noise ...
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What agent could do to change your mind?
DONT TRUST JASMINE ELLINGTON, WILLIAM DAVIES OR ANDRIES NEOPHYTOUAttached Filesnbsp;
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Nov 03, 2014
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We are disappointed that you felt the need to post this review; our Lettings Director has personally dealt with the negotiations on your behalf and is in the process of agreeing the deed of surrender with the Landlord who lives abroad, as per your request. This has been the priority since the issue was brought to our attention and communication has been immediate at all times. ...
Jun 25,2014
Jun 25,2014
0
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I used Bushells to find myself a flat in South East London. I approached them via an advert I saw on Zoopla, but following that they were in touch quickly to arrange (and subsequently rearrange) a viewing of that property. The process after deciding I ...
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Dec 05,2013
Dec 05,2013
0
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Mark Davidson was fantastic from the start. His excitement and energy was something that I was drawn into. I would recommend him and Bushells to anyone looking to sell....
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Nov 27,2013
Nov 27,2013
0
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Tembi Ryan acted as liason between myself and the existing Tenant regarding Contract renewal. Due to some changes regarding the Contract content, this was not a straight forward process and involved much diplomacy and patience on her part - not to mention a lot of ...
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Jan 25, 2016
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When they were Edmund Cude they had a website portal for landlords where one could check the status of repairs, get rental statements, etc. But that disappeared as they transitioned into Portico. They told landlords the site was simply being revamped. But that appears not to be true. They refuse to address this. I have decided to retain another firm because I no longer trust them. ...
Nov 17,2013
Nov 17,2013
0
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We saw four estate agents. Barring one, the initial meeting was positive with all. Honestly it was a toss-up between Bushells and one other. I guess instinct chose for me. Rachel Sweeney came to the house and was polite, professional and not pushy at all. ...
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Oct 16,2013
Oct 16,2013
1
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very good service from both Ashley (when I was looking for new tenants in September 2012) and Tembi (when renegociating the rent in September 2013). Whenever I have a question Ashley, whom I've been used to dealing with over the years, is always very reactive....
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Jul 30,2013
Jul 30,2013
1
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The tenancy on my property was up for review and Tembi handled the whole renewal - from appraisal to negotiation to contracting - very smoothly. This is crucial to me since I live overseas. Very happy....
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Jul 09,2013
Jul 09,2013
0
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I fairly recently renewed my contract with my existing tennants. Tembi successfully ensured the new rent achieved was higher than I'd suggested. Other than this the process was painless and very professionally handled. I have continued to get great service from Bushells from Carla Bartley, ...
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Apr 30,2013
Apr 30,2013
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Thanks to the staff at Bushells, selling our house was easy and a pleasure.
Initially, I asked three agents to visit my house for a valuation. Liz Marshall of Bushells was the only one of the three who took an interest in us and our ...
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Apr 26,2013
Apr 26,2013
0
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Bushells provided an excellent service & keprt me well informed at each stage of the selling process.
They were approachable & friendly....
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Apr 24,2013
Apr 24,2013
0
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Very friendly, helpful & informative service from Sam. Helped us move the process along quickly despite landlord being away. provided additional information....
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Apr 08,2013
Apr 08,2013
0
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We have used this branch of Bushells for many years and have found Ashley and her predecessor, Richard, very efficient and helpful in many ways....
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Apr 08,2013
Apr 08,2013
0
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Rachel and Liz were both really helpful throughout the entire purchase process of our house. Liz was very helpful via email and Rachel really went out of her way to help, even going to the property to take measurements for a sofa, after I had ...
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Vendor Fees
1.25%Landlord Fees
11%Tenant Fees
No fees set. Last updated at 20/10/2022, 1:19 PM by Vicky McNaught-DavisComplaints Procedure
No procedure set.
Last updated at 12:19 PM 20/10/2022 by Vicky McNaught-Davis
