We had a very disappointing experience with Ahtons while attempting to purchase a property. Throughout the process we repeatedly asked about the tenure and were consistently told it was share of freehold. Not once were we informed that the property was actually leasehold with less than 40 years remaining — information that only came to light after the memorandum was issued. This is a material fact that directly affects both the value and the mortgageability of a property. Had we been given accurate information from the beginning, especially after asking multiple specific questions, we would never have proceeded. Ahtons were fully aware of the stressful, time-sensitive situation we were in, yet still failed to provide this essential information upfront. As a result, we lost time, money, and the opportunity to pursue another property. Our experience reflects a serious lack of transparency and professionalism, and we would urge future buyers to be extremely cautious.

We recently made the difficult decision to withdraw from the purchase of a property marketed through Ashtons. This decision came after we commissioned a full building survey and an in-depth report into local planning, environmental, and development factors. The findings raised significant concerns, including a high risk of subsidence and flooding, as well as proximity to several large-scale developments. Shortly after I emailed to confirm our withdrawal, I received a call from a lady named Hannah. She was very understanding, professional, and empathetic - exactly what you would hope for in such a conversation. I appreciated her approach greatly. However, just a few minutes later, I received a call from James Hall - the agent who had initially dealt with us. I was surprised to be contacted again, having already explained the situation. Unfortunately, this call was markedly different. Rather than seeking to understand or even acknowledge our reasoning, James interrupted me abruptly and questioned the validity of the information we had obtained. He made dismissive remarks such as, “Well, that’s not been approved yet, has it?” and “I don’t see how that would affect you - it’s 10 minutes down the road,” when in fact the site in question is just a 2-minute drive or 8-minute walk away. More concerning still, James went on to suggest that if this kind of development concerned us, we should “take Harpenden off the table” altogether and look elsewhere - even suggesting we would struggle to buy anywhere because “they’re developing everywhere,” and that we would be better off living in the middle of a city where development wouldn’t be a concern. His tone was noticeably disbelieving, and he asked where I had obtained the information. Due to the level of doubt he expressed, I offered to send him the documentation we had received from the solicitor as evidence. He responded that he would “absolutely” like me to send it that evening. However, later in the conversation, I noticed a note on the documents stating that they were not to be shared with third parties, so I was unable to do so. I felt that the way in which he questioned me and our decision was inappropriate and unprofessional. His tone was antagonistic and confrontational, and the conversation felt more like an interrogation than a professional discussion. He appeared unwilling to listen, and instead focused on challenging my decision. As a first-time buyer trying to make an informed and responsible choice, I found this not only inappropriate but also extremely disheartening - particularly as we already felt bad about disappointing the sellers. This experience has left me with serious reservations about engaging with Ashtons in the future. I fully appreciate that the withdrawal from a purchase can be frustrating, but buyers deserve to be treated with respect, especially when they have conducted thorough due diligence and reached their decision in good faith. Further to our disappointment, we were concerned to find that our detailed email, sent over a week ago outlining the situation and our concerns has not received any acknowledgement from the Managing Director. We had expected at least a professional response, and the lack of courtesy in this instance has only reinforced our view of the standards we have experienced with Ashtons.

We recently made the difficult decision to withdraw from the purchase of a property marketed through Ashtons. This decision came after we commissioned a full building survey and an in-depth report into local planning, environmental, and …

My experience with Ashtons was far from positive, and unless significant changes are made, I won't be using their services again. …

We were shown around a rental property and put an offer in the next day. Then was told that we probably wouldn’t be suitable for the landlord due to length of time before we can move in and because we have a cat although they had our details. The most disappointing thing is that we were told we would get a call back in 5 minutes after putting our offer to the landlord but never had a call back and now the property has the let agreed. Good customer service should be to all who deal with the estate agents not just successful applicants. I’m response to your comments below. You did not inform us of preferences before hand and calling back Monday was not good enough as you said you would call back in 5 minutes on the Thursday. It would be more respected if just acknowledge when you have made a mistake rather than wording a reply to make it look good on this review page. Please don’t call us.

So, I am a Tennent at a property Ashtons are selling. I overheard the Viewing guide tell the buyer in not so many words that the neighbour will be happy when I move out. His reply was that it was the buyer who said this, even though you can hear the viewing guide saying it. I complained to the Branch Manager Joe Wilkes, this is the reply I received. " I am sorry for any distress caused but as my mother used to say, ‘sticks and stones may break our bones but words can never hurt me.’ I hope that you are able to get over this quickly." If Mr. Wilkes watched or even listened to the news, he should realise that name calling does more than break bones.

If I could give less than 1 I would. Awful service from the start to the end. Damaged product was received, took over a month to resolve. Dismal customer service, no empathy & more concerned with not having to cover the cost of a new screen themselves rather than the manufacturer rather than helping a customer. Endless list of errors: 1. Order processed for an item that wasn’t even in stock 2. Sent another sized screen & still failed to process the refund for difference in price 3. Screen sent was damaged 4. Weeks before someone even came to collect it and say there was a fault 5. Delays in receiving a replacement & had to wait for the first one to be collected before issuing a replacement (bizzare) 6. Software wouldn’t work for weeks, after multiple calls with incompetent technical team 7. Poor returns and customer service Avoid for your own sanity.

Most inaccurate company moto out there - ‘changing the perception of estate agency’ - you are the polar opposite, you are the epitome of why people don’t trust estate agents from my very own experience. Constant lies to try and pressure well - why not just allow for an honest transaction to take a place without spoiling it with lying ladies in the office (who are really poor liars too).... You are the very reason estate agency needs regulating.

I hope no one else has to live next door to a property managed by Ashton's. Total disregard for covid rules and noise. Utterly miserable year living next to disrespectful tenants and no support from Ashton's. Think carefully before picking your agent. No surprise that there's not a single Ashton's board in our village, people talk!