We have recently purchased our new home from Benson Bunch. I found them responsive and pro active in all our dealings. Lynsey was very knowledgable and professional throughout. Having experienced a few estate agents recently, Benson Bunch was by far the best. I recommend them without reservation.... Read more
547 days ago
Edit: I have updated this review with more information and evidence after claims of inaccuracy from Benson bunch themselves, and an unsolicited message from the boyfriend of the owner.
Our experience with Benson bunch was disappointing to say the least. They showed us a property we loved and I made an offer within 30 minutes after the viewing as I didn't want it to get snapped up (I've also never heard of offers for rental properties). After making an offer we were told that we'd have to wait over the bank holiday weekend for the landlord's response as they were just about to close, not a problem.
Tuesday comes and I received contact from Benson bunch that morning that our offer has been accepted by the landlord, with a request for a holding deposit, excellent! ...Then at 1pm we received an email:
"I have just received a message from the Landlord who has unfortunately had another offer accepted. I do apologise as I wasn’t aware that someone else had put an offer in! He did say if anything was to fail he would be more than happy to come back to you. I am really sorry about this. If anything does change I will come straight back to you."
In Benson bunch's prior email however it explicitly stated: "I am sure (my partner's name) has informed you by now that the landlord has accepted your offer." No offer was accepted from us and an agreement was in place with this other tenant
As in Benson Bunch's response we would be told that we would hear if anything changed. I called several times that day with no update and then at 5.30pm received the following: " I haven’t heard back from the landlord yet so I will be in touch tomorrow. Hopefully he will think about it overnight. I have let him know that you are available to move in ASAP" (we had already previously stated that we could move in ASAP, I had heard that the landlord was still undertaking refurbishment of the property and specified a preference of any time before 17th September)
We did not hear back from Benson bunch again.
Shortly after, we learned from another lettings agent, not Benson bunch, that the property was available and that the tenant would not be moving in. Benson Bunch did not follow up with this information or contact us whatsoever! I was just lucky my partner was on the ball and in contact with several agents, otherwise we'd have never known! We have now moved into the property via another agent.
The only thing I can commend Benson bunch on is the friendliness of the staff member that facilitated our viewing. They unfortunately however didn't have all the facts as we were also misled about what was included in the property, specifically the inclusion of a hoover and washer-dryer (turned out to be just a washing machine).... Read more
1278 days ago