Dowen Surveyors & Estate Agents Reviews 

AVOID, AVOID, AVOID, better still, run... I wish I had. I gave a local DOWEN's office another chance after a former bad experience some years ago... This time they immediately got my name wrong, but (fool that I am), I kindly said Don't Worry, let's try this remarket - however 6 days after signing a Contract and doing absolutely everything I was asked, DOWEN suddenly dumped me, cancelled the arrangement, left me distressed, with the loss of an onward purchase yet again. What did I do? I asked for the ID of someone who had offered. This is NORMAL. But No, apparently I was expecting far too much and I was violently thrown away. I was obviously worthless as a customer. Please, please, don't go near this vile company. They make bad judgments, stupid errors and then run away. Let my story warn you. Protect yourself, use someone else not DOWEN. I don't like writing reviews like this, but sadly it is needed. Date of review October 2026, North East UK.

From first entering Dowens Sunderland I knew I chosen the right Estate agent.Their first greeting was so warm and friendly.
Dawn and the team couldn’t have been more helpful.
Almost daily Dawn and I spoke to each other on the progress of my house sale which seemed a hard slog with solicitors at times but the team kept me going.
Even after the sale and I moved on Dawn rang to ask how I was doing in the new property.Never had that concern with other estate agents I have used previously.
Dowens have got to be the best in the area also I would say the cheapest.Thank you again for all help, I know people will say they where only doing their job but they went beyond what their job entailed.

Big thank you to jean and Bev who helped me get organised with a house im so grateful I would give more stars if I could very fast process very happy. Thank you so much.

Brilliant Estate Agency Very Helpfull!!

Jean And Bev who dealt with myself and partner were apsalutally brilliant helping us all the way through to the day we were handed the keys for our property.

We would highly recommend both for anything replayed to property finding.
Thank You Katelyn & Callum

Heike and Sophie made the process of finding a new tenant very straightforward. They kept me updated at every stage and were always happy to help with any queries. Their communication and support throughout the process were excellent, and I would highly recommend Dowen Surveyors & Estate Agents in Sunderland.

Dawn and the staff have been amazing!! Dawn was always on hand to help and explain things so I could understand the process.
I cant thank Dawn enough for making my experience of buying my house so easy and simple.
Lovely staff and would highly recommend using Dowen in the future.

Brilliant Estate Agency Very Helpful Staff Especially Michael Who We Would Recommend For Anything Related To Property ! Mr & Mrs Richardson

I was very disappointed with Down estate agents, I booked a viewing for 1400hrs on the 17th June, at park road Hartlepool, and confirmed it with the agency, we waited for over 30 minutes for an agent to turn up, but no one did,
I called their office and the lady said she's stuck in traffic she will be there shortly, we waited for a further 20 minutes, but no one turned up, I called the office again but this time no one answered, so I left a message, stating that if no one turns up in 5 minutes, we won't be bothering with the viewing, no one turned up, this company is so so so unprofessional, and I would not recommend anyone to do business with them, if they can't be bothered to turn up for a viewing of a property, then it says it all,

Dowens (Sunderland)

Bought a property from Dowens Sunderland branch 7 year ago which I’m returning to sell it back through

Always have a great experience with the staff there, great set of people

I've used Dowen to let out my property for the past 3 years and they've been fantastic. Caroline (Durham City) is always on the ball to offer advice, answer questions and provide professional insight. The process of renting out the property was seamless from beginning to end and I'll be using them as my number one estate agent choice for any house sales in the future. 5 stars much deserved to a friendly and very capable team in the Durham office :)

To landlords considering management services — please read:

I hadn’t initially planned to leave a review as my properties are still under management with this company, however I feel it’s important to share my experience for other landlords.

Unfortunately, my experience has been very disappointing and has raised serious concerns around both competence and compliance.

There have been multiple issues across my properties, including:
• Tenancy agreements issued with incorrect company details, and in another case no company listed at all
• A failed EICR not being resolved within the required timeframe, despite clear instruction to prioritise this
• Ongoing poor communication, where updates have to be chased and are often not followed up

These are not minor administrative errors — they have potential implications for legal enforcement, insurance validity, and regulatory compliance, all of which ultimately fall back on the landlord.

A major concern is that tenancy agreements are being executed without landlord sign-off. I was not provided with the amended agreement following a recent tenancy change and had to request it myself after rent was not paid. Upon review, I found the agreement had been issued under the wrong company entirely.

When challenged, I was informed they source details from Companies House and, because my name was linked to a company, they used that entity without verification or consultation. This is unacceptable. The company listed does not own the property and is no longer in use, which could now have serious implications for both legal proceedings and insurance cover.

To make matters worse, on another tenancy no company has been listed at all, which directly contradicts their explanation and highlights a clear lack of consistency and due diligence.

The handling of compliance has also been concerning. A failed EICR has not been resolved within the required timeframe, despite repeated instructions and follow-ups. Each time I chase, I am told it will be looked into, with little to no meaningful update. I have ultimately had to contact contractors myself to establish what is happening. This is reactive rather than proactive management — and it appears to be a recurring theme.

Additionally, if you choose to use your own contractors, be aware that they will not manage the process. You are left coordinating both tenant and tradesperson yourself, while still paying full management fees.

I have now reached the point where this arrangement no longer works for me or my tenants and have decided to move my portfolio elsewhere. I work with other managing agents across the UK who operate to a far higher standard, so I am fully aware of how this service should be delivered.

Despite the issues outlined above, I am still being held to significant exit fees per property, effectively trapping me in an agreement while not receiving the level of service required — particularly as a remote landlord.

Overall, I have been left feeling exposed and unsupported due to poor practices, lack of accountability, and inadequate management of key responsibilities.

I would strongly advise any landlord to carry out thorough due diligence and ensure they are fully confident in how compliance, documentation, and communication are handled before proceeding.

"I had a fantastic experience with Dowen Estate Agents during the sale of my house. From the initial valuation to completion, the team was incredibly professional and kept me updated every step of the way. They made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and straightforward. Their local market knowledge is top-notch, and they managed to secure a great result for me. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and friendly agency!"

Would give a zero if possible. Unprofessional from the start.
Fobbing off any bid I tried to put forward does not serve the interests of the buyer or the vendor and it doesn’t take columbo to work out why.
Stuck in the dark ages along with their 1988 style web page.

Chloe from the Hartlepool branch has went above and beyond her role! She has helped push the sale on and practically done the solicitors job for them. She has been amazing with constant communication and updates. I could always rely on her and she’s been so helpful throughout the whole process, communicating to our sellers and us daily. We are very near completion and we would not be in the position without her. In the future we will use Dowens for our own sales- she is a credit to the branch. Thank you!

I will recommend Dowen lettings to anyone, any day, and any time. The staff are courteous. Heike and Sophie are exceptional and are very professional, they pick calls and return calls as and when due. Well done. You have my 5 stars already.

What a breath of fresh air Emilee from Peterlee branch is. After being let down by a previous firm she came out the next day, gave honest advice, reassurance that what we needed from the sale was achievable and she would move fast to help.

Her offer of support and assistance was so appreciated as first time sellers. We cannot thank her enough for the positive and honest attitude.

First class service from start to finish. Izzy and Ashleigh could not have been more helpful.

Very helpfull from the beginning isobel made everything nice n easy to move in and there always quick to fix a problem if u have any

rude and abusive

First class service from start to finish. Lisa and the team could not have been more helpful.