Dowen Surveyors & Estate Agents Reviews 45

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.

Jean was helpful indeed when came to change of tenant and boiler replacement. No issues at all would highly recommend.

haven't responded to any of my cash offers .

sent over 5 messages theses past few weeks and they dont respond to any of them. so if your selling a house you wont get my cash offer and if your intrested in buying they wont respond. bit pointless really

Waste of time, I explained my situation to them from the beginning, a cash purchaser from abroad I would not be able to view the property, after the deadline they informed me my offer had not been forwarded because I hadn't viewed the property.
Avoid.

We just bought a house with Dowen in Bishop Auckland. We ran in to some issues which were out of our controll but Lisa Ridehalgh from the Bishop Auckland office went above and beyond to make sure the sale was a smooth for us as possible. Thank you Lisa, we couldnt have done this without you.

Selling my mams property and all tge staff at Dowens in peterlee are amazing. Very friendly very efficient very professional and have made us feel very welcome every time I visit office or on the phone. Would highly recommend to anyone.

Very helpful team at Bishop Auckland. Especially Lisa who managed our sale. She kept us updated at every stage and really went the extra mile..... Thank you very much Robert S

Emailed the Bishop Auckland branch enquiring as to whether a property I was interested in had sold stc as it's been under offer for months and got no reply.
Went on to say I'm a cash buyer and am interested in a similar property, a week on still nothing but silence.
I can only assume they're so busy they don't need my business..........

Absolutely dreadful service! Rang this morning spoke to an absolute delight told her I’d like to view 2 properties in adjoining streets cash buyers told her the dates I was available to view giving times over several days to be told no can’t do them! If you’re selling you’re house with them in Roker I’d suggest taking your own viewings I’ve never known an estate agent work for them selves and not the sellers they are Charing a fortune for the pleasure!