Fox And-sons Reviews 

Fox & Sons Property Management6 Poole HillBournemouth

Dear Andrew,

I’ve had to find an alternative way to contact you, as my previous communication channel was closed. This is not conducive to properly raising ongoing concerns about the day-to-day condition and management of the block.

During a recent visit, I observed a growing number of empty flats. The building is beginning to resemble a vacant commercial property, which raises obvious concerns about security and potential misuse. A simple, low-cost measure—such as installing net curtains in empty units—could help deter unwanted attention and reduce the appearance of vacancy.

More concerning is the apparent ease with which individuals are gaining access through the main security door. There are signs that the locking mechanisms may be being bypassed or interfered with. Residents should be formally alerted to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.

There are also indications that individuals may be attempting to assess occupancy of flats by inappropriate means. This raises serious concerns regarding privacy, security, and potential criminal activity, including unauthorised access to networks or utilities. This must be treated as a matter of urgency.

In addition, I believe it is now appropriate to carry out a full audit of the garage allocations and associated title deeds. It appears some individuals may be in possession of multiple garages, despite previous clarification that these are not demised under lease or freehold terms. This situation should be reviewed and regularised to ensure fair access for all qualifying residents.

Overall, while there are some positive aspects, the issues outlined above require immediate attention and a more proactive management approach.

I look forward to your response and to seeing appropriate action taken.

Regards,5CC

I had 8 different local estate agents come to value my house. All except Fox & Sons valued it by comparing it with properties that bore little resemblance to mine. The Fox & Sons valuer actually looked at the property properly and valued it accordingly. It sold within 5 days of going on the market for £16,000 more than the others had valued it. We have just completed.

In addition, the staff at Fox & Sons Bitterne have been unfailingly helpful, keeping me informed of progress on a weekly basis. I cannot fault their service. My grateful thanks to all concerned, especially Jay, Tom and Laura.

I am a landlord and Duncan, who was extremely efficient, polite and always there to answer any queries (as well as Romana ) dealt with the tenant find. I would fully recommend anyone to use their service, I certainly will if required again.

Edited a day ago
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WARNING: DANGEROUS NEGLIGENCE – AVOID FOX & SONS AND THE ENTIRE CONNELLS GROUP!

Rating: 1-STAR (Zero if it were an option)

Do not trust Fox & Sons (Bitterne) or any agent under the Connells Group umbrella. This isn't just a "bad experience" it is a case of gross negligence, security failures, and a total lack of professional integrity from the branch staff all the way to Head Office. My year-long nightmare proved that this company has zero regard for your home’s safety.

1. COMPLETE SECURITY BREACH:
Agent Lillie Hansford showed a level of incompetence that is genuinely dangerous. After a viewing, she left my front door wide open and simply walked away. My home was left completely unsecured, vulnerable to theft, squatters, and the elements for over six hours. It took a neighbor to raise the alarm not the agency. They effectively invited the public into my home and abandoned their post.

2. HOSTILE AND TOXIC STAFF:
When I went to retrieve my keys, I wasn't met with an apology; I was met with an aggressive, heated confrontation from Lillie Hansford, Chris Stockill, and Laura Harrison. Their behavior was unprofessional, dismissive, and utterly toxic. They showed absolutely no remorse for leaving my property wide open and vulnerable.

3. COWARDLY MANAGEMENT:
Branch Manager Chris Nicholls and Area Manager Stuart Mansell are total cowards. They refused to even get on the phone or meet with me, hiding behind "busy schedules" to avoid answering for the massive safety failure their team caused. They are clearly incapable of managing a team or a crisis.

4. CORRUPTION AT HEAD OFFICE:
The rot goes all the way to the top of the Connells Group. Dyane Lawless at Head Office had the audacity to baselessly accuse me of "trashing" the premises, a blatant, desperate lie to cover their tracks. When I asked why the police weren't called if that were true, she had no answer. She offered a pathetic, insulting £100 "hush money" payment which I rightfully rejected. She was a complete waste of breath.

5. PROVEN GUILTY BY THE OMBUDSMAN:
It took over a year of fighting, but the Property Ombudsman officially ruled AGAINST them and awarded me a significantly higher amount. This is a matter of record: they are officially recognised as being in the wrong and failing their duty of care.

6. GREEDY DATA TACTICS:
Even after losing, their "dopey" DPA team is refusing my legal "right to be forgotten," desperately clinging to my data for six years just in case they can squeeze a commission out of me. It is pathetic, greedy, and shows they care more about a few pounds than the law or customer rights. This I will be taking up with the ICO!

STAY AWAY. Do not let Lillie Hansford near your property. Do not take mortgage advice (or any advice) from Chris Stockill. This company will fail you, insult you, and leave your home at risk. Whether it's Fox & Sons or any other Connells Group brand, they are a shambolic outfit that does not deserve your business. Go to any independent agent in Southampton—anyone would be better than these people.

Absolutely appalling and disgraceful service from Fox & Sons Lettings. Morgan Wilde (Crawley branch) and Olivia Rennie (Haywards Heath branch) completely failed in their duties while I was paying full management fee. They left my property vacant for over five months on purpose, ignoring at least two eligible tenants who submitted enquiries - both never received any response. On top of that, they kept presenting me with tenants who were completely unsuitable for the flat, people without jobs. This shows a shocking disregard for my property and finances. I had to constantly chase them to carry out even basic management duties, and their excuses were pathetic. Their negligence, unprofessionalism, and complete lack of accountability cost me thousands in lost rent. I had to constantly chase them to do even the most basic management tasks, and their excuses were pathetic. When I went to another agent, my flat was rented in less than 48 hours - proof of their incompetence and negligence. I strongly advise anyone not to deal with Fox & Sons letting department, especially Morgan Wilde at Crawley and Olivia Rennie at Haywards Heath. They’re disgusting, dishonest, and their behaviour utterly unacceptable. I am taking this further and I will not rest until I get a proper explanation and resolution. Shame on you Morgan Wilde and know that your dishonesty and dirty play will cost you in life.

Worse estate agent ever in Worthing, do not use!!
They came to my disabled mother's house and promised us they had buyers.
They did not a single viewing and reduced the price and still did not a single viewing.
We went into office and were treated badly by the manager who claimed they’ve been doing social media for the house (which isn’t true) and that I don’t know how to use social media, and I must be confused.
They have taken our advert down and have refused to allow us to sell with an agent who is able to actually sell the house!! If you sign a contract with them, their small print states that you are stuck in that contract for 20 weeks even if they don’t find anyone to view your house.
Please avoid at all costs!

Stupidly agreed to a free valuation with no pressure however after deciding we wouldn’t be selling for a while and telling them that, I’ve had call after call from both the Crawley office and another local office. I emailed them to ask that my details be removed from their systems which was acknowledged however the calls continued.
I answered one of the calls and again explained I’m not moving and to remove me from their list. They apologised and said they would update their records…..still calls! I got a call yesterday again asking if I wanted an updated valuation. I declined. Yet I’ve been called again today. I will be blocking them if I get called again as it’s bordering harassment now.
It’s actually off putting and now, even if I did decide to put my house on the market, it wouldn’t be with fox and sons.

Initial contact with the company seemed ok receiving emails and texts for the upcoming valuation. However the RE agent seemed inexperienced totally disinterested, didn't seem to have much idea about valuing a property other than going on line to look at other properties in the area - something I'd already done. Worst of all she never followed through with providing the valuation information as part of the follow up. I would definitely not use Fox & sons to sell my property given this experience.

Despite asking them not to call, and recieving an email confirming my number etc will be removed from their system, EASTBOURNE still make nuisance calls. They really are dumb.

I sent a deposit for a property to secure it however the landlord went with someone else. That’s fine, it happens. I Was told I would have a refund in full of my deposit £415.

Still waiting and no refund. Very poor customer service sold us a dream to begin with and were nice but very very dishonest. One moment it’s 3 working days. Then 7…. Then it’s I can’t see it on your file. EOD today was “9 working days” since being told the landlord decided to keep the property and 7 working days since “processing” and still no refund hence my review today. Ridiculous.

Everyone at the Hove office was an absolute treasure with me. I am a first time buyer and came in with so many requests, questions, worries and everyone was so keen to help!

A special shoutout to their mortgage advisor Rebecca, she went above and beyond listening to my never-ending questions, reassuring me throughout the process, working out with me the best options for insurance etc, and of course ensuring I'd get the best mortgage offer.

I cannot recommend them enough and would encourage first time buyers like me to put their trust in Fox and Sons, Hove.

A million thanks!

Nicoletta

I had a amazing support from scarlett, specially in renting a 4bedroom house and guidance through the whole process which really made it easy.

Fox and sons are shocking. You do get bamboozled into a long contract, and i agree they are very rude and the pictures are rubbish. I took my house of the market with them while still in contract. It was sour grapes beacause we had s viewing and once i removed our house got rudely told there is no way the lady would have brought ur house. Crewkerne branch very rude. Was even told would i pay 45,000 pounds more for a 3 bed semi than ours which is a 4 bed detached with a garage. Absolutly shocking wouldnt recommend them at all. They just want u to keep lowering the price.

THE WORST ESTATE AGENTS EVER!
I wish I had read reviews first, these people are criminals. They bamboozled us into a long contract and have done nothing to sell our house. The communication is ridiculous, the photos are rubbish, they are rude and have made us so so so stressed. DO NOT USE THEM.

We asked Ellie from Poole Fox and Sons for help remortgaging and she guided us through the whole thing. If we had any questions she would reply very quickly with a simpler version of what we were asking. Can't fault her or the company. Thankyou . And I do still think about the magic paper :D

Never touch these people with a barge pole! I’ve never in my life had such a bad experience with an estate agent and that’s saying something! Major pressure tactics to get you to spend more, refusal to return deposit, which thankfully they are so dodgy that tgey do not have a bank account and you need to pay by card! Always remember you can do a charge bsck bua your bank and you get your money back! The excuses I heard to hold onto your money! I think this may be hiw these guys get paid! Anyway rubbish service, rubbish people and steer well clear of these cowboys! Sequence homes are part of this group so steer clear of them as well.

Team members are keen and motivated to help find lodgers. The process was quick and efficient

I have put one star as there’s no option for no stars.. appalling service, put two properties on the market with them, Goring office and Worthing, both offices are incompetent, no one ever calls back, wish I hadn’t put my property on the market with them, if we had no interest for a week or so, they would say drop the price, after they’d valued the property at that price. Management are useless, told lies to get themselves out of the s**t, would NOT recommend whatsoever. Stay clear of there shoddy workmanship!

Excellent service from Scarlett and David at Fox and Sons, Eastbourne. Both very friendly and efficient on the telephone and in person for property viewings. No delays or need to chase up for anything as they were so efficient unlike the opposite experience recrived with a number of other estate agents in Eastbourne regarding lettings. Wishing them both much success in their careers.

I've recently started looking for a property to buy. Being neurodivergent, I have requested all correspondence be via email from all letting agents, so i can orgabise and manage a very overwhelming process. Unfortunately, Fox and Sons (brighton) seemed to have an issue with this and even so I repeatedly requested email correspondence, I was told that 'phone calls would be easier for both of us'.
As a result of this i decided to not view a property listed with them and wont be using them moving forward.
I feel like their ability to find my perfect home would be lacking if they cannot meet simple communication requests. I did feed this back to Louis and suggested that they review their policies to better support clients with extra support needs.