Darlows - Estate Agents Pontypridd Avis 

Short version:

After experiencing several disappointing and unproductive months with another well-known estate agent in Pontypridd, I moved my property to Darlows Pontypridd. Within just one week, they had generated multiple genuinely interested buyers. Their professionalism, dedication, and quality of service were exceptional. My sincere thanks to Gayle, Jackie, and the entire Darlows Pontypridd team.

Detailed version

Before explaining my experience with Darlows Pontypridd, it is important to outline the challenges I faced with a previous estate agent, to highlight just how exceptional Darlows truly are.
Last year, I made the mistake of appointing a well-known estate agent in Pontypridd to sell my home, believing their “auction” route would speed up the sale. Unfortunately, this decision resulted in months of avoidable stress, due to repeated errors and what appeared to be a lack of care.

The photographs they uploaded of my property were extremely poor in quality—several looked as though they had been taken on a mobile phone, and some were not even photographs of my property at all. The written description also contained numerous basic inaccuracies. I eventually had to insist that someone revisit the house, and at one point even asked the branch manager whether they were intentionally trying not to sell it. I was repeatedly made to feel that my property had little value and was strongly encouraged to make drastic price reductions, which raised questions about their motives and whether particular investors might have been positioned to benefit.

After several months of frustration and no progress, I approached Darlows Pontypridd—and the contrast could not have been more striking. When I first contacted them, Gayle, the branch manager, visited the property in person and immediately reassured me that it had substantial potential. Within just one week of listing with Darlows, I had several interested buyers.
Darlows genuinely work to sell your property. In comparison, my experience with the previous agent left me feeling as though they focused on winning instructions and then expected the property to sell itself without meaningful effort. Darlows Pontypridd demonstrate the opposite: they are proactive, diligent, and fully committed throughout the process.

From the moment I met Gayle, it was clear why the office operates so efficiently. The entire team functions with the precision of a well-orchestrated operation. Gayle’s knowledge of the Pontypridd market is extraordinary; during one conversation, she recalled in detail both the interiors and sold prices of properties previously owned by my sister and my parents—information she remembered without hesitation. When I asked how she recalled these details, she replied, “I never forget a property.” That level of dedication is rare and speaks volumes about her professionalism.

Immediately after our initial meeting, Gayle arranged for new photographs to be taken—and the difference compared to the previous agent’s images was remarkable. Anyone comparing listings on Rightmove can see for themselves: Darlows take pride in presenting each property to the highest standard.

After my property was sold subject to contract, I was then supported by the excellent Jackie, the Move Manager, who guided the transaction with exceptional professionalism. She provided more regular and helpful updates than my solicitor, ensuring that I was always aware of the progress and next steps. Her communication was consistent, reassuring, and invaluable—especially for anyone who may feel anxious during the conveyancing process.

I cannot recommend Darlows Pontypridd highly enough. My sincere thanks to Gayle, Jackie, and the entire team for their outstanding service, professionalism, and commitment.

Gayle Chapman darlows Pontypridd also dealt with Matthew Barret spicer heart Anne Boylan also spicer i honestly wouldn't give them any stars but to give a review at the start of instructing them Gayle asked for a review
Glad I didn't they never answer the phones don't pass on buyers when they have requested to view I lost thousands waiting for these criminals to do their job I was paying them for avoid at all cost they are the worst agents and all sit under the spicer heart umbrella mistakes on the property details blaming head office for buyers not being booked in they need striking off from trading standards and the TPO

I contacted Darlows pontypridd re a property advertised by them as For Sale.
It isn't on their website, rightmove or any others that I could find online, so I used the Chat facility on their Web page.
Apparently, despite all the other properties that are advertised with them on open public pages they were unable to provide any details at all due to GDPR rules 🤣🤣🤣
Best advice to any potential sellers will be to use a different estate agent.
(Note, the person I 'spoke to' was helpful, polite etc. This comment is not a reflection on them)

Obviously, I am in the minority category here with my 1* review, but I would like to share my experience with some of the staff based in the Pontypridd branch and Darlows/Spicerhaart as a whole. Although lengthy, please take the time to read it.

If my negative experience helps just one person, my time is not wasted.

All started very well when I marketed my property with Darlows, the valuation etc was carried out by Diane Rumble. Shortly after this, I was asked to submit a review, naturally, I gave a 5* review, as up to this point all was in order.

Diane was very personable putting me at ease, having never sold a property before, it can be a little daunting. Most of the information I needed was provided with exception of their fees. Subsequently, I emailed the branch for this information and was told 1.25% there was no mention that vat was to be added.
I proceeded on this basis.

When Diane attended on the second occasion to take photographs, at my request, she brought literature with her as I had mislaid what had been previously sent to me.

I needed to show evidence of my identity by way of a driving licence, household bills etc. This was duly noted on the paperwork which Diane had brought. I was then asked to confirm these documents with my signature.

Whilst this was partially true, what I was actually signing was the contract/agreement. I duly signed where indicated in the belief that I was confirming the validity of the documents because, that is what I was told!

I fully accept this was my mistake but Diane had gained my trust and I believed what she told me. Had she told me I was signing a contract, I would have taken time to read it throughly. It was all about the wording she had used that caused my confusion.

I cannot categorically say she misled me, however, she was not clear.

Having signed this contract/agreement, what followed next was out of my control and the actual crux of the matter in relation to this review.

I only had 1 viewing of my property which I left in the hands of Gayle Chapman, and upon my return approximately 20 minutes later, the viewing had concluded.

There were 3 males present, 2 of which walked back to their vehicle. The remaining male was stood in my front garden whilst Gayle was stood at the gate entrance. He didn’t appear to be in any particular rush to leave, consequently, I offered my thanks to Gayle and closed my front door in the hope he would leave.

I was in the process of removing my outside footwear when I heard a loud rattling sound. I was outside within seconds to find the male violently shaking my drainpipe. He told me it was broke and could get it fixed for me, I found this very strange.

Unfortunately, due to child care commitments I had to rush off, however, I emailed Gayle approximately 30 minutes later to complain that she had watched this happen.

Long story short, this individual alleged that he was trying to fix my pipe which was damaged.

Not only do I dispute this allegation as I had not experienced any visible leakage of water from this pipe, even if what he says was true, he had absolutely no authority to attempt any repairs without my consent. Furthermore, the viewing agent made no attempt to stop him!

The cost of this repair was £40 which I requested was reimbursed by Darlows.

After many weeks of emailing Senior Staff at Spicerhaart, and issuing a small claims in Court, this is my warning.

Contained in the small print of their agreement is a clause which states that - Darlows are not liable for the actions of any persons they bring to your property! Therefore, if anything is broken or damaged they are absolved of any and all responsibility!

Furthermore, expect them to close ranks and in my case, “prepare to go on record” that they told you something they definitely did not.

For example, had I been told the true costs of their fees in my home why on earth would I need to email for this information as explained earlier.

In addition, although the viewing agent was stood a few feet away, she denies hearing the conversation between myself and the male, who I allege, either caused or made a minor fault far worse.

I could have evidenced everything I have stated in this review as all emails were retained. Unfortunately, Courts deal in facts, and the fact of the matter is, I signed this agreement all be it, that was my bad judgement.

It must be remembered, estate agents are salespeople at the end of the day, they can appear to be friendly, trustworthy, and have your best interests at heart…

Sorry not in my case, they caused me stress, upset, and left me with a financial loss.

What I cannot tolerate is lies, I know they lied and they know they lied!

Ongoing case with the Property Ombudsman so 🤞I can get some redress.