Rendells Estate Agents Avis 

We hired Clive at Rendell's (Newton Abbot) to do a valuation on a property for us and we were extremely disappointed with the service provided. The valuation significantly undervalued my property both in its current condition and after the proposed refurbishment, yet when I asked for the evidence and methodology behind the figures, I was repeatedly told there were 'no comparable evidence' and he refused to explain how he got the figure, most likely because he plucked one out of thin air.

I supplied detailed refurbishment plans, but the report only relied on two bedroom comparable in it's current condition when my property is a 3 bed and tried telling me he doesn't like the layout of it as a 3 bed so he would call it a 2 bed. It is simply described as a 3 bed on the title deeds but he just ignores that. When I asked how the figures had been reached, I was told to provide evidence it was wrong, rather then explaining to me how he reached the figure, which we are entitled to.

Communication was less than poor. On more than one occasion he would hang up the phone on me to avoid me asking the questions he knows he hasn't got the answers to which he should have if he reached a figure.

Most concerning of all, my lender who instructed the valuer to do the report, questioned the quality of the report and advised me to find a different valuer. He described the report 'as worst they have ever seen', 'no explanation of how he got his figures' 'massively undervalued' and 'a load of nonsense'. They told me they couldn't even rely on that report as it was not fit for purpose. We also got a second opinion from another qualified valuer of over 30 years and he valued the property nearly 33% more than what Clive valued it at.

Based on this experience, I would advise anyone to avoid Clive at Rendells as the service he provided was simply unacceptable. He is rude, arrogant and very unprofessional. I expected a professional, evidence based valuation and a willingness to explain the reasoning behind it when reasonable questions were asked. You would be wasting your time and money to hire Clive.

I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience with the Newton Abbot office was extremely disappointing.

I first enquired about a rental property in early May and was told that viewings and next steps would be arranged. Over the following five weeks I provided documentation, followed up repeatedly by email, made phone calls, and even visited the office in person while travelling down from Oxfordshire.

Throughout the process I was repeatedly told that the landlord would be contacted and that I would be updated once further instructions had been received. However, those updates never came. Despite multiple follow-ups, communication became increasingly poor and I was left chasing for basic information.

The most frustrating part was the lack of responsiveness. As a prospective tenant, I needed to make decisions regarding my existing tenancy and repeatedly explained that timing was important. Instead, I was left in limbo for over a month without a clear answer.

I understand that landlords make the final decision, and I would have respected a simple "yes" or "no". What I cannot understand is the lack of communication and professionalism shown throughout the process.

Based on my experience, I would not recommend dealing with Rendells if you expect timely updates and clear communication. I have been in touch with 4 other agencies in Devon and they are all wonderful compared to this one, courteous, they respond to queries right away (even just to tell you that they have received your information) and genuinely try to be helpful and customer minded.