Watsons Property Group Limited Avis 

I contacted Watsons on 21st September, as the managing agents for my leasehold flat, which is currently sold subject to contract (STC). My request was straightforward: I simply wanted confirmation that there had been no changes to the LPE1 management pack since it was issued earlier this year, as I now have a new buyer.

Having received no response, I sent a chaser email on 23rd September. I eventually received a reply on 28th September advising that they would get back to me as soon as possible. By 6th October, I was still waiting for an answer, so I had to chase them yet again, reiterating that all I needed was confirmation of whether anything had changed in the information previously supplied. Hardly a complicated request.

Finally, on 7th October, their legal team responded to confirm that the financial information provided would remain the same. So, after more than two weeks of waiting and multiple emails, I finally received an answer to what should have been a very simple question.

This level of service is completely unacceptable. There is absolutely no reason why a straightforward query like this should take over two weeks to resolve, particularly when the response was simply confirming that the information remained unchanged. Leaseholders should not have to repeatedly chase their managing agents just to receive a basic response.

Unfortunately, this is far from an isolated incident. I have lost count of the number of times I have experienced Watsons’ poor communication and failure to respond to leaseholders in a timely and professional manner. The repeated lack of communication leaves you feeling completely ignored, as though leaseholders are an inconvenience rather than people they have a responsibility to assist.

Watsons’ communication is appalling, their service is deeply unprofessional, and their apparent disregard for leaseholders is unacceptable. Based on my repeated experiences, I would strongly advise anyone who has a choice to avoid this company.

We are a block of 41 flats that have had enough of Watsons and their unprofessional ways. We decided to go Right to Manage which I would recommend. But they will not let us go without a fight. Just steer clear of them and if you have the opportunity then do so. Move on and sort Right to Manage and interview your agents rather than being presented with your Freeholders choice.

Second time using Watsons, both times on properties around 120 years old. Provided a thorough evaluation in the level 3 survey in line with what we asked them to focus on and it was delivered in 4 working days.

The wider support provided by Watsons was excellent, Dave Watson (I assume no relation) on the Customer Service team resolved all my questions and issues efficiently and politely.

There was no hard sell with Watsons which is always a good sign, other companies continually called. Amber Livesley dealt with arranging the survey for me and kept me informed well of what was going to happen and let me know as soon as the survey had been completed. A very thorough RICS Level 2 survey was completed by Ross Hood, the lady selling the house to me mentioned how thorough she had seen he was at the time of doing it. I am very satisfied and would highly recommend this company!!

Overall my experience was good. The level 2 report was very detailed and professionally written. However, when I chose to go with Watsons, I was impressed with recent reviews saying that the surveyor on the day calls to give a brief overview of the visit, and the report in most cases was uploaded promptly, within two to three days. Unfortunately, I received no phone call, only the automated email telling me that the survey had been completed. Also, I waited nine days before the report was uploaded, but only after I chased them up with an email. I booked through a comparison site, so maybe this could be why my experience was different.

Watson's came to our property to do a 'expert report' with regards to a ASB problem with regards to the football field next door knowing there was a conflict of interest but failed to declare it. They cannot 'legally' complete the report but will not refund all of the money. It's basically theft!

We own a property within a building in Norwich managed by Watsons, they are awful! My mother lives in another property also managed by them and finds them equally terrible. We had a man from Watsons assigned to our building who was mostly unresponsive, when he did respond he was so aggressive that he was scary. We now have a woman who doesn’t respond to phone calls or emails (I’ve emailed and called the company five times in the last two weeks). We’ve asked for building repairs to be made, which have been promised for more than a year, but nothing happens. The building lights are broken, a corridor door too. Every time we call they say that the repair will be made “next week” and then nothing happens. Meanwhile their fees have gone up dramatically without explanation. We asked to see a breakdown of expenses without success.

Very poor communication and customer service.

I received a letter alleging that I had outstanding service charge arrears, with a late administration fee added on top, despite this being the first communication I had received asking me to pay anything. No previous demand, reminder or payment request had reached me.

I contacted the company in writing to ask for clarification and evidence of the alleged arrears, including when the original demand was issued and how it was supposedly served. I received no response. I then sent a further chaser two weeks later — again, no response.

Instead of responding to my correspondence, I have now received another letter adding a £125 late-payment/administration charge.

I find it extremely concerning that my written requests for clarification have been ignored, while charges continue to be added to the account. I am simply asking for evidence of the original demand, details of how it was served, and a breakdown of the charges being claimed.

Not only this, but the building is in a very shabby state and I see no evidence of any maintenance

I had a brilliant experience with Watsons. Right from my first enquiry, they replied straight away and managed to book the survey appointment really quickly. Everything was confirmed and went ahead exactly as planned without any fuss.
I was also genuinely surprised by how fast they managed to turn around the final report. The whole process was completely hassle-free, and I found the surveyor to be incredibly professional and efficient from start to finish. I can't recommend them enough and would definitely use them again!

Very impressed with the patience and professionalism of Mr Ray Smith at the firm! He took the time to read and review multiple drafts of a complex and esoteric instruction. Due to how busy he is and my current situation, we decided not to go ahead with instruction, and Ray authorised a refund, minus admin costs straight away. Very straightforward, upfront, decent and honest interaction. Would recommend Mr Smith to anyone with a complex and/or esoteric valuation instruction!

Overall great service!
Easy to schedule, great communication, speedy service and turn around, very thorough!

The survey was booked fairly quickly, exactly within the timeline I needed. IT was also very thorough and cost effective. I would highly recommend their services!

Extremely helpful and responsive to any queries. Report was turned around super quickly!

Quick appointments
Quick turn around of report.
Value for money

My son had a recent survey by Watson, and after reviewing his report, I had no reservations about using them myself.
The booking was easy online, with the only issue I made a second request once a property price was agreed (the first request was for an idea of the price of the survey) this confused some of the email communications. However, the survey was booked and went ahead on the day agreed. The report took a couple of working days to come through and was very thorough, and allowed us to make the final decision on buying at the agreed price, and also provided good information to forward onto our solicitors as questions for the sellers, e.g. certificates for building and electrical work etc carried out on the property.

Very efficient and straight forward. The turnaround of the report was good and the surveyor took the time to go through every detail, he was very nice.

Shocking that someone can apply to look at a rental and then no acknowledgement or contact to be then told they have been forgotten off the viewings list and the list is full, when the application form went in straught away. Selective viewings or poor management, such a shame as Watsons sold my mums property and were good and ive recommended them in the past for selling and renting. Won't refer again.

Excellent service from Watsons. Booking the survey was quick and straightforward, and the Level 2 Homebuyer Survey report was detailed, thorough and easy to understand, covering all the areas we needed.

Peter, our surveyor, also took the time to call us personally and talk us through the report, which was really appreciated. We commissioned the survey to give us peace of mind when buying our home, and Watsons did exactly that. Highly recommended!

Watsons provided a great survey, got my survey results back within 24 hours. They have provided great customer service with me following up questions. Couldn’t recommend them enough

Had a level 3 home buyers survey done. Peter was amazing, really really helpful and supportive. Would definitely recommend.