Toddy, FL and Andrews are chains which are very commission driven and tend to have a high turnover with staff. Courtenay however, is an independent office and has been based on Lavender Hill for many years now. It is a husband and wife team who are very knowledgeable, professional and reliable and having experienced them personally do recommend them highly.
I would would also suggest Palace Gate. I have recently put some feedback on them onto NV.
"Normally we post to advise of negative experiences with our local agents! However, on this occasion I am writing to share my experiences with Palace Gate in Northcote Road.
I let my flat a few years ago through word of mouth and when the Tenants gave notice I approached a letting agent who worked for a property developer I knew. He secured an offer very quickly. However, it fell through at the last minute leaving me with a void and very desperate. I then approached Palace Gate, a letting agent with whom I was very familiar with, having worked indirectly with them since the 1990s. I had approached other agencies in Bellevue Road who were very enthusiastic and positive but maybe too pushy. I gave Palace Gate the sole opportunity to let my property and they secured an offer within a short period, obtained references and the tenants moved in. Unfortunately they left after 8 months, giving notice just before Christmas - they had been fantastic tenants and I was very sorry to see them go but they had found somewhere to buy. So I then instructed Palace Gate again. TWO offers were secured within 24 hours which I thought was really impressive taking into consideration the time of the year. The new tenancy has now started and we shall see how it progresses. So far so good!
Overall, I found the Negotiator, Charlie Muxworthy, extremely professional, thorough, patient and very understanding. He always answered my queries promptly and honestly and I recommend him wholeheartedly to prospective landlords and tenants. Palace Gate have four offices - in Balham, Clapham Common, Battersea and Earlsfield. They have a management department, too, who were able to assist me when I needed to do some safety checks on the flat. The Managing Director, Charles Weller, is very accommodating and I found him very helpful with my initial enquiries.
Overall, a breath of fresh air compared to some of the other chain of agents and the fact that they specialise in Lettings gives some reassurance that they know all that there is to know in this field. There are not many agents left like them and they do not come across as aggressive and commission driven. Definitely worth considering..."
With Courtenay speak to Richard (Director) or Sandy (lettings and management) in the first instance and with Palace Gate; Charles Weller (Director). Both have solid knowledge of the area, and have an excellent reputation. Neither have their head office/ management office in a completely different location - far far away
Also the standard of the Tenants they attract tend to be of a high standard
Although Palace Gate have more than one office in the area they specialise in lettings.. I have had no regrets and will continue to use them . Thorough, reliable and honest! The only reason I did not go with Courtenay is because Palace Gate let my flat so quickly I did not have the chance!
Good luck....
) and we're going to rent out our flat through a letting agent.
