FBM are categorically the worst estate agent I have had the displeasure of working with. From initial engagement, they overcomplicated what should have been a straightforward buying process and despite having undertaken proof of fund checks … More

FBM are categorically the worst estate agent I have had the displeasure of working with. From initial engagement, they overcomplicated what should have been a straightforward buying process and despite having undertaken proof of fund checks with our solicitor (who coincidently are regulated by the SRA) we were forced to utilise lifetime legal - at our cost!. When this was queried it was advised that this would provide protection in the event the property would fall through. After originally having our offer accepted, weeks elapsed with abysmal communication. Despite assurances everything was progressing as it should be, we then had the unfortunate news that the other side had pulled out of the deal (bad but an unfortunate consequence of current regulations). We initially tried to resurrect the deal but it was proving difficult so we pulled out. FBM then contacted us to advise the other side would again accept our offer. At this stage weeks and weeks had elapsed and we were given assurances that the sale would go ahead. FBM managed the communications with the other side but it soon became apparent we were being misled and the deal we had presented was not acceptable to the other side. The communication was abysmal and at times we were given conflicting updates by FBM and the other sides solicitor on the same day!! Our solicitor commented that it was one of the the worst experiences she has had with an estate agent and we certainly share that view. Even worse, when we then tried to recover the costs of the sale falling through (the reason we went through the initial unnecessary hardship of using their third party lifetime legal (which they no doubt get a kick back from!) we were told our membership had expired and we were unable to recover. In all my years of experience buying and negotiating 100s of property deals, FBM are categorically the worst estate agent I have worked with. My disappointment at losing the sale is miniscule in comparison at my displeasure of having to deal with FBM, their abysmal communication and incompetence in progressing what should have been a straightforward case. If the offer was not acceptable, they should have advised this from the start which would have saved us months of cost and time - instead we were strung along and felt like they served as a barrier to doing the deal rather than actually assisting to progress the sale. Definitely an estate agent to avoid.

Rude, patronising, condescending staff. Charlotte is extremely confrontational. Repairs ignored, inspections sprung on tenants with no warnings then charged for their lack of communication. Absolutely appalling service for tenants

I cant say id be in any rush to rent through fbm again. All was well and good at the beginning, but went down hill towards the end. December time our boiler was on the blink. When phoning up, the response was "can you not contact the landlord yourself". We have never had contact with the landlord ourselves. I assumed that is what an agency is there for. Clearly no urgency to get our boiler back up and running, considering it was Christmas time and knowing we had a 3 year old in the house, this shouldve been a priority. We were given our 3 months notice earlier this year, hand posted through the door and that was that. No phone call to support us in looking for somewhere else to live and not even a reason why. A very big kick in the teeth considering we'd been there for 3 years and looked after the property throughout. When we moved into the property in 2016, 2 doors were damaged due to furniture moving in. Of course we had every intention of replacing them before our tenancy was up. So we phoned the agency up, asked them to ask the landlord what type of doors they were and where they were from. The agency told me they found it difficult and frustrating to go between myself and the landlord. I'm sorry but again, that is what I assume is your job. Agency finally got back to me with what the landlord insisted was the make. Firstly insisting they were fire doors, which they most definitely weren't, probably wouldn't have broken so easily had they have been fire doors. (Clearly a safety hazard for the house). And a completely different type of wood. This would have been over DOUBLE in price. Clearly something dodgy going on. Wanting me to replace doors with fire doors. Finally got to the bottom of it, but not with any help from the agency, but from myself getting a carpenter out to confirm make. Whilst I understand the doors should never have been damaged, they were, and we were so egar to get them replaced, whilst the agency just had no interest in ensuring we were protected as tenants. Quite happily encouraging us to do as the landlord wanted and get the doors double in price. So we moved into the property in 2016, on the 17th, paid on the 17th of every month for 3 years. When due to move, we asked for a few extra days, due to our new property not being ready until the 21st. They agreed and told me I owed extra rent then from the 14th - 21st? How? It shouldve been from the 17th - 21st. After battling it with a member of staff, insisting I was wrong originally, finally looked further into details to realise I was infact correct. That I had moved into the property on the 17th and not 14th back in 2016. Now, the normal thing to do would be to correct those details, update it and inform anyone in the company that needed to know. That wasn't the case as I had a phone call a week later from another member of staff implying the same thing. Added stress a pregnant woman, moving house during a pandemic, that i really didn't need and clearly couldve been avoided. There were situations in the past 3 years where I had asked for the landlords contact details to be told I couldn't have that information, thats fine, but don't complain when i had come to you for support. And most certainly don't pass on my contact details after I have moved out. My old landlords now have my phone number without my consent. Finally, I had to chase my bond up. Wed been moved out for 3 weeks and had no phone call to explain the hold up. I had to chase it up. We redecorated as insisted by the agency, to find out they now have painters and decorators in stripping walls. So I paid for redecorating, for nothing. Disappointed. And feel very let down by the agency.

I enquired about a property to rent and was told it was unavailable at the time and that they would contact me when it is available. Heard nothing from them for weeks and the property was still advertised. I then emailed about the property and had no response. Now the property is let so didn't even get a chance to view it.

We shall NEVER use FBM again. Viewed a property in view of renting. Asked the agent showing us around if the property suffers with damp, mould, etc... Told 'No'. Paid out over £1500 and moved in Spring time. As soon as Summer was over, huge problems with Damp & Mould. Not only was it appearing on Walls & Ceilings, but found it had started attacking our furniture, clothes, bedding, etc... Windows constantly streaming with condensation. Mopping up water every morning and evening as a result. Floors as cold as an icerink, even when heating is on. Rear garden water logged as soon as we have wet weather, turning it into a bog. NOT HAPPY!!!