Streets Ahead
Croydon, CR0
4.2/5, 98 reviews
83% recommended
67% sales valuation accuracy
80% sales fee satisfaction



Property Features

...left to get your reviews in for the
2024 allAgents People Awards


“Deceitful, time wasting, careless people. Read my story....”

Share on :
Aug 23,2019
Minithumbdown
By: 'Aleksandar'
Aug 23,2019
2 people found
this helpful
Deceitful, time wasting, careless people. You will lose money regardless being a buyer of seller. Just avoid them.

# Introduction
In the beginning, everything look it was on my side, except the time frame, so from the start I clearly communicated to each party that time is crucial. From the agency they said that everything will be straight forward and fast. Because I trusted them, I ended up losing 6 months of my life, £600 direct money loss (bank, solicitor fees) and thousands of pounds or indirect costs (rent renewal and accompanied expenses) cost that could be otherwise harnesses for paying mortgage installments.

# Involved parties
+ Street Ahead = Danny Midani, Salma Ashfaq, Zena Beri
+ Sellers Solicitor = Tollers Solicitors - Kassilyn Carry
+ My solicitor = Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP - Pinar Demir
+ HML Croydon - property management company
+ NSQ development Wandle Park Croydon

# Story
I had a first viewing of the 3rd Floor Palladian Court, 3 Cabot Close property on 20. April. Upon viewing, I immediately made offer without negotiation the equal to amount displayed on the Right Move site £300K. Agent Selma who was showing me flat even advised me to try with lower offer £290K and see what happens. I replied that I do not need to negotiate as long as I know that everything is ok with property legally and any other way, and that we can close this transaction quickly!

At that point, she said that property is chain-free and that owner who is in China, wants to do the same. Also, she mentioned, that usually takes from 4-6 weeks to complete a legal paperwork.
At this point I knew my I will have guests coming to London I needed to accommodate, so if transaction is done in normal timeframe everything will be ok. For me timeframe was crucial. As I got agent's confirmation that everything will be ok by asking multiple time, I thought I could count on it. But ...

As during first viewing I have noticed that electricity is not working, oddly except in toilet, naturally I asked to check what is going on. Together we have tried to push some switches but without luck. From there, series of issues started.

As I need to initiate process with the bank (mortgage), first thing I need to know is that everything is functionally working in the property. I repeatedly asking them about electricity and each time they promised that they will arrange something.

How complicated can it be? Maybe 30min to 1h check with person who know things around electricity? One would think that this will be solved quickly, but no! Instead sending someone to fix electricity, there was a long chain of completely useless emails and conversation just there to waste time. At this point senior manager Danny come to the scene, with his long explanations...

You probably seen type of people, who, when you give them 5 minutes task, they start talking for hours without doing it. They speak a lot of words, but without content, in the process wasting a huge amount of your time – well, that is Danny. If they do not do task, they will send you next few hundred words with excuse from the plethora of their usual excuses. In normal companies' people get fired for not accomplishing something in time, but not in Streets Ahead, there time wasters thrive.

At this point I have already paid for Bank searches and I am waiting agency to confirm electricity as I need to initiate solicitor searches which will cost even more money. So, as I already paid bank, logically I do not want to pay/lose even more without knowing is there a some structural/legal issue which will cause me a headache later. Only at the point when I said that if they do not confirm that electricity is working and by setting deadline saying I will pull out - they went there and done what was necessary.
I got confirmation on 8 May with video on WhatsUp followed by my inspection on Saturday.
Three weeks (3 weeks) for simple 30-minute task!!! First red flag I missed.

Think about it, if it was a top-up meter issue, it is only £5, to check. Their excuse was “seller is in China”, which subsequently become their favorite excuse. Let's do a bit of reasoning, even if client lived on a planet Pluto it would take around 6 hours for message to get to Pluto and another 6 hours to get back response +- time to read so let say maximum 24hrs. How did they manage to waste 3 weeks is beyond me?
Is this issue with electricity agency's responsibility or seller's? Well, if you would get ~£15K from property sale on account of commission would you spend £5 for your troubles? No, they choose to waste my time...

From those, promised 4-6 weeks and smooth ride mentioned at first viewing, they already wasted half of that time. That should have given me enough information to release with whom I am trying to do transaction and to stop working with them. But I again trusted everything will be ok and continued.

Next red flag I missed at the beginning – was that they were offering their own solicitor to be mine solicitor.
When agency do this - run away and do not look back. Effectively what this means is that they will turn blind eye on all irregular things, later on you will end up with property full of issues paying significantly more than you bargain for. I had lucky that Ronald Fletcher Baker solicitor noticed those issues at the beginning.
Pinar sent initial list of issue out of which there was waiting for Management Company pack, missing clear service charges account and ground rent statements, even that seller's lease and title have not been registered on the freeholder's title in the Land Registry! After this initial list this list just grew longer.

On Jun 6 (week 7) after it was obvious that things are not going desired way Zena (Street's Ahead Sales Progressor) sent me mail with following content Streets Ahead "Please could you let me have your financial advisors name, number and email. Your mortgage offer is not in with your solicitor".
This is a massive red flag, at this point mortgage offer was already in hands of my solicitor long time ago sent by the bank. As I have found and instructed solicitor through the Halifax bank's portal. Even, if offer was not with the solicitor, my solicitor is only person who should have these details, and if something was missing, as it is my solicitor, they should communicate those to me directly. I asked people at the bank and they confirmed that no one except myself and my solicitor should have that information.

On 2 Jul, (week 11) I asked for small price revision to reduce some of the cost I suffered. Danny said that if do that any further price changes will not be available. I agreed, and I clearly communicated that next good date for contract exchange is end of July which gives additional 4 weeks and that cut of date is mid-August.
At this point Danny wrote I quote: "I can assure you that I have taken charge of this file and I am constantly on it", from there what should have been days turned to weeks. I was getting less and less updates.

On 16th of Aug (week 17) as I set in deadline I pulled out from this transaction, last email I got from my solicitor (19 Aug) I could see that 7 things are still outstanding: one of those all the way from 30th May 2019, and six things from 23rd July 2019 nothing solved.
Before pulling out I asked Danny for seller's contact, as I wanted to include her in the loop and check whether she can push thing with her solicitor, but as that was with Danny, except initial response "I will check..." nothing happen.

Till the end, Danny was blaming Management Company and fact that seller is in China. Location as mentioned is not the issue, and regarding Management Company, if that is true, then all HML/NSQ properties in Wandle Park area have the same issue, and maybe you should think twice before starting process.

I blame Street Ahead for misleading and lying, even after pulling out, they trying to convince me that seller is willing to exchange contract next week, regardless of the fact, that those decisions were not in their hands they continued lying. To remind you there were 7 outstanding unresolved things, and they have not had any control over it. Instead of letting go, they will try to keep you regardless making constant damage and loss of money. They get huge commissions for selling property, but they don't do anything for you.

When someone says I am constantly on the case I expect that he will try to on daily bases check progress, and remind and budge people to finish their part, that has not happened. They had many opportunities to say this is not going fast or smoothly, or apologise, and I would have gone searching for another property.
But they never done that, even after I pulled out they keep repeating the same story.

When process is very slow, bank will expire your current mortgage offer, and there is a chance you will get worse terms. Any change in your circumstances (work, living, health ...) or things you cannot control (Brexit, tax legislation ...) can also impact you loosing current mortgage terms, which can later impact your ability to repay the mortgage. So, timing is crucial.

At the end, it seems that Street Ahead agents think that writing capital words to emphasize thing is way to speak to clients and that repeating "we were polite" will make everything better.
Be careful, polite crook is still crook, and politeness in this case is not a good thing, it is the way how they misled you. Wolf in the sheep skin - as someone described it before me on TrustPilot.

If I missed all red flags you do not have to, be smart and learn from my mistakes especially if you are first time buyer and avoid Street Ahead agency at all costs!!!
Was this helpful? Yes

Agent Response / Add a Comment

You can use this form to reply to the above review or a displayed comment on the above review.




Note: Your comment will not be activated until you click on the link in an email sent to your address as submitted in the form above. By clicking on Submit Comment you agree to receive an activation email from allAgents.


Opening Hours
Address

Streets Ahead
263 High Street
Croydon
Greater London
CR0 1QH
020 8686 8686

Performance statistics
Services Valuation Accuracy Fees Satisfaction Min Price of property reviewed Max Price of property reviewed
Sales 67% 80% £270,000 £450,000
Review statistics
From Landlords From Tenants From Vendors From Buyers Other
6 0 21 9 18 2 24 1 12 5
Areas covered
Services offered
  • Sales
  • Lettings
  • Block Management
  • Surveys
  • Conveyancing
  • Mortgage Advice
Members of
NAEA ARLA TPOS Sales TPOS Lettings TPOS DPS
Latest Properties

No Properties

“Streets Ahead Croydon provides very un-profes......”

Share on :
Jun 08,2021
Minithumbdown
By: 'Jaideep'
Jun 08,2021
0 people found
this helpful
Streets Ahead Croydon provides very un-professional service. After leaving the apartment for more than 2 weeks, they do not refund my deposit nor tell me any deduction. They do not respond to emails for follow up. They do not have the courtesy to team people fairly. ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Croydon branch...”

Share on :
Mar 11,2021
Minithumbup
Andrew
By: 'Sarah'
Mar 11,2021
0 people found
this helpful
Streets Ahead croydon branch were amazing. When our chain hit problems my estate agent went MIA. Luckily the people we were buying from were using Streets Ahead and they worked tirelessly to keep the chain going. Massive thanks to Andrew Bilby in particular we couldn't ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Great experience with the Croydon Central branch...”

Share on :
Mar 10,2021
Minithumbup
Andrew
By: 'Emy'
Mar 10,2021
0 people found
this helpful
Have had a great experience with the staff at the Croydon Central branch, Andrew worked tirelessly to ensure the sale of the flat and the communication from him and Danny was great throughout the sale....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Brilliant service...”

Share on :
Feb 18,2021
Minithumbup
Andrew
By: 'Andrew'
Feb 18,2021
0 people found
this helpful
I would like to thank the best Estate Agents in Croydon ... Streets Ahead .. Danny, Salma, Andrew, Shaheen and Catherine. My previous estate agents couldn't arrange any viewings and I was struggling to sell my flat. Without the persistence of both Andrew and Danny (manager) .... I ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Poor experience again. Croydon central manage......”

Share on :
Apr 29,2020
Minithumbdown
By: 'S'
Apr 29,2020
0 people found
this helpful
Poor experience again. Croydon central manager *l replied me on 10th March to contact him. I did and he assured that they will look into it. Nothing happened in 1.5 months. This organisation is poorly managed....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Dishonest people at Street Ahead Croydon. Too......”

Share on :
Mar 10,2020
Minithumbdown
lynsey
By: 'S'
Mar 10,2020
0 people found
this helpful
Dishonest people at Street Ahead Croydon. Took reservation fee of £350. The document given clearly says if you should change your mind and we have already referenced you, we will deduct the cost of £138.00 (Incl. VAT) per tenant referenced and refund the remainder. Didn't get any ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Kunal Patel
Mar 10, 2020
View all comments (1)
Dear S Pawar, Many thanks for your comments above and we take all feedback very seriously. If you feel that you have been treated in the wrong manner, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss this further. Kind regards, Kunal Patel Lettings Manager 020 8655 1300 ...

“Nightmare!!!!...”

Share on :
Dec 26,2019
Minithumbdown
By: 'Cintia'
Dec 26,2019
0 people found
this helpful
One start is way too high to describe this agency! I honestly have no idea how people have 5* experience! We had to deal with a leak for over 6weeks!!! At first I was flooded trough the fire alarm. Then they said it has been sorted. ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Would highly recommend...”

Share on :
Oct 21,2019
Minithumbup
By: 'Delilah'
Oct 21,2019
0 people found
this helpful
My husband and I recently sold our home through Streets Ahead. We initially decided to market the property through another local agent as we heard their fee was cheap. They failed miserably and we were at this point quite desperate to move as we found ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Told lies and wasted everyone’s time.Avoid ......”

Share on :
Oct 20,2019
Minithumbdown
By: 'M'
Oct 20,2019
0 people found
this helpful
Told lies and wasted everyone’s time. Avoid at all costs. Just filling appointments in the diary and showing properties at prices which are now sold....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Deceitful, time wasting, careless people. Read my story....”

Share on :
Aug 23,2019
Minithumbdown
By: 'Aleksandar'
Aug 23,2019
2 people found
this helpful
Deceitful, time wasting, careless people. You will lose money regardless being a buyer of seller. Just avoid them. # Introduction In the beginning, everything look it was on my side, except the time frame, so from the start I clearly communicated to each party that time ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“I would rate 0 stars for streets ahead as they made ......”

Share on :
Nov 04,2017
Minithumbdown
By: 'Vivek'
Nov 04,2017
8 people found
this helpful
I would rate 0 stars for streets ahead as they made us go through hell - Please don't go anywhere near them at all. * We were supposed to move into a new rented apartment last Saturday -when we went there to collect the keys , the house ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: J Hus
Jun 25, 2019
View all comments (1)
True that Kai Seale guy is a rat! ...

“I would like to express my gratitude to Myles Blair ......”

Share on :
Oct 31,2017
Minithumbup
Myles
By: 'Baz'
Oct 31,2017
0 people found
this helpful
I would like to express my gratitude to Myles Blair and Layla Manning from Streets Ahead Croydon Branch for their attentive and excellent service throughout my property search/viewing till getting the keys for my new apartment! I would highly recommend Streets Ahead, specially Myles ...
read full review
Comment on agent fees
Reasonable
Was this helpful? Yes

“Easily the worst, rudest company I've ever had the displeasure ......”

Share on :
Aug 11,2017
Minithumbdown
By: 'Christopher'
Aug 11,2017
4 people found
this helpful
Easily the worst, rudest company I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with. We were lied into a property by one of their agents, asked on the day of moving if we would reschedule to another day, left without electric of warm water for the ...
read full review
Comment on agent fees
Unacceptable.
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Jim
May 18, 2018
View all comments (2)
My sentiments exactly! Streets Ahead is the worst estate agent I have ever delt with. Horrible company stay away and I'm a Landlord! They took 6 months to hand over the tenants deposit for me to submit to a deposit scheme. They are running an absolutely terrible business. Stay away for your own sake not worth the trouble. ...

“Really poor service! They hardly respond to email's, take ages ......”

Share on :
Dec 16,2016
Minithumbdown
By: 'Worst'
Dec 16,2016
2 people found
this helpful
Really poor service! They hardly respond to email's, take ages to get back to you and have no urgency about anything. The house we moved into was disgusting! There was dog faeces in the garden (from previous owners), property had not been cleaned properly, damp ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“miss informed (lied) about the sky bein fine to be ......”

Share on :
Jul 07,2015
Minithumbdown
By: 'Darren'
Jul 07,2015
4 people found
this helpful
miss informed (lied) about the sky bein fine to be installed, which is now costing me 300£ to be removed, after 6 days in the property the apartment flooded & also no help from the agents. They didn't know who to contact to get it resolved! Was told ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
By: Gary O'Hare
Sep 01, 2015
View all comments (1)
Dear Darren, I am very sorry to hear of the issues that you have raised ranging from Sky to un-returned calls. I would be happy to hear from you in order to rectify and address these issues at your earliest convenience. My direct contact number is 020 8655 4709. Kind Regards Gary O'Hare Director ...

“I would like to highly recommend Lewis Hay for his ......”

Share on :
May 29,2015
Minithumbup
By: 'Raluca'
May 29,2015
0 people found
this helpful
I would like to highly recommend Lewis Hay for his promptitude. He has been very helpful with all the issues I had in the rented property....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“The staff at Streets Ahead were always extremely obliging and ......”

Share on :
Feb 12,2015
Minithumbup
George
By: 'pennington'
Feb 12,2015
0 people found
this helpful
The staff at Streets Ahead were always extremely obliging and helpful. George was especially helpful, always willing to go that extra mile and had a very enthusiastic approach to letting our property which made us confident that we had the best people looking to let ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“From the very first visit when George came to assess ......”

Share on :
Nov 22,2014
Minithumbup
George
By: 'Rada'
Nov 22,2014
1 people found
this helpful
From the very first visit when George came to assess our property whilst it was being refurbished prior to letting it out, I have found the service provided by the Lettings team at Streets Ahead to be extremely professional & knowledgeable. George provided us with a ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“My initial contact with Kai Seale was at a number ......”

Share on :
Sep 17,2014
Minithumbup
By: 'Mr.'
Sep 17,2014
0 people found
this helpful
My initial contact with Kai Seale was at a number of properties prior to the one eventually purchased. Kai was proactive, but not pushy, in making me aware of properties on the Streets Ahead books, that met my criteria. He was helpful and informative throughout ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“In the current market place, where there is extreme presssure ......”

Share on :
Aug 29,2014
Minithumbup
By: 'Yuved'
Aug 29,2014
0 people found
this helpful
In the current market place, where there is extreme presssure on buyers to move quickly, I can safely say that from the first viewing I had of the property with Michael, to making an offer, exchanging and completing, the service offered has been first class. ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Can't fault Michael for his utter commitment in selling my ......”

Share on :
Aug 28,2014
Minithumbup
Michael
By: 'Sophia'
Aug 28,2014
1 people found
this helpful
Can't fault Michael for his utter commitment in selling my much loved house and getting the very best offer, beyond expectation. I don't think anyone could have achieved what he did. He acknowledged my needs and worked in getting a perfect result. Michael is very ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“We glad we came across Streets Ahead Agency. We delt ......”

Share on :
Jul 14,2014
Minithumbup
By: 'A&J'
Jul 14,2014
0 people found
this helpful
We glad we came across Streets Ahead Agency. We delt with Kai Seale who is professional and approachable, always happy to help. He listened to us what we were looking for and found us a great flat in a nice area, which we are very ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“During the initial stages of purchase Kai was excellent, responsive ......”

Share on :
Jul 11,2014
Minithumbup
By: 'Mike'
Jul 11,2014
0 people found
this helpful
During the initial stages of purchase Kai was excellent, responsive and helpful at all times and went out of his way to provide assistance. He is an asset to Streets Ahead. Despite the difficult balancing act of serving both the vendor and prospective purchaser he ...
read full review
Comment on agent fees
I think I could of got the place cheaper but don't really care.
Was this helpful? Yes

“James was very knowledgeable about the property market in Purley, ......”

Share on :
May 02,2014
Minithumbup
James
By: 'Jeremy'
May 02,2014
2 people found
this helpful
James was very knowledgeable about the property market in Purley, which was particularly helpful having spent a lot of my time looking elsewhere until I landed on Purley as a desirable location. James was proactive and pragmatic when I explained what I was looking for ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Truly satisfied from James help and support and he is ......”

Share on :
Apr 24,2014
Minithumbup
James
By: 'Arvind'
Apr 24,2014
2 people found
this helpful
Truly satisfied from James help and support and he is very friendly and knows jos job well. We will definitely use him or the Streets ahead for our next property. Keep up the good work....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“I spoke to Mr Michael Ansong on the phone when ......”

Share on :
Apr 08,2014
Minithumbup
Michael
By: 'Mrs'
Apr 08,2014
1 people found
this helpful
I spoke to Mr Michael Ansong on the phone when i was making my first inquiry regarding selling my property. I was anxious as i didnt know what to expect but Michael put my mind at ease straight away with his humour and reassurance. Since ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“I thoroughly recommend Michael Ansong. He assisted me with the ......”

Share on :
Feb 21,2014
Minithumbup
Michael
By: 'Nick'
Feb 21,2014
0 people found
this helpful
I thoroughly recommend Michael Ansong. He assisted me with the purchase and negotiation of a property and he dealt with everything in a polite and profeesional manner. I would recommend Michael to any prospective buyer....
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Took 4 weeks to get our security deposit back. Had to ......”

Share on :
Jan 29,2014
Minithumbdown
By: 'Aimee'
Jan 29,2014
4 people found
this helpful
Took 4 weeks to get our security deposit back. Had to phone 3 times and follow up with emails. Was told the cheque was sent when it wasn't. When it finally came it had the orginal date. So do not understand what the hold up was...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“I am pleased to express my gratitude and appreciation regarding ......”

Share on :
Jan 03,2014
Minithumbup
By: 'Niculina'
Jan 03,2014
2 people found
this helpful
I am pleased to express my gratitude and appreciation regarding Mr.Doug Treleven's hard work all the way from day one till we finally moved into the new apartment.He was always present, offered correct informations and support.His professionalism was proved also by the ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes

“Doug dealt with me in a very professional yet cordial ......”

Share on :
Dec 19,2013
Minithumbup
By: 'Ayodeji'
Dec 19,2013
2 people found
this helpful
Doug dealt with me in a very professional yet cordial manner. There were no delays or hicups during the whole process of viewing and discussions about tenancy etc. I am very comfortable where I am renting now and I just want to stay indoors all ...
read full review
Was this helpful? Yes
No fees information available
Kindly note that legally, letting agents need to publish information about their tenancy fees, government-approved redress schemes and client money protection schemes on their website and on third party websites (on which agents are listed). For properties to lease/rent in England, agents need to keep this information up to date and precise on allAgents or specify within the property description.

Complaints Procedure

No procedure set.
Last updated at 2:05 PM 13/01/2015 by allAgents

Awards won by Streets Ahead, Croydon CR0 1QH



Find the Best Agent to
Sell or Rent Your Home