Cubitt & West in Saltdean have been unfailingly courteous, helpful and patient during the protracted process (six and a half months) of buying a large seafront flat which turned out to have been repossessed -- and with more contingent and other problems attached than I could have dreamt of! But with completion five days ago, at a sale price reduced to reflect an RICS valuation supported by reports and estimates for repairs, I am now the delighted owner of an amazing place. I was first impressed by the high standard of C&W's property details generally (having found the flat on www.zoopla.com) compared with rather poor online efforts by other agents. C&W did their best with the minimal information (due to repossession) available to them. Some of the problems with corporate vendors and repossessed property were explained to me at the outset. I was welcomed by Lewis to view the flat any time and to have as many expert inspections as were needed. Gazumping was actively discouraged -- as a real risk while the property remained on the market until exchange of contracts, with higher offers invited. I was informed immediately by David, the branch manager, of any development on the part of the vendors in his negotiating a sale price reduction for me, and solicitors on both sides were regularly chased up by Lewis or David. I am grateful to have been listened to attentively as each new problem came up -- not just the scope of internal repairs needed but a missing lease, residents' company service charge problems, neglected external repairs -- and to feel that I was dealt with very fairly and with understanding of the numerous problems involved, despite C&W's responsibility to get the best price for the corporate vendor. Most of all I appreciate their patience and good humour during such a long wait, dependent on getting information from varied others. Everyone in the Saltdean branch was friendly and equally concerned to be helpful in the absence of Lewis or David. It has been a pleasure to deal with everyone there.