Based on looking at the website, Extramileproperty.co.uk appears to be a legitimate property lettings agency operating in London. The site presents a straightforward interface showcasing available properties and client testimonials. While it provides essential information for a lettings agency, there are some areas where it could enhance its transparency and comprehensive detail to align with the best practices of trusted online property platforms.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Website Presence: Active and functional, displaying current property listings.
- Clarity of Service: Clearly states its role as a lettings agency providing services across London.
- Property Information: Provides basic details like rent, location, furnishing status, number of bedrooms and bathrooms for each listing.
- Client Testimonials: Features several positive client reviews, adding a layer of social proof.
- Transparency (Ownership/Regulation): Lacks readily available information about company registration, regulatory body memberships (e.g., ARLA Propertymark, Property Ombudsman), or clear terms and conditions on the homepage.
- Ethical Considerations: Property letting, when conducted fairly and without interest-based financial products, can be a permissible and necessary service. However, the lack of explicit regulatory or ethical declarations on the homepage means potential clients must dig deeper to ensure full compliance with ethical financial practices.
While Extramileproperty.co.uk offers a glimpse into its services, the absence of crucial trust signals like easily accessible regulatory information, detailed terms of service, and clear privacy policies on the homepage could lead to questions about its full operational transparency. For a professional service handling significant financial transactions like property rentals, a robust display of these elements is non-negotiable for building client confidence.
Best Alternatives for Ethical Property Services:
-
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Extramileproperty.co.uk Review
Latest Discussions & Reviews:
- Key Features: UK’s largest property portal, extensive listings for sales and rentals, detailed property information, neighbourhood guides, mortgage calculators.
- Average Price: Free for users searching for properties; agents pay for listings.
- Pros: Vast selection, user-friendly search, comprehensive property details, high market penetration.
- Cons: Purely a listing platform, doesn’t directly manage properties or rentals, relies on agents for ethical practices.
-
- Key Features: Comprehensive property search, market insights, valuation tools, local area data, agent directories.
- Average Price: Free for users; agents pay for advertising.
- Pros: Excellent market data, good range of properties, strong valuation tools, widely recognised.
- Cons: Similar to Rightmove, it’s a portal, not a direct service provider; quality depends on the listed agents.
-
- Key Features: Property portal backed by estate agents, often features new listings 24 hours before other sites, streamlined search.
- Average Price: Free for users.
- Pros: Access to fresh listings, direct connection to agents, professional interface.
- Cons: Smaller inventory compared to Rightmove/Zoopla, less market data available.
-
- Key Features: Direct-to-landlord platform, cuts out traditional agency fees, allows landlords to manage listings and viewings directly.
- Average Price: Fees apply to landlords (e.g., listing fees); free for tenants.
- Pros: Cost-effective for landlords, direct communication between landlord and tenant, increased transparency.
- Cons: Tenants might have less agency support, more responsibility for due diligence.
-
- Key Features: Mobile-first rental platform focusing on personalised experience, virtual tours, instant alerts.
- Average Price: Free for users.
- Pros: Excellent user experience, efficient search, good for busy renters.
- Cons: Geographic coverage might be more limited to major cities, relies on partner agents.
-
- Key Features: Hybrid agency offering online tools and human support for landlords and tenants, guaranteed rent option.
- Average Price: Service fees for landlords.
- Pros: Blends technology with personal service, good for landlords seeking management solutions, transparent fee structure.
- Cons: Newer player, might not have the same brand recognition as established portals.
-
- Key Features: General classifieds site with a dedicated property section, direct listings from landlords and smaller agents.
- Average Price: Free for listings and searching.
- Pros: Very broad reach, direct contact often possible, good for finding unique or local listings.
- Cons: Less structured than dedicated portals, more vigilance required to avoid scams, varying quality of listings.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
[ratemypost]
Extramileproperty.co.uk Review & First Look
Based on an initial review of the Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage, the platform presents itself as a “leading lettings agency at the forefront of the property industry providing a first-class service to our clients across London.” This bold claim sets a high expectation for potential users. A quick scan reveals a clean, if somewhat minimalist, design that prioritises property listings. The key elements on display include a search bar, a selection of “Latest Properties,” and a “What Our Clients Say” section.
Initial Impressions and User Experience
The website’s design is functional, allowing for straightforward navigation. The property listings are prominently displayed with essential details such as rent, location, and key features like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, along with whether the property is furnished or unfurnished. Each listing includes a “Click here to view” link, which presumably leads to more detailed property pages. This immediate visibility of core information is certainly a plus, enabling quick assessment by a prospective tenant.
However, the user experience could be significantly enhanced with more dynamic features. For instance, while a search bar is present, the specific filtering options are not immediately clear from the homepage. In today’s digital landscape, users expect advanced search functionalities, including filters for property type, desired amenities, and proximity to transport links or specific areas. The current display is basic, which might limit the efficiency of a user’s initial search.
Furthermore, the overall aesthetic, while clean, doesn’t immediately convey the “first-class service” mentioned in their tagline. High-quality imagery, interactive maps, or even virtual tour options would significantly elevate the user experience and align more closely with modern property website standards.
Core Service Offering
Extramileproperty.co.uk positions itself primarily as a lettings agency. This means their core business revolves around connecting landlords with suitable tenants and managing the rental process. From the homepage, it appears they handle properties across London, as evidenced by the varied locations of the listed properties (e.g., SE13, NW5, SE15, UB4). Cambridgerenewables.co.uk Review
The site explicitly states: “Extra Mile Property We are a leading lettings agency at the forefront of the property industry providing a first-class service to our clients across London.A team anchored by experience and committed to putting our clients first, meeting expectations and bringing value to the marketplace.” This suggests a focus on both landlords seeking tenants and tenants looking for homes. However, the homepage leans heavily towards showcasing properties available for rent, providing less direct information for landlords interested in their services. A dedicated section outlining services for landlords (e.g., property management, tenant vetting, legal compliance) would provide a more balanced overview of their offerings.
Extramileproperty.co.uk Transparency and Legitimacy
When evaluating any online service, especially one dealing with significant financial transactions like property, transparency and legitimacy are paramount. For Extramileproperty.co.uk, while the website is active and displays properties, there are notable omissions on the homepage that raise questions regarding its full transparency and adherence to industry best practices.
Missing Regulatory Information
A critical component of a trustworthy property agency in the UK is its registration with various regulatory and redress schemes. Reputable agencies are typically members of:
- The Property Ombudsman (TPO) or Property Redress Scheme (PRS): These are government-approved independent redress schemes that provide a free, impartial, and independent service for the resolution of unresolved disputes between consumers and property agents. Membership is legally required for all lettings and property management agents in England.
- Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme: All lettings and property management agents holding client money must be members of an approved CMP scheme by law. This protects client funds if the agent goes out of business.
- Professional bodies: While not legally mandated for all, membership in bodies like ARLA Propertymark (Association of Residential Letting Agents) signifies adherence to high professional standards and codes of conduct.
The Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage does not prominently display any logos or direct mentions of membership in these crucial schemes. This absence is a significant red flag. Without this information readily available, prospective clients cannot easily verify that their money will be protected and that they have a clear route for dispute resolution should an issue arise. For instance, according to GOV.UK, “Since 1 April 2019, it has been a legal requirement for all letting and property management agents in England to join a government-approved client money protection scheme.” (Source: GOV.UK Client Money Protection). The lack of this on the homepage implies a potential oversight or lack of full compliance at first glance.
Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy Accessibility
Another fundamental aspect of legitimate online operations is clear access to legal documentation, specifically Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) and a Privacy Policy. These documents outline the contractual agreements between the service provider and the user, detailing rights, responsibilities, data handling, and dispute resolution processes. Hywelreesartist.co.uk Review
On the Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage, there’s no immediately visible link to T&Cs or a Privacy Policy in the footer or a prominent header. While a “Links” section is present, it primarily lists property links. The absence of these crucial legal documents from the homepage is concerning. Users should be able to easily review how their personal data will be used (GDPR compliance) and what the terms of service are before engaging with the agency. According to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), organisations must be transparent about how they collect and use personal data under GDPR (Source: ICO – Guide to GDPR). The apparent difficulty in locating these on the homepage hinders trust and raises questions about the platform’s commitment to full transparency.
Client Testimonials: A Double-Edged Sword
The “What Our Clients Say” section features three testimonials from “Miss Maureen Sanderson,” “Mr Jason Ichongiri,” and “Mr Sam Anitche.” These provide a degree of social proof, with clients expressing satisfaction (“Very happy with their service,” “feel comfortable renting my property,” “Took care of everything”). While positive testimonials are valuable, their authenticity and context are difficult to verify without more detail. For example, are these testimonials from verified clients? Could there be more detailed case studies? Reputable review platforms often provide more granular data or links to external review sites (e.g., Trustpilot, Google Reviews) where reviews can be cross-referenced. Without this, they serve as a basic endorsement but lack the robust credibility offered by third-party verification.
Extramileproperty.co.uk Pros & Cons
Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of Extramileproperty.co.uk based on the available homepage information. Understanding these points is crucial for anyone considering their services.
Pros: What Extramileproperty.co.uk Does Well
- Clear Service Statement: The website immediately identifies itself as a lettings agency in London, leaving no ambiguity about its core function. This is good for immediate understanding for potential clients.
- Direct Property Listings: The homepage prominently displays a selection of current rental properties with key details like price, location, and basic features. This makes it easy for prospective tenants to see what’s on offer right away.
- Basic Information Visibility: For each listed property, users can quickly see the monthly and weekly rent, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and whether it’s furnished or unfurnished. This helps in initial screening.
- Client Testimonials: The inclusion of positive client feedback provides some social proof, suggesting that previous clients have had satisfactory experiences with the agency. This can build a preliminary level of trust.
- Functional Website: The site appears to be operational and allows users to navigate through property listings. The core functionality of showcasing properties is present.
Cons: Areas Where Extramileproperty.co.uk Falls Short
- Lack of Regulatory Transparency: This is a significant concern. The homepage does not explicitly state membership in mandatory schemes like the Property Ombudsman/Redress Scheme or a Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme. This omission makes it difficult for users to verify the agency’s compliance with legal requirements and how their funds are protected.
- Absence of Legal Documents: There are no readily visible links to Terms and Conditions or a Privacy Policy on the homepage. This is a critical oversight, as these documents are essential for user protection, data privacy (GDPR compliance), and outlining the terms of service.
- Limited Company Information: Details about the company’s registration, its history, or the experience of its team beyond a general statement of “a team anchored by experience” are not present on the homepage. More information about the business entity behind the website would enhance credibility.
- Basic Search Functionality (Homepage): While a search bar is present, the specific filtering options are not evident on the homepage. Modern property portals offer advanced search capabilities (e.g., property type, specific amenities, distance from landmarks) that are not immediately apparent here.
- No Information for Landlords: The homepage focuses almost exclusively on showcasing properties for tenants. There’s no clear section or prominent call to action for landlords interested in using their letting services, which is a key part of a letting agency’s business.
- Generic Testimonials: While present, the testimonials lack depth or external verification. Without links to third-party review platforms or more detailed case studies, their impact on building robust trust is limited.
- Minimalist Design Lacks Professionalism: While clean, the overall design and presentation feel somewhat basic compared to leading property platforms in the UK. A “first-class service” implies a more sophisticated and informative online presence with better imagery, virtual tours, and interactive features.
- No Clear Contact Information Beyond a General “Links” Section: While contact details might be hidden on other pages, the homepage doesn’t prominently feature an address, phone number, or dedicated contact page link. This can hinder immediate accessibility for urgent queries.
In summary, while Extramileproperty.co.uk performs the basic function of listing properties, its significant deficiencies in transparency regarding regulatory compliance, legal documentation, and comprehensive company information are considerable drawbacks. For a service dealing with substantial financial commitments, these omissions create a significant trust deficit that potential clients should carefully consider.
Ethical Considerations in Property Lettings
Engaging with property services, especially in the context of residential lettings, involves significant financial and legal commitments. From an ethical standpoint, it’s crucial that all parties involved – tenants, landlords, and letting agents – operate with integrity, transparency, and fairness. For those adhering to Islamic ethical principles, the considerations extend to avoiding interest-based transactions (riba), ensuring fair dealings, and upholding contractual obligations. Emscom.co.uk Review
Avoiding Interest (Riba) in Property Transactions
One of the primary ethical concerns in financial dealings, particularly for Muslims, is the prohibition of riba (interest or usury). While property letting itself is generally permissible, as it involves the exchange of a benefit (housing) for a fee (rent), the financing mechanisms used by landlords or the payment methods offered by agents can sometimes involve interest.
- Mortgages: Many landlords utilise conventional, interest-based mortgages to purchase investment properties. While this is a common practice in the conventional market, individuals and agencies committed to Islamic ethics would seek alternatives like Ijara (leasing) or Musharakah Mutanaqisah (diminishing partnership) to finance property acquisitions. Agencies, while not directly involved in the landlord’s financing, should ideally promote or be aware of such halal alternatives.
- Late Payment Fees: Some tenancy agreements or agency terms might include late payment fees that are structured as a penalty that escalates over time, resembling riba. Ethically, penalties for late payments should cover actual administrative costs incurred rather than generating additional profit from the delay.
- Security Deposits: The handling of security deposits is crucial. Ethically, these funds should be held in a non-interest-bearing client money account or an account where any interest accrued is not retained by the agent or landlord but, for instance, used for charitable purposes.
From the Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage, there’s no direct information about how they advise landlords on financing, how security deposits are handled, or the structure of any potential late payment fees. This lack of detail means a prospective client cannot ascertain their adherence to these ethical financial practices without further inquiry.
Transparency and Fairness in Fees and Contracts
Ethical property agencies are transparent about all fees charged to both landlords and tenants. Hidden fees, unexpected charges, or unclear breakdowns of costs undermine trust.
- Tenant Fees: While the Tenant Fees Act 2019 in England largely banned most tenant fees, ensuring compliance and clear communication about permissible charges (e.g., holding deposits, tenancy default fees, early termination fees) is essential. Agencies should clearly list any applicable charges and explain their purpose.
- Landlord Fees: Landlords need a transparent breakdown of management fees, letting fees, and any other charges for services like maintenance, inventory checks, or advertising.
- Contract Clarity: Tenancy agreements and service contracts should be clear, unambiguous, and fair to all parties. All terms and conditions, including notice periods, maintenance responsibilities, and dispute resolution processes, should be easy to understand.
The Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage does not provide a direct link or section detailing their fee structure for either tenants or landlords. This is a common oversight on homepages but necessitates deeper investigation to ensure transparency. Ethical practice demands that this information is readily accessible, ideally within a few clicks from the homepage.
Client Money Protection and Dispute Resolution
As highlighted in the “Transparency and Legitimacy” section, the legal requirement for Client Money Protection (CMP) and membership in a Redress Scheme (like The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme) are vital for ethical operation. These schemes provide essential safeguards: Paramountpestcontrol.co.uk Review
- CMP: Protects client funds (rents, deposits) held by agents, ensuring they are not misappropriated.
- Redress Scheme: Provides an independent avenue for tenants and landlords to resolve disputes with their agent without resorting to costly legal action.
The absence of prominent display of these memberships on Extramileproperty.co.uk’s homepage is a significant ethical concern. Without these, clients lack assurance regarding the security of their money and a clear path for recourse if disputes arise. Ethical agencies make these affiliations clearly visible to demonstrate their commitment to consumer protection and accountability.
In essence, while Extramileproperty.co.uk’s core business of property lettings can be permissible, the lack of immediate information on financial ethics (like riba avoidance principles), fee transparency, and crucially, regulatory compliance and client protection schemes, means that potential clients must exercise significant due diligence. For those prioritising Islamic ethical finance, this information gap requires direct and detailed questioning before engaging with the agency.
Extramileproperty.co.uk Pricing
Understanding the pricing structure of a lettings agency is fundamental for both landlords and tenants. It dictates the overall cost of engaging with their services, and transparency in this area is a hallmark of a trustworthy business. Unfortunately, based solely on the Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage, specific pricing details are conspicuously absent.
What’s Missing from the Homepage
The Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage primarily focuses on showcasing available rental properties and client testimonials. While it provides the rental price for each property (e.g., £1,600 pcm | £369 pw), this is the rent payable to the landlord, not the fees charged by Extramileproperty.co.uk for its services.
Key pricing information that is not available on the homepage includes: Naturekitchen.co.uk Review
- Tenant Fees: Although the Tenant Fees Act 2019 largely banned most tenant fees in England, certain permitted fees (like holding deposits, default fees for late rent, or early termination fees) can still apply. A transparent agency would clearly outline these on a dedicated page accessible from the homepage.
- Landlord Fees: This is arguably the most critical missing piece of information for potential landlord clients. Lettings agencies typically charge landlords a percentage of the monthly rent for management services, a one-off fee for finding tenants (letting-only service), or a combination of both. These fees can vary significantly and typically cover:
- Letting Service: Includes marketing, viewings, tenant vetting, and drawing up tenancy agreements.
- Rent Collection Service: Managing rent payments and arrears.
- Full Management Service: Comprehensive service covering all aspects from tenant find to maintenance, inspections, and legal compliance.
- Additional Service Charges: Agencies might charge extra for services such as inventory checks, deposit protection registration, gas safety certificates, electrical safety checks, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), or professional cleaning at the end of a tenancy.
Why Transparent Pricing Matters
For both landlords and tenants, a clear breakdown of fees is essential for several reasons:
- Budgeting: Clients need to accurately budget for the costs associated with renting or letting a property. Hidden or unclear fees can lead to unexpected financial burdens.
- Comparison: Without transparent pricing, it’s impossible for potential clients to compare Extramileproperty.co.uk’s services and value for money against competitors. This is a critical factor in a competitive market.
- Trust and Legitimacy: Reputable businesses, especially those in regulated industries like property, understand that clear pricing builds trust. Obfuscation of fees often leads to suspicion and indicates a lack of professionalism.
- Legal Compliance: While the Tenant Fees Act 2019 limits what can be charged to tenants, landlords need clear information about their financial commitments. Adherence to consumer protection laws often implies clear and accessible pricing.
Implications of Missing Pricing Information
The absence of any pricing details on the Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage means that prospective clients must actively seek this information, likely by contacting the agency directly. This adds an unnecessary hurdle to the initial engagement process. In today’s digital age, where information is expected to be readily available, this lack of transparency can be a deterrent.
For landlords, it means they cannot quickly assess whether Extramileproperty.co.uk’s services align with their budget or compare their offerings with other agencies providing similar management or letting services. This forces potential clients to invest more time and effort, potentially leading them to competitor websites that offer more immediate fee transparency.
While the agency might have a dedicated “Landlord” or “Services” page with this information, its omission from the central homepage prevents a holistic and immediate understanding of their value proposition. For a “first-class service,” this level of detail should be easily accessible.
Extramileproperty.co.uk vs. Competitors
When evaluating Extramileproperty.co.uk, it’s helpful to compare its online presence and apparent offerings against established competitors in the UK property market. These competitors range from large, well-known property portals to traditional high-street agencies and hybrid models. The comparison highlights where Extramileproperty.co.uk stands out and, more critically, where it falls short in a crowded and highly digitised industry. Westfieldfastners.co.uk Review
Comparison with Major Property Portals (Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket)
- Reach and Inventory:
- Rightmove/Zoopla/OnTheMarket: These are the giants, acting as aggregators for thousands of estate and letting agents across the UK. They boast an unparalleled volume of property listings, providing users with the broadest possible choice. Their market penetration is immense, and they are often the first stop for anyone looking for property.
- Extramileproperty.co.uk: Appears to be a single agency, offering a comparatively minuscule number of listings, primarily focused on London. While they might have a local specialisation, their overall reach is limited to their own managed properties, not the entire market.
- Features and User Experience:
- Portals: Offer advanced search filters, interactive maps, detailed area guides, school checker tools, valuation tools, and often integrated mortgage calculators. Their user interfaces are typically sophisticated, highly intuitive, and mobile-optimised. They invest heavily in user experience and data analytics.
- Extramileproperty.co.uk: Provides basic search and listing display. Features like interactive maps, detailed area information, or robust filtering options are not apparent on the homepage. The design is functional but lacks the polish and extensive features of major portals.
- Business Model:
- Portals: Primarily generate revenue through advertising fees from agents. They don’t directly handle properties or manage tenancies.
- Extramileproperty.co.uk: A direct lettings agency, managing properties and tenancies on behalf of landlords. This means a direct relationship with clients but a smaller scale of operation.
Comparison with Hybrid and Online-Only Agencies (OpenRent, Purplebricks)
- Fee Transparency:
- OpenRent/Purplebricks: Often pride themselves on transparent, upfront fee structures, particularly for landlords. OpenRent, for instance, clearly lists its fees for tenant find or management services on its website. Purplebricks offers fixed fees for selling or letting.
- Extramileproperty.co.uk: As noted, pricing information for landlords and specific tenant fees is missing from the homepage, making it difficult to compare costs transparently.
- Service Model:
- OpenRent: Facilitates direct landlord-to-tenant interaction, cutting out traditional agents. This appeals to landlords who want more control and lower costs.
- Purplebricks: A hybrid model, combining online tools with local property experts. They offer a more streamlined, tech-driven approach compared to traditional high-street agents.
- Extramileproperty.co.uk: Appears to operate more like a traditional high-street lettings agency with an online presence, rather than a fully online or hybrid model focusing on cost reduction through automation.
- Regulatory Display:
- Many reputable online/hybrid agencies prominently display their regulatory compliance (Property Ombudsman, CMP) as a key trust signal.
- Extramileproperty.co.uk: This crucial information is not visible on their homepage, which places them at a disadvantage in terms of immediate perceived trustworthiness.
Comparison with Traditional High-Street Lettings Agencies
- Local Presence and Personal Service:
- Traditional Agencies: Often have a physical office, allowing for face-to-face interactions, which some clients prefer. They tend to offer highly personalised services.
- Extramileproperty.co.uk: While they claim to be a “leading lettings agency,” the homepage doesn’t indicate a physical presence or specific areas of local expertise beyond “across London.” The online experience doesn’t immediately convey the depth of personal service a client might expect from a traditional agent.
- Trust and Brand Recognition:
- Established Agencies: Benefit from years of local reputation, word-of-mouth referrals, and established brand recognition within their operating areas.
- Extramileproperty.co.uk: The website provides minimal background information about the company’s history or team, making it harder for new clients to assess its long-term reliability or reputation without external research.
Overall Competitive Standing
Extramileproperty.co.uk appears to be operating in a very competitive space. Its online presence, while functional, lacks the comprehensive features, transparent regulatory disclosures, and clear pricing models that have become standard among leading property portals and even many smaller, modern agencies.
To effectively compete, Extramileproperty.co.uk would need to:
- Enhance Transparency: Clearly display regulatory body memberships, CMP scheme details, and easy access to legal documents (T&Cs, Privacy Policy).
- Improve User Experience: Implement more advanced search filters, better property presentation (e.g., more photos, floor plans, virtual tours), and possibly interactive maps.
- Provide Comprehensive Information: Offer dedicated sections for landlords detailing services and transparent fee structures.
- Boost Trust Signals: Integrate with external review platforms if available, and provide more verifiable details about the company and its team.
Without these enhancements, Extramileproperty.co.uk risks being perceived as less professional and less trustworthy than its more established and digitally savvy competitors, which could significantly impact its ability to attract and retain clients in the long run.
How to Verify a Lettings Agency’s Legitimacy
Verifying the legitimacy of a lettings agency before engaging with their services is an absolute must, especially when vital information is not readily available on their website. This process helps protect your money, personal data, and ensures you’re dealing with a reputable and compliant business. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check for Redress Scheme Membership
All letting and property management agents in England, by law, must be a member of a government-approved redress scheme. There are two main schemes: Amberden.co.uk Review
- The Property Ombudsman (TPO): https://www.tpos.co.uk/
- Property Redress Scheme (PRS): https://www.theprs.co.uk/
Action: Go to the websites of TPO and PRS. Most schemes have a “Find an Agent” or “Search Member” facility. Enter the agency’s name (e.g., “Extra Mile Property”) to see if they are listed as a member. If they are not listed on either, it’s a significant red flag, and you should avoid them.
Step 2: Verify Client Money Protection (CMP)
Since April 2019, it’s a legal requirement for all letting agents handling client money to be part of an approved CMP scheme. This protects your money (e.g., rent payments, deposits) if the agent goes out of business. There are several approved schemes, including:
- Propertymark (ARLA/NAEA): https://www.propertymark.co.uk/
- RICS: https://www.rics.org/uk/
- UKALA: https://www.ukala.org.uk/
- Client Money Protect: https://www.clientmoneyprotect.co.uk/
- Safeagent: https://safeagents.co.uk/
Action: Look for logos or mentions of these schemes on the agency’s website (if not on the homepage, check “About Us” or “Contact” pages). Then, visit the respective scheme’s website and use their search facility to confirm the agency’s membership. The GOV.UK website also provides a list of approved CMP schemes: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/client-money-protection-schemes-for-property-agents.
Step 3: Check Companies House Registration
All legitimate companies in the UK must be registered with Companies House. This is a public register providing information about company directors, registered office addresses, and financial filings.
Action: Go to the Companies House website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house. Use their “Find company information” search tool to look for the company name (e.g., “Extra Mile Property”). Check the company’s status (should be “active”), registered address, and who the directors are. This helps confirm it’s a real, active business. Bonrestaurants.co.uk Review
Step 4: Review Online Presence and Independent Reviews
While website testimonials are a start, independent reviews provide a more objective perspective.
Action:
- Google Reviews: Search for “[Agency Name] reviews” on Google Maps.
- Trustpilot: Check Trustpilot for reviews: https://uk.trustpilot.com/
- AllAgents: A property-specific review site: https://www.allagents.co.uk/
- Social Media: Look at their social media profiles (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) to see activity, engagement, and any public comments.
Be wary of agencies with very few reviews, only overwhelmingly positive reviews (which can sometimes be faked), or a high number of negative reviews citing similar issues (e.g., hidden fees, poor communication, deposit disputes).
Step 5: Scrutinise Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy
These legal documents are crucial. The Privacy Policy explains how your data is collected, used, and protected (GDPR compliance). The Terms and Conditions outline the agreement between you and the agency, including fees, responsibilities, and dispute resolution.
Action: Look for clear links to these documents on the agency’s website, typically in the footer. Read them carefully before signing anything. If you cannot find them easily, or if they seem vague or incomplete, proceed with caution. Bertysbrews.co.uk Review
Step 6: Ask Direct Questions
If you still have doubts after your online research, contact the agency directly and ask specific questions:
- “Which redress scheme are you a member of, and what is your membership number?”
- “Which Client Money Protection scheme are you a member of, and what is your membership number?”
- “Can you provide a full breakdown of all fees for [landlords/tenants]?”
- “What is your company registration number with Companies House?”
A legitimate agency will be able to provide this information readily and transparently. Any hesitation or refusal to provide these details is a significant warning sign.
By diligently following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of dealing with an illegitimate or non-compliant lettings agency, ensuring a safer and more ethical property experience.
FAQ
Is Extramileproperty.co.uk a legitimate lettings agency?
Based on looking at the website, Extramileproperty.co.uk presents itself as a lettings agency with active property listings and client testimonials. However, without clear and prominent display of regulatory body memberships (like Property Ombudsman or Client Money Protection schemes) and easily accessible legal documents (Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy) on its homepage, full legitimacy and compliance cannot be immediately verified.
Does Extramileproperty.co.uk show its regulatory compliance?
No, the Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage does not prominently display membership logos or explicit statements about its adherence to mandatory regulatory schemes like the Property Ombudsman/Redress Scheme or a Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme. This information is crucial for verifying its legitimacy and ensuring client fund protection. Clearplastictube.co.uk Review
Are there any contact details visible on the Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage?
The homepage of Extramileproperty.co.uk does not feature prominently displayed contact information such as a phone number, email address, or physical office address. While there is a “Links” section, it mainly directs to property details, implying contact information may be on other internal pages, but it’s not immediately accessible from the main page.
What kind of properties are listed on Extramileproperty.co.uk?
Extramileproperty.co.uk lists residential rental properties, primarily focusing on areas across London. The examples on the homepage include flats with various bedroom counts and furnishing statuses, such as “Unfurnished 2 1” or “Furnished Studio 1.”
Does Extramileproperty.co.uk offer services for landlords?
While Extramileproperty.co.uk states it is a “leading lettings agency” serving clients, the homepage primarily showcases properties for rent, implying services for tenants. There isn’t a dedicated section or prominent call to action on the homepage specifically outlining services for landlords (e.g., property management, tenant finding, legal compliance).
How transparent is Extramileproperty.co.uk about its fees?
Based on the homepage, Extramileproperty.co.uk does not display any information about its fees for either tenants or landlords. This lack of transparency means potential clients cannot immediately assess the costs associated with using their services without further inquiry.
Can I find the Terms and Conditions or Privacy Policy on the Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage?
No, the Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage does not have readily visible links to its Terms and Conditions or Privacy Policy. These legal documents are essential for outlining user rights, data handling practices, and service agreements, and their absence on the main page is a notable omission. Everest-mortgages.co.uk Review
How does Extramileproperty.co.uk compare to Rightmove or Zoopla?
Extramileproperty.co.uk is a single lettings agency, offering its own managed properties. In contrast, Rightmove and Zoopla are large property portals that aggregate listings from thousands of agents across the UK, offering a far broader inventory and more advanced search features. Extramileproperty.co.uk operates on a much smaller scale with more basic online functionalities.
Are the client testimonials on Extramileproperty.co.uk verified?
The client testimonials on Extramileproperty.co.uk are positive statements from individuals identified by name (e.g., Miss Maureen Sanderson, Mr Jason Ichongiri). However, the homepage does not provide any external links to third-party review platforms or verification methods, making it difficult to independently confirm their authenticity.
What is the primary focus of Extramileproperty.co.uk based on its homepage?
The primary focus of Extramileproperty.co.uk, as seen on its homepage, is to showcase available rental properties in London and convey its status as a professional lettings agency through a general mission statement and client testimonials.
Does Extramileproperty.co.uk provide an online search for properties?
Yes, the Extramileproperty.co.uk homepage includes a “Search Property” bar, suggesting that users can search for listings. However, the exact functionality and filtering options available within this search are not detailed on the homepage.
Is Extramileproperty.co.uk mobile-friendly?
While not explicitly tested, the website’s clean and relatively simple layout suggests it would likely render adequately on mobile devices. However, a full assessment of its mobile responsiveness and user experience would require direct testing on various devices. Clinisupplies.co.uk Review
How fresh are the property listings on Extramileproperty.co.uk?
The homepage displays a section titled “Latest Properties,” suggesting that the listings are regularly updated. However, the specific frequency of updates or the date when each property was added is not explicitly stated next to the individual listings on the homepage.
Does Extramileproperty.co.uk mention anything about property sales?
No, based on the provided homepage text, Extramileproperty.co.uk exclusively positions itself as a “lettings agency.” There is no mention or indication that they handle property sales.
Are there any interactive features on Extramileproperty.co.uk’s homepage?
The homepage includes clickable links to view individual property details and a search bar. However, it does not appear to feature more advanced interactive elements like virtual tours, interactive maps, or live chat functions directly visible on the main page.
What level of detail is provided for each property on the homepage?
For each property, the homepage provides the rent (pcm and pw), location (e.g., Lanier Road SE13), furnishing status (e.g., unfurnished, furnished), number of bedrooms, and number of bathrooms. Further details require clicking through to the individual property page.
Is it safe to use Extramileproperty.co.uk without knowing their regulatory status?
It is strongly advised to verify a lettings agency’s regulatory status, particularly their membership in a redress scheme and Client Money Protection scheme, before engaging with their services. Proceeding without this information carries risks regarding consumer protection and financial security. Skipperwaste.co.uk Review
How can a potential client verify Extramileproperty.co.uk’s legitimacy?
Potential clients should independently verify Extramileproperty.co.uk’s legitimacy by checking their membership with The Property Ombudsman (TPO) or Property Redress Scheme (PRS) and an approved Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme. They should also look up the company on Companies House and search for independent online reviews.
Does Extramileproperty.co.uk offer any guarantees for landlords or tenants?
The homepage mentions a commitment to “putting our clients first, meeting expectations and bringing value to the marketplace.” However, it does not explicitly state any specific guarantees, such as guaranteed rent schemes for landlords or service level agreements for tenants, on its main page.
What should I do if Extramileproperty.co.uk does not provide sufficient transparency?
If Extramileproperty.co.uk does not provide sufficient transparency regarding its regulatory compliance, fees, and legal documents on its website, it is advisable to contact them directly to request this information. If they are unwilling or unable to provide clear answers, consider seeking services from an agency that is fully transparent and compliant with UK property regulations.
Leave a Reply