James Laurence Estate Agents
Birmingham estate agents offering strong sales and purchase support, though rental management experiences vary considerably.
What customers love
- Tom, Karan, and Henry deliver consistent, proactive communication throughout transactions
- Exceptional ability to navigate complex property chains and complete quickly
- Professional, detail-oriented approach with hands-on support from familiar agents
Worth noting
- Poor communication during tenancy handovers and significant delays in rent payments to landlords
- Deposit disputes and inadequate handling of end-of-tenancy issues requiring mediation
Best for
Property buyers and sellers requiring attentive, communicative support through complex transactions.
What reviewers warned about
Issues raised independently by two or more reviewers of James Laurence Estate Agents, with what to ask before you hire. These are reports by customers, not findings by Veted.
Delayed or no communication on tenancy updates
Moderate3 reviewers, 2025-2026Three reviewers reported significant delays and lack of communication during rental applications and tenancy takeovers. One reviewer was given little notice before an application was withdrawn; another had to repeatedly chase for updates and was only later told staff were on holiday; a third reported no response to emails from a property owner about delayed rent delivery.
Ask before you hire: Ask what their standard communication response time is and request their complaints log.
Deposit charges disputed and required mediation
Moderate2 reviewers, 2025-2026Two reviewers reported having to pursue formal dispute resolution over deposit deductions. One went through a deposit protection scheme dispute; another had to attend mediation, which ruled in their favour.
Ask before you hire: Ask for their deposit protection scheme registration number and dispute resolution process.
Summarised from public customer reviews. Reports reflect individual experiences at the time they were written and may since have been resolved. Own this business? Respond to these reports.
Attribute scores
Recent reviews
I had an extremely disappointing experience with this estate agency and would strongly encourage anyone considering renting, buying or selling through them to think carefully.<br>After progressing through the rental application process, our application was withdrawn at the very last minute with little communication or explanation. We were then told that the landlord wanted to increase the rent. Despite agreeing to the higher rent to avoid losing the property, the agency failed to keep us informed of the outcome or provide any meaningful updates.<br>The lack of communication and consideration caused an incredible amount of unnecessary stress. We have two young children and had spent the weekend preparing for our move. We were around 90% packed and ready to leave, only to be left in limbo with no answers.<br>To make matters worse, I submitted a formal complaint about how the situation was handled, but no proper complaints procedure has been followed and no genuine attempt has been made to address or resolve my concerns.<br>I understand that landlords can change their minds and that not every tenancy proceeds as planned. However, the way this agency handled the situation was unprofessional, inconsiderate and lacking in basic communication. A simple update or honest explanation would have made a significant difference.<br>Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this agency. If you're looking to rent, buy or sell through them, be aware that communication and customer care may fall well below what you would reasonably expect.
Very disappointing experience during a tenancy takeover. Despite my tenancy starting on 19 June, I received little to no communication and had to repeatedly chase for updates by phone and email. I was only informed days later that the person handling my case was on holiday, causing significant delays.<br>Key collection arrangements were never explained, yet I was later told it was my responsibility to collect them from the outgoing tenant. I also had to request important documents, including the inventory report and deposit protection details that was only sent yesterday.<br>To make matters worse, I was charged full rent despite being unable to move into the property due to delays and miscommunication that were entirely outside of my control. Overall, a frustrating and poorly managed experience I would say.
I am a property owner working with this property management company. Although our tenant pays the rent on time every month, this company delivers the rent to us with a significant delay. This month, it's been over 15 days and they still haven't sent the rent. Despite repeatedly trying to contact them via email, I receive no response. Furthermore, they are not properly managing processes for us (such as municipal taxes and electricity bills), and because we are unaware of these bills, they have put us in a position where we may face legal action.
After a not so good experience with a different agency I switched to James Lawrence and had a great experience selling a house with Tom and Karan. They always kept me up to date so I knew what was going on at every step of the way, I would happily recommend and use them again
Really great experience with James Laurence - Jamie was incredibly helpful from start to finish, helping me go through the sometimes stressful experience of renting a new place. Extremely professional and friendly, very quick to respond. Can't recommend enough.<br><br>Edited; upon leaving our flat the process became incredibly poor and we had to fight to get our deposit back with James Laurence being really uncommunicative and unhelpful. Had to go to mediation in the end which ruled in our favour. Also cleaned and tidied the whole flat for a viewing with James Laurence had cancelled and didn’t tell me until I chased them on it. Poor and really let themselves down.
the worst letting agents and landlord I have ever dealt with, properly riddled with bed bugs to the point that a year out of living in the properly I have still got an issue with bed bugs, their property ruined my personal items and destroyed my mental health wouldn’t recommend they don’t deal with their issues and leave tenants traumatised.
Henry looked after us following our offer being accepted. He was fantastic at keeping us updated with progress and next steps and, as the final days before completion approached, really pulled out all the stops to ensure the whole chain was able to meet the moving date deadline, always on the ball and a pleasure to have his support in our buying journey.
I can’t fully explain how brilliant I think all the guys at James Laurence are. They have helped us to sell our house and without their input, I very much doubt we could have bought our new house either.<br>They have been patient, honest and transparent in their dealings with us. Always available and help to find solutions to our issues. Tom and Karan have been amazing. Henry is a superstar and his way to handle the process for our chain has gone way above and beyond anything I have ever seen.<br>We have dealt with many estate agents in the hope of finding our next house and none of them can lick the boots of James Laurence.<br>You’d be absolutely nuts to choose any other estate agents.
Thanks to Henry, Tom and the team for getting my property sold. It was a long and complex case, but they rose to the challenge. Prompt responses and thorough service. Very pleased with the outcome. Natasha