Dexters Review

London is an amazing but expensive place to live. A bustling city known for its history, delicious food, and abundant employment opportunities, the cost of living in London is almost 60% higher than the rest of the UK. 

This makes the London property market unique. It’s also one reason why prospective buyers, sellers, and renters need a specialized estate agency to navigate the city. And that’s where Dexters come into play.

Dexters is a team of professionals with ample experience and first-hand knowledge of the London property market. They have a pulse on the booming city and the valuable expertise needed to help clients make informed decisions about the future. 

Keep reading to learn more about this London agency, including what services they offer, how much they charge, and what real customers have to say.

All About Dexters

Dexters opened its doors in 1993, which means the company recently celebrated 20 years in business. Since then, the company has established itself as an expert in selling and letting properties throughout London. Agents at Dexters offer realistic and current market information, helping you list your property at a realistic price. The agency also prides itself on being reliable, honest, and knowledgeable.

As of this writing, Dexters has 12 offices in prime central London, 40 offices in Central London, and over 80 locations across the capitol. They’ve also received their fair share of accolades and awards based on years of success.

• Property Management Department of the Year 2018
• Large Lettings Agent of the Year 2018
• London Estate Agent of the Year 2018
• Residential Agent of the Year 2018
• The most highly recommended estate agent of 2020 (according to YouGov’s Brand Index rankings)
• UK’s Best Lettings Agency 2021
• London’s Best Estate Agents 2021

Dexters is also a part of several notable ombudsman and schemes, including:

• The Property Ombudsman
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors 
• The Association of Residential Lettings Agents

Dexters have also entered the online letting agent market, through their acquisition of Howsy

Dexter’s agents strive to exceed client expectations. The agency handles inquiries from local, national, and overseas buyers and tenants. This includes both investors and occupiers. Dexters offers a wide range of services (more on this below), including residential sales and lettings, relocation, and corporate and international lettings. 

One reason for Dexter’s long track record of success is their investment in employee training and long-term career development. At Dexters, agents become professional partners and advocates for their clients. According to the website, more than 90% of the company’s managers come from the internal training program. 

Landlord Services

London is home to over 2.7 million renters. This means ample opportunities for landlords to make money. But without the right services and resources in place, the London letting market can be an intimidating place.

Here are the basic landlord services offered by Dexters in hopes of simplifying and maximizing the rental experience.

Free Property Valuation

Dexters offer free property valuations for all prospective landlords. With over 200 requests per week, Dexters understands the letting market from the inside out. You can schedule a free valuation by visiting the website and choosing a day and time. You’ll also need to provide your name, email address, phone number, property address, and any other information you want your agent to know. 

Eye-Catching Listings

First impressions are important – especially when it comes to securing reliable tenants and making the most of your rental property. In their experience, Dexters’ agents claim that most tenants make up their minds about letting a property within the first few minutes of the initial visit. This is why you must show your property at its best. 

Dexters offer landlords advice on what improvements and upgrades are worth it and which will deliver the highest ROI. Dexters’ own Design and Interiors Team can arrange stagings or perform a complete makeover, depending on your needs and your home’s condition. Dexters has its own floor planners, brochure designers, and photographers.

Listing Exposure and Advertising 

Armed with a beautiful listing, now it’s time to get your property on the market and in front of thousands of potential tenants. Dexters’ experienced team of agents is highly skilled at creating buzz and excitement about your rental property. 

Once you sign up with Dexters, your agent will start promoting your property right away. They then use this momentum to attract multiple offers and secure you the best possible rent. Unlike other agencies that simply list your property on different portals and wait for tenants to make contact, Dexters takes a more proactive approach by speaking to potential tenants on a weekly basis. This helps generate more interest and more viewings. 

Dexters also offers “off the market” advertising, which is a more discreet approach and involves agents speaking directly with tenants behind the scenes. Hosting open houses is another effective way that Dexters creates excitement and interest by letting tenants know that other people are interested in the property. This helps create a sense of urgency and could lead to a higher offer, faster. 

Dexters’ goal is to attract the right tenant, not the first tenant. This involves constant work, planning, and communication. Agents are in constant communication with landlords as the letting process unfolds. Your agent might suggest tweaking your listing or trying a new marketing approach. The agent will also handle all viewings and give you a detailed update directly afterward. Having a dedicated agent gives landlords a single point of contact, helping reduce confusion, mixed messages, and missed opportunities.  

Tenant Choice

Dexters is dedicated to helping landlords choose the best tenant. In fact, it’s a key part of the agency’s mission. Dexters adopts the belief that they would never let a client’s home to someone they wouldn’t allow in their own homes. The agency has an intensive referencing and vetting procedure and extremely high standards for all tenants. Tenants also claim to enjoy working with Dexters’ agents and speak highly of their property management services. 

As of this writing, there are over 140 laws that affect landlords. Both new and experienced landlords can rest easy knowing that Dexters is always up to date on changing laws and regulations within the property market. Your agent will advise and guide you on any major changes or upgrades you need to make to ensure your property remains compliant. 

Tenant Advice

Speaking of advice and guidance, Dexters doesn’t stop once they find you a reliable tenant. Once you’ve accepted an offer and agreed on the terms, Dexters will draft the appropriate paperwork and contracts for both parties. They will also make arrangements to deliver the keys to the tenants. 

For those landlords who plan to manage their own tenancies, Dexters will also deliver your contact information to the tenants in case issues arise. If you choose to use Dexters’ property management services (more on this below), your tenants will receive contact information for a dedicated Property Manager. They will also have access to Dexters’ 24-hour helpline. 

Property Management 

Not all landlords have the time, patience, or expertise to manage their own rental properties. Being a full-time landlord is stressful and time-consuming. If you prefer a hands-off approach to renting, Dexters’ property management services can help.

Dexters offers three different packages for landlords – Rent Managed Service, Fully Managed Service, and Premium Service. Each package comes with a different level of service and price tag. Dexters manages everything from single flats to individual properties for over 50,000 landlords throughout London. 

Some of the major benefits and services included with their property management services include:

• All property management offices are within 15 minutes of your property
• Local experts perform all property inspections and get to know the property in great detail 
• Dexters property managers are available 24/7, 365 days a year, to address any issues that may arise from maintenance and repairs to rent collection and tenant disputes
• Dexters has professional working relationships with over 100 local contractors who offer special rates for maintenance, repairs, and refurbishments 
• Dexters’ in-house team of Maintenance Engineers can perform midsize jobs, saving landlords money and time 
• Landlords receive advice and guidance on all renewal negotiations, regulations, and laws

Landlords also have the freedom of choosing between fully managed services and individual services that meet their unique needs and price points. 

Feedback 

Another thing landlords like about Dexters’ services is that they’re comprehensive and thorough. Dexters help landlords fully prepare the property for incoming tenants. Agents also offer new tenants advice on moving day. Tenants are encouraged to contact their property manager with any issues and to treat the home like their own. This results in longer tenancies, more renewals, and fewer disputes. 

If the tenant decides to leave or end the lease early, The Dexters’ team will immediately start searching for a new tenant to fill their place. The goal is never to have a rental property sit vacant. Dexters prides itself on consistency, which is why 70% of the company’s business comes from referrals and repeat customers. Dexters encourage all satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and feedback on the site and to recommend friends and family. 

Corporate and International Services 

Dexters’ primary market is London, but the agency services buyers, investors, and tenants worldwide. This includes corporate lettings as well as residential. Dexters is quickly expanding its network and becoming known as the top estate agent for relocations and Blue Chip companies. These high-end services help Dexters attract high-quality tenants. 

Some benefits for global companies and organizations include:

• Orientation with the area
• Settling-in services
• Long and short-term accommodations
• Domestic relocation
• Graduate tenancies
• Embassy and Government department lettings
• Access to some of London’s finest “off market” properties

Click here for a full list of corporate and relocation services. 

Letting Fee Structure

Dexters’ commission structure is pretty straightforward. Most commissions are spread over the course of the tenancy agreement, making it more affordable for landlords. These fees are deducted directly from the landlord’s monthly rent. Dexters’ Premium Management Services come with a standard commission rate of 18% (21.6% including VAT). 

The charts below show what services are included with Dexters’ three most popular packages – Premium Management, Full Management, and Rent Management.

Daily maintenance and repairs are included with the management fees. Any major repairs or refurbishments that exceed £500 will also incur a 12% fee (including VAT). Extensive improvements that exceed £2,500 may incur a project management fee of 24% (including VAT). 

Fully-managed services are available for 19.2% (including VAT). Rent management services are just 13.2%, including VAT. These service packages come with additional fees, which are as follows:

• Inventory report – Between £114 and £276, depending on the size of the property and the furnishings
• Check-in and check-out – £156 for an inventory clerk to greet your tenant and perform a check-in report. For another £156, the clerk will also perform a property check at the end of the tenancy. 
• International bank transfer fees – All overseas transfers will incur a £30 charge
• Non-scheduled property visits – If a member of Dexters’ team needs to visit the property outside of the contractual obligations, you will incur a £72 fee for the first hour and £36 for any additional hours. These visits could include accepting deliveries, waiting for contractors, and similar tasks. 
• Electrical installation condition report – Dexters can arrange for an electrician to visit your property and perform all necessary safety checks before the tenancy begins. These services range in price from £230 to £330, depending on the size of the property. 
• Energy performance certificate – Another important certification, Dexters can arrange for an energy assessor to visit your property and provide an EPC at a cost of £144.
• Gas safety certificate – Dexters can arrange for a registered engineer to visit your property and perform all necessary safety checks before issuing a gas certificate at a cost of £102. Boiler checks plus a gas safety certificate will cost slightly more, at £190.
• Carbon monoxide alarm – Dexters can arrange for a CO alarm installation for £60. Additional alarms will only cost you £30. You can also have these alarms installed at the same time as the gas safety check for a flat fee of £136.
• Risk assessment – £84
• Property license application – Dexters can help with the application process for £375
• Early surrender of tenancy – Dexters can prepare the proper legal documentation to replace current tenants or end a tenancy early. The administration fee for this is £300.
• New tenancy administration fee – For £480, Dexters’ team will draw up the tenancy agreement, collect references, and protect the security deposit in a government-approved scheme. 
• Tenancy renewals – Dexter will help you negotiate contracts, amend and update terms, and arrange further tenancies for a fee of £240. 
• Rent review – For landlords looking to serve a section 13 notice, Dexters can help for £150.
• Start-of-day tenancy – If you want an agent present during move-in day, you can hire a professional for £78.

All landlords who live outside of the UK are subject to basic rate taxes unless they can provide an exemption certificate from HMRC. The processing fee for this service is £60 per quarter. 

Seller Services

Not all property owners want to rent. Some are looking to sell their homes and use the money to purchase another property. If this describes you, Dexters can help. Some seller benefits and services are similar to those offered to landlords, including a free valuation, staging your home for sale, conducting viewings, and creating buzz around your listing. 

But sales work differently than rental agreements. Here are a few resources available to homeowners looking to sell in the London area. 

Bespoke Marketing 

Even though Dexters proudly sells over 3,000 properties per year, they pride themselves on delivering a one-of-a-kind experience to every customer. Agents tailor their marketing efforts and approach to every client’s individual needs. In-house photographers and floor planners help design a bespoke advertisement for your property that highlights all of its best features. Advertising outlets include the Evening Standard, London magazines, the national press, and other local papers, plus Dexters’ own website.

Local Expertise

Dexters’ team of professional estate agents are also local experts with a pulse on the London property market. Armed with knowledge and insight about current market trends, Dexters always has buyers in waiting, helping secure faster sales. Most agents also live where they work and are members of the local community. This allows for greater networking opportunities and a valuable insider perspective.

International Exposure

Beyond just local communities and neighborhoods, Dexters also has an international reach. Dexters attracts thousands of potential buyers from around the world. Dexters’ Mayfair Showroom highlights the finest international properties. You can also view results from 12 of Dexters’ London offices here. Dexters has a dedicated Corporate Lettings and International Relocation Team to handle all overseas transactions and sales from start to finish. 

Negotiations 

Negotiating the sale of your property can be stressful. That’s why Dexters handles it for you. Your designated representative will manage the entire process for you. Dexters uses several strategies to create high demand and, in some cases, a bidding war among buyers. In the event that there’s a particularly strong interest in the property, Dexters may turn to a best-bid tinder or a sealed buyer. 

Even though Dexters handles most aspects of the sale, they’ll still keep you informed every step of the way so you can make informed decisions about your future. Once you discuss the details, your agent will relay messages between you and the buyer, as well as any solicitors, finance providers, and surveyors. All negotiations are done with your best interests in mind and based on your timescale. 

Dexters’ agents are also experienced at spotting red flags. They can tell if a buyer isn’t serious and take the necessary steps if they don’t do as promised. Your agent will also have a backup plan in place to keep things moving forward and find a replacement buyer quickly. You will receive continued updates throughout the process until the final sale is complete. 

Personalized Experience

Dexters’ promise is to represent your property the same way you would yourself. This starts with a visit to your home and a free valuation. During this time, the agent will ask specific questions to get to know more about you, your timeline, and what aspects of the sale matter most. These questions include things like, why did you choose this property and location? The more the agent knows about the property, the better equipped they’ll be to create a compelling listing and find you the right buyer. Agents spend an average of 150 and 200 hours selling a property.

Services for Buyers and Renters

Dexters doesn’t offer many direct services for buyers and renters. Instead, they focus most of their attention and efforts on promoting homes for rent and sale. However, they do feature new homes, properties, and developments within the London area. Many of these listings belong to Dexters’ clients, including sellers and landlords.

Dexter Reviews

With almost 5,000 reviews on Trustpilot, Dexter holds a commendable 4.4-star rating. 

Approximately 80% of all the reviews are 5-star, with a few falling below this mark. 

Common complaints from less-than-satisfied customers include lack of communication, unprofessionalism, and unsolicited advertising. Dexter representatives address these issues and respond to most negative reviews politely and in a timely manner. 

More positive reviews highlight the company’s ability to resolve maintenance issues, friendly and responsive staff, and overall efficiency. 

Positive Reviews

After we moved into our property, we were faced with a few maintenance issues but our agent has been extremely helpful in resolving these by liaising with the maintenance teams and organizing any repairs and has really been on our side through the whole experience. – James

Fantastic service! Always so responsive and friendly. They did some fantastic negotiations on my behalf. Head and shoulder above any other estate agents I’ve ever come across. Everyone was excellent. – Marsha Aldridge

I have been renting my flat for a dozen years with Dexters, and overall, they are good at what they do and generally get rent on time. My flat is agent-managed, so the team is generally responsive and gets things done well. – Roger M.

Negative Reviews

We struggled immensely with an unscrupulous, fraudulent, and absentee landlord and had a litany of serious issues with our property. None of these were remedied, and relationships broke down with the landlord, who claimed he was struggling to manage the property. – Sophia 

I keep getting leaflets when my letterbox says no junk mail! They have no respect. I don’t need their rubbish! – HSB

Awful experience with Dexters. Since day 1 moving into a rental property managed by Dexters, we’ve had countless issues that have taken ages to resolve, some of them still unresolved. – Natalie F.

Dexters: A London Estate Agency

The London market is unique and navigating it takes a special agency with an in-depth understanding of the city and surrounding areas. Dexters is one such agency. With years of experience working in and around London, the team of professionals is dedicated to helping landlords and property owners find the best deals for their homes. 

As with any estate agency, Dexters isn’t without its flaws. With high commission fees, aggressive sales tactics, and few services for buyers and renters, Dexters does leave a few things to be desired. Click here to compare Dexters and other leading agents in the London area.