Bernards Estate and Letting Agents LTD -Southsea

I just sold my 1 bed flat with Bernards, from offer to completion in 5 weeks. I could not be more impressed with the service. Toni was really helpful and managed the process through every step of the way from start to finish. Would definitely recommend

Do not use Bernard’s Southsea My experience with Bernard’s started in 2023 when Lucky Fenton came to value one of my rental properties. The valuation was fair, and as I didn’t want the hassle of rent collection or day-to-day management, we agreed a guaranteed rent arrangement. Bernard’s charged me a £300 monthly management fee, which I thought was expensive, but the numbers still worked for me, so I signed the contract. Year 1: No issues at all. The tenants were excellent, everything ran smoothly, and I was happy with the service. Year 2: New tenants moved in and initially raised several maintenance concerns. I explained that I was happy to send a plumber, but if no fault was found they would need to cover the call-out charge. They declined, and after that I didn’t hear anything further. They turned out to be good tenants overall. Year 3: This is where my experience went downhill. The tenants gave notice after finding another property. As I also own the flat above, I asked Bernard’s to find tenants for both properties. We agreed verbally that there would be no set-up fee because of our existing relationship. Before new tenants were found, I decided to withdraw. With the new landlord regulations, I no longer felt the guaranteed rent model was the right fit, and instead signed with an Airbnb management company that offered a more comprehensive service, better returns and a five-year agreement. Bernard’s then sent me a bill for around £500 for advertising and associated costs, despite there being no new signed contract. The only contract I had ever signed with them was back in 2023. When I questioned this, I was told, “We wouldn’t send you a new contract for every tenant.” Personally, I found that difficult to understand, as each tenancy is a separate agreement. I also asked about the legal basis for the charges and was told Bernard’s doesn’t have in-house legal counsel and that my only option was to make a complaint. To make matters worse, the tenants left the property in a poor condition, and I paid £600 for a professional clean. The tenants had agreed to reimburse me £300 towards that cost, but Bernard’s retained that money and informed me I still owed them a further £200. I strongly disagree with how this was handled and don’t believe it was fair. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Bernard’s Southsea. I’ve already advised a friend against using them, and he has also chosen to use an Airbnb management company instead. For balance, I should say that my experience with the Fareham branch has been completely different—they’ve been excellent. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the Southsea office.

We recently sold our house through Bernards, having used them once before also, and we couldn't be happier with the service we received. From the initial valuation through to exchange, the whole team was professional, proactive and supportive. A special thank you to Toni, who went above and beyond to keep everything moving when things seemed to get a little tricky! Her communication was excellent throughout, she kept us updated at every stage, chased where necessary, and was always available to answer our questions. Selling a house can be stressful, but she made the process feel as smooth as possible. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Bernards to anyone looking to sell their home. Thank you again to the whole team for all your hard work.

I ended up with another estate agent, but used Bernards a lot during the searching process as they look after a large portion of the Southsea market. Mia is very proactive, which is what you want. She suggested tailored options rather than inundating me with listings and got me in to view the property as fast as possible. I cannot vouch for the buying process, but they are highly responsive during the property search.

Honestly couldn't have asked for a better first time buyer experience! Lacie was amazing in showing us great properties and making sure to personalise our search! With her help, it only took us 2 viewings to find our beautiful home! Ayesha was also a star! She helped us with the mortgage and was incredibly patient with us and all our questions! She also helped us find solicitors, which was a great help! All in all - we're thankful to Bernards Estate Agents and recommend their services!

We (my uncle and I as executors) recently sold my late grandma's house through Bernards. We were thoroughly impressed by the compassion, professionalism, and can do attitude of Craig Hopes and Toni Mulliss. We'd met Craig years previously when he kindly valued the house when my Grandfather died. My grandma was quite taken with him(!). The advice we received re pricing and how to market was on point; we sold the property at listing price - in this market - to demanding buyers. When the buyers asked for even minor items to be addressed - as they were a 'dealbreaker' - prior to exchange, Bernards promptly and efficiently made the arrangements. This was greatly appreciated as none of the family are local and we all have family and work commitments. Toni did a great job in pushing the sale through; tenacious is an understatement (she really does care). Bernards was one of three agents we met; not only was it down to personality, but also the sensible approach Bernard takes to its terms of business. And of course my grandma would have wanted Crag to sell the home(!). I cannot recommend Bernards highly enough. Thanks once again to Craig and Toni. Professional, empathetic, and just very good at what they do,

I had the pleasure of working with Darcey Harms while flat hunting in Southsea and couldn't be happier with the experience! She was very kind, professional and responsive, answering all of my questions (and I had MANY). The process was smooth from start to finish, without any kind of issue! Overall my experience with the entire Bernards team has been has been great!