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User Guide

Title

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    Williams & Donovan Lettings is Hockley's longest established lettings and property management company with a prominent office in the centre of town. This is a specialist office dedicated only to the rental business. Every member of our team has many years of experience and accumulated knowledge and can guide both Landlords and Tenants through the process of property rental.

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    We offer tailor-made services to suit a Landlord's requirements, offering anything from a Tenant finding only arrangement through to full property management services. Some clients ask us to just advertise their properties and they do the rest, others require only a tenancy agreement and inventory for their own Tenants. Whatever your needs, big or small, we can help.

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    For complete peace of mind all client money is held in a separate ring-fenced account and protected by the Client Money Protection Scheme administered the National Federation of Property Professionals. Williams & Donovan Lettings also subscribes to the Property Ombudsman's Code of Practice for Letting Agents and is a member of the government sponsored National Approved Letting Scheme.

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    If you are a new Landlord please ask for our free Landlord Guide. This explains letting procedures and your legal obligations in clear, uncomplicated language. We are happy to visit your property to offer a valuation and answer your questions without obligation. Alternatively if you prefer to telephone or call in the office any member of our team will be able to help.

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Features

Check out our available properties

You can see the properties we're currently marketing for rent by clicking the button below:

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User Guide

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    Your home or investment property is a major asset which you wish to protect. At the same time becoming a landlord brings a raft of legal responsibilities and obligations. At Williams & Donovan Lettings every member of our team has many years of experience in all aspects of the rental business and will guide you through the entire lettings process while helping you to comply with current and ever changing legislation.

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    We do appreciate that landlords come in all shapes and sizes from the experienced investor with a significant portfolio to the first time landlord with a single property to rent. Our services can be tailor-made to suit individual needs. We can help from just providing tenancy documentation through to a full letting and management service, or anything in between.

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    All our prospective tenants are referenced and credit checked and your final approval is requested before proceeding with a tenancy. We normally obtain a damages deposit equivalent to one month's rent but a higher deposit is often taken where pets are allowed. All damages deposits have to be covered by one of the government approved protection schemes. Landlords can utilise our membership of the Deposit Protection Service custodial scheme or make their own arrangements.

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    We will provide a full inventory of contents and irrespective of the service you request from us we can arrange for energy performance certificates, gas safety certificates, electrical inspections and smoke alarm installation. Where you ask for our full management service we have retained tradesmen to cover all eventualities but landlords can instruct us to use their own contractors if they so wish

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    Our existing landlord clients use our services for their properties in Rayleigh, Hockley, Rochford, Ashingdon, Hullbridge, Canewdon, South Fambridge, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea, Shoeburyness and Great Wakering. Please call us on 01702 200313, email us at lettings@williamsanddonovan.co.uk or drop into our office at 69 Southend Road, Hockley SS5 4PZ for free advice and a copy of our Landlord Guide.

Contact us

Features

Check out our available properties

You can see the properties we're currently marketing for rent by clicking the button below:

View properties
User Guide

Title

What we will ask you to do

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    We will ask you to complete an application form authorising us to carry out a credit check and take references. The references may vary according to your circumstances but will include either an employer's or accountant's reference and if applicable a previous landlord's reference.

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    If your income is insufficient to support the rental commitment some landlords may accept you with a guarantor. The guarantor must be able to prove financial ability to pay the rent on your behalf, agree to a credit check and sign a legally binding guarantor agreement.

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    You will usually be asked to pay a damages deposit equivalent to one month's rent and we will transfer this to the Deposit Protection Service Custodial Scheme for the term of your tenancy. Your deposit will be safe and the landlord can only make deductions with your agreement. In the rare event that you and your landlord cannot agree over any proposed deductions the Deposit Protection Service provides a free arbitration service to resolve the dispute.

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    For your peace of mind any funds paid to Williams & Donovan Lettings are protected by the National Federation of Property Professionals Client Money Protection Scheme.

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    Please call us on 01702 200666 if you have any questions and any member of our team will be able help.

Contact us

Features

Check out our available properties

You can see the properties we're currently marketing for rent by clicking the button below:

View properties

    Disclaimer

    The content on this Microsite has been uploaded by Williams and Donovan, Hockley. Rightmove Group Limited makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the content, any queries should be sent directly to Williams and Donovan, Hockley. Where properties are displayed on a page, this comprises a property advertisement. Rightmove Group Limited who operate the website Rightmove.co.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information, and Rightmove has no control over the content. These property advertisements do not constitute property particulars. The information is provided and maintained by Williams and Donovan, Hockley. Please contact the agent directly to obtain any information which may be available under the terms of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 or the Home Report if in relation to a residential property in Scotland and if you have any query over the content.

    *Guide Price: An indication of a seller's minimum expectation at auction and given as a “Guide Price” or a range of “Guide Prices”. This is not necessarily the figure a property will sell for and is subject to change prior to the auction.

    Reserve Price: Each auction property will be subject to a “Reserve Price” below which the property cannot be sold at auction. Normally the “Reserve Price” will be set within the range of “Guide Prices” or no more than 10% above a single “Guide Price.”

    Auction Fees: The purchase of this property may include associated fees not listed here, as it is to be sold via auction. To find out more about the fees associated with this property please call Williams and Donovan, Hockley on +441702200666.


    User Guide

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    About Us

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      Williams & Donovan Statistics
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      Williams & Donovan have been independently identified as one of the top estate agents in the country and now feature in the Best Estate Agent Guide. Over 3 billion data points were analysed and 20,000 mystery shops were carried out in the search for this year's top performers -the biggest assessment of any industry. The awards are made for property marketing, results and customer service. There are 15,000 estate agents in the country, and we are among this year's TOP award winners putting us in the top 3 per cent of estate agents in the country.


      Selling a property...

      We are the Top Selling Agent in the Local area selling twice as many properties (SS5 and SS4) within the past 12 month period with the closest rival agency.


      Looking for a property...

      Contact Williams & Donovan today and give yourself the best chance of finding your new home. 


      About us...

      We strive to be the agent of choice by providing exceptional customer service, honest advice and creative marketing.

      As an independent company, we thrive off our exceptional service. We have a proud reputation as the go-to agent in the area and ensure every client; both buyer and seller are guided through the whole process.

      With the corporate companies, the directors and area managers hide in their 'head offices' and ultimately do not answer to you, the client!

      All three directors live in the area and still are at the core of the business. Our Sales Directors will oversee the whole process and are further assisted by two office managers who in turn are backed up by a hand-selected team who all care for the business as if it is their own. This ensures you receive the exceptional service many agents promise but we feel only we deliver.

      Our business offers a full residential and commercial estate agency service complimented by property management, lettings and financial services.

      Our marketing campaigns are designed to promote our client's properties in a way that is suitable to their timescales and objectives. Editorial and local advert media will be utilised at every opportunity and incorporated into intelligent marketing campaigns.

      We offer a proactive and enthusiastic approach to buying, selling and renting homes across the entire 'SS' postcode region. This helps us to achieve our primary aim of combining traditional values and expert local knowledge within a modern estate agency service.

      For all of our clients, we aim to get them the best possible price, to move in the quickest timescale, with as little stress as possible to a committed buyer.

      We believe we employ some of the most talented, professional and respected individuals within the industry who have helped us to achieve our status as one of the most successful independent agents in the country.

      As proof of our commitment to customer service, Williams & Donovan further subscribe to the Property Ombudsman scheme and are licensed members of the National Association of Estate Agents. We are two separate independent bodies that oversee everything we do as a company. You can trust that you are dealing with total professionals.

      Find out for yourself why Williams & Donovan have become the areas most successful independent estate and lettings agents by booking in your FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION.


      Hockley Sales Office Opening Times

      Monday: 08:30 - 18:00

      Tuesday: 08:30 - 18:00

      Wednesday: 08:30 - 18:00

      Thursday: 08:30 - 18:00

      Friday: 08:30 - 18:00

      Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00

      Sunday: Closed

      Bank Holidays: Closed

      Christmas Holidays: Hours differ, please refer to our Google listing

    Contact us

    Features

    Check out our available properties

    You can see the properties we're currently marketing for sale by clicking the button below:

    View properties
    User Guide

    Title

    Our Hockley Sales Team

    • Introduction

      We believe we employ some of the most talented and respected individuals within the industry who have helped us ascertain our status as market leaders within the local area. We have helped move thousands of clients since opening in 1999 and continue to help hundreds of clients each year to sell and find their new home. 

      We have one of, if not the largest sales team is the 'SS' postcode. Read about our team below!

    • Team Member

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      Colin Donovan MNAEA - Co-Founder

      Following on from a career in London and then working for both independent and corporate estate agents, Colin and his business partner Ian opened Williams and Donovan in 1999. The business quickly became one of the most recognised and successful companies in the area and our success continues today.

      Colin an Ian laid down their aim for the company very early on which was to be the agent of choice by providing exceptional customer service, honest advice and creative marketing and this is still at the core of the business today. 

    • Team Member

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      James Whyte - Director

      James joined us in 2004 having worked for both independent and corporate companies since 1998. He is a popular face amongst the community having grown up and lived in Hockley all his life, he lives with his wife and two boys.

      James has been a vital part of our success in becoming the Market Leader and in 2016 he became one of our directors. He is an exceptional agent and knows the local area and its property market better than anyone. He also carries out market appraisals as well as being heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the branch. 


    • Team Member

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      Lloyd Collins - Sales Consultant
      Lloyd joined Williams and Donovan after a successful tenure at a prominent City-based financial firm. Lloyd always had an aspiration for a career in Estate Agency, so, eagerly embraced the opportunity to join the team ... and we had no hesitation in employing him. His vibrant and positive demeanour aligns seamlessly with our company values. A Hockley native, Lloyd possesses a knowledge of the area, reinforcing his suitability for our agency. Since joining, Lloyd has swiftly become an invaluable team member, embodying punctuality, politeness, competence, and exemplary manners. His swift integration into the Hockley Sales team is a testament to his adaptability and professional acumen. We are thrilled to have Lloyd contribute to our team and foresee a promising future for him within our company.

    • Team Member

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      Paul Dunne - Client Services Manager

      Having worked as an Estate Agent for over 30 years, Paul is one of the most experienced and respected agents in the area having worked in several roles within the industry. Since joining us in 2009 he quickly become a integral part of the team.

      Paul oversees everything the office does and ensures our clients are always receiving the exceptional service we promise to deliver. He will go that extra mile to make the sale happen and is vastly experienced at negotiating offers and progressing difficult sales through to completion; often putting those difficult solicitors in their place. 

    • Team Member

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      Mark Toomey - Chief Operating Officer
      Mark joined Williams and Donovan in 2019 from a large multi-media advertising company where he managed the Property and Motors sales team. Mark also enjoyed a long and successful 36-year career in the financial industry where he specialised in sales and client relationship management for some of the largest institutions in the City. Having been a client of Williams and Donovan many times since 1999, he has always recognised and appreciated the company's culture of integrity, honesty, and delivering an excellent customer service. He was delighted when presented with the opportunity to become part of the team and has enjoyed what he continues to describe as 'the best job I have ever had'. His passion and love of the business is apparent to all who deal with him.

    • Team Member

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      Paul Cashman - Sales Consultant
      Paul joined Williams and Donovan after a successful career working for a large double-glazing company. Fortunately for us, Paul wanted to fulfil a growing desire to become an Estate Agent and his respectful, composed, and professional demeanour matched the company's culture. He very quickly established himself as an asset to our company. Paul's is diligent, polite, and extremely competent. He has a very calm nature, and nothing is too much for him. We are proud to have Paul as part of the Hockley Sales team.

    • Team Member

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      Claire Chrome - Sales Consultant
      Claire joined us in January 2018. She helps arrange and conduct our accompanied viewings as well as provide our vendors with regular feedback. 

      Claire has always lived in Hockley and is a friendly face around town. She knows the area incredibly well and is always on hand to listen and give advice when needed. She also works every other Sunday so you can rely on Claire if you would like to book and viewings or have any general questions on a day where most other companies are closed.

    • Team Member

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      Janice Wheeler - Secretary

      Having previously worked for a total of 23 years with the banking industry in London, Janice joined us in March 2004.

      Having grown up just out side of London Janice moved to Folly Lane in Hockley where she lived for many years before moving to Rayleigh where she lives with her husband.

      Her position within Williams & Donovan is to undertake the secretarial and administrative role and she is an integral member of our team.

    • Team Member

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      Deborah Hickman - Secretary

      Following on from a career at a city stock brokers Deb then had her two children. She has since worked for financial advisors and conveyancers. before joining us in August 2012. 

      Having lived in Hockley all her life, she knows Hockley like the back of her hand and loves the village. Deb is one of our secretaries and works in the background to help ensure your property details and online advertising always look their best.  

    Contact us
      User Guide

      Title

      What Our Customers Say!

      • Introduction

        Don't just take our word for it, we let our customers do the talking! Here are just a small selection of our reviews, however, please take the time to read our reviews on Google, Yell.com and Facebook. We are proud to have 5 STAR reviews on all these websites. https://www.williamsanddonovan.com/pages/customer-reviews/

        This again reiterates one of the many reasons we are one of the only agents in a 15-mile radius of the 'SS5' postcode with an EXCEPTIONAL rating on the 'Best Estate Agent Guide'. Search for the agents in your area on: https://bestestateagentguide.co.uk/

      Testimonials from Sellers

      • Seller Testimonial

        Outstanding service
        Tim Ediss - Outstanding service - Very helpful, professional and friendly estate agent. Supported both us and the sellers to get our purchase over the line! We will absolutely be looking to use them again when the time comes.

      • Seller Testimonial

        Did everything to get things over the line
        Reuben Graham - September 2021 
        Paul and Denise at Williams & Donovan were absolutely amazing in helping my parents get their house sold. They were patient, kept us updated all the time and, despite a huge delay caused by some legal wranglings with a shoddy solicitor, they were calm and did everything they could to get things over the line. Thank you!

      • Seller Testimonial

        They offer a faultless professional service
        Jo van der Linde -
        We used W&D to sell our house and they were also the agent for the property that we bought. From start to finish we found W&D offered an excellent service. Tom valued our house and offered some great advice and insight which we followed and it really paid off. Denise in the sale progression team was exceptional. She kept us updated every step of the way and even phoned us to tell us when there was no news. Honestly, we felt like Denise really had our back throughout the process which meant that we wouldn't hesitate to use her and W&D again in the future. I would highly recommend W&D Hockley to everyone thinking of selling their home. They offer a second to none faultless professional service. Good work team!

      • Seller Testimonial

        Recommend W&D to anyone selling their home
        Sally Irwin 
        Williams & Donovan were SO helpful and encouraging throughout the sale and really helped to keep the process on track. We are very grateful to them for their help. We'd happily recommend them to anyone selling their home.

      Testimonials from Buyers

      • Buyer Testimonial

        Would not hesitate to use again
        Paisley Grey 

        I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the team at Williams and Donovan and in particular to Denise Gibb. We had really been struggling to arrange viewings, let alone secure a property but Denise was so professional, quick at responding and able to find us the perfect home. She knew exactly what we were looking for and kept us informed of new properties coming to market, ensuring we got a look in. We feel that without Denise's help, we would not have been able to find our property and been able to move in as quickly as we did. It only took 8 weeks from having the viewing to getting the keys. We can't thank you enough and wouldn't hesitate to use you again :)

      • Buyer Testimonial

        Over and above other estate agents in the area
        Ali Taylor 

        Highly recommended - the way estate agents should be! I have recently bought a house through Williams & Donovan in Hockley. The experience was a pleasure from start to finish. James Williams is an excellent agent-friendly, personable and knowledgeable. He took the time to find out what we really wanted from our new property and was always at the end of the phone with any questions that we had. Over and above other estate agents in the area, the team at Williams & Donovan give the personal, bespoke touch - a rare find. We never felt like 'just another buyer' - they really do care about your move.

      • Buyer Testimonial

        Without Paul we wouldn't be in our dream house!
        Richard Bowyer 
         I'd 100% recommend Paul and Williams and Donovan - five stars! We were buying a house where Paul at Williams and Donovan was the estate agent,  for the house we were buying. Even though he wasn't technically my estate agent, he always took my calls when I checked in for an update on the transaction. Paul answered my emails promptly and most importantly his proactive chasing up and down the seven-house chain, ensured the sales went through. I'm sure that without Paul, the chain would have collapsed and we wouldn't be in our dream house!

      • Buyer Testimonial

        Having a true professional on board is invaluable
        Janice and Keith Harvey 

        We are so impressed with the professional and personal service that Denise has given us. What is possibly the most stressful time in moving home, Denise has gone over and above in her management of our house purchase by constantly keeping us informed every step of the way to completion. Her regular updates and calming manner has kept us both sane and calm, which makes all the difference. Having a true professional on board at times like this is invaluable. We believe that Williams and Donovan, AKA Denise Gibb are the guys to undertake your house move. Great job guys!
      Contact us

      Disclaimer

      The content on this Microsite has been uploaded by Williams and Donovan, Hockley. Rightmove Group Limited makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the content, any queries should be sent directly to Williams and Donovan, Hockley. Where properties are displayed on a page, this comprises a property advertisement. Rightmove Group Limited who operate the website Rightmove.co.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information, and Rightmove has no control over the content. These property advertisements do not constitute property particulars. The information is provided and maintained by Williams and Donovan, Hockley. Please contact the agent directly to obtain any information which may be available under the terms of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 or the Home Report if in relation to a residential property in Scotland and if you have any query over the content.

      *Guide Price: An indication of a seller's minimum expectation at auction and given as a “Guide Price” or a range of “Guide Prices”. This is not necessarily the figure a property will sell for and is subject to change prior to the auction.

      Reserve Price: Each auction property will be subject to a “Reserve Price” below which the property cannot be sold at auction. Normally the “Reserve Price” will be set within the range of “Guide Prices” or no more than 10% above a single “Guide Price.”

      Auction Fees: The purchase of this property may include associated fees not listed here, as it is to be sold via auction. To find out more about the fees associated with this property please call Williams and Donovan, Hockley on +441702200666.


      Welcome to Williams and Donovan, Hockley

      Title

      Find Us

      Branch address

      1 Woodlands Parade
      Main Road
      Hockley
      SS5 4QU

      Get in touch

      Buying: 01704 334527  Local call rate
      Letting: 01702 967927  Local call rate

      Disclaimer

      The content on this Microsite has been uploaded by Williams and Donovan, Hockley. Rightmove Group Limited makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the content, any queries should be sent directly to Williams and Donovan, Hockley. Where properties are displayed on a page, this comprises a property advertisement. Rightmove Group Limited who operate the website Rightmove.co.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information, and Rightmove has no control over the content. These property advertisements do not constitute property particulars. The information is provided and maintained by Williams and Donovan, Hockley. Please contact the agent directly to obtain any information which may be available under the terms of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 or the Home Report if in relation to a residential property in Scotland and if you have any query over the content.

      *Guide Price: An indication of a seller's minimum expectation at auction and given as a “Guide Price” or a range of “Guide Prices”. This is not necessarily the figure a property will sell for and is subject to change prior to the auction.

      Reserve Price: Each auction property will be subject to a “Reserve Price” below which the property cannot be sold at auction. Normally the “Reserve Price” will be set within the range of “Guide Prices” or no more than 10% above a single “Guide Price.”

      Auction Fees: The purchase of this property may include associated fees not listed here, as it is to be sold via auction. To find out more about the fees associated with this property please call Williams and Donovan, Hockley on +441702200666.