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Cunningtons LLP

4.8 | 283 Reviews 283 Reviews | Housing & Property
1,329 Total Company Reviews info icon Housing & Property | info icon 1,329 Total Company Reviews Housing & Property | info icon 1,329 Total Company Reviews

141 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0QT

Accepting new clients

141 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0QT

Regulated by:

The Solicitors Regulation Authority

Regulator ID: 621823

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Cunningtons LLP Review Scores & Client Satisfaction Overview

4.8
Excellent
95%
Value for
Money
94%
Success
Rate
94%
Would
Recommend
Communication 4.8/5
Initial Impressions 4.8/5
Approachability 4.7/5
Documentation Accuracy 4.8/5
Legal Knowledge 4.8/5
Value for money 4.8/5

Accreditations

Cunningtons LLP are accredited by

Family Law accreditation awarded to Cunningtons LLP
The Law Society accreditation awarded to Cunningtons LLP
Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation awarded to Cunningtons LLP
Trading names:
Cunningtons

Description

Cunningtons are renowned for helping people with Property Law and Conveyancing, and we also have specialist Family Law, Wills and Probate, Litigation, and Debt Recovery departments.

Rankings by area of expertise

The rankings below show the areas of expertise that Cunningtons LLP offers to clients. You can see how good the service offered is in comparison to all other law firms nationally / locally.

Cunningtons LLP Review Scores & Client Satisfaction Overview

4.7
Excellent
94%
Value for
Money
11% above
national average
94%
Success
Rate
12% above
national average
94%
Would
Recommend
13% above
national average
Communication 4.7/5
Initial Impressions 4.7/5
Approachability 4.7/5
Documentation Accuracy 4.7/5
Legal Knowledge 4.7/5
Value for money 4.7/5

Accreditations

Cunningtons LLP are accredited by

Family Law accreditation awarded to Cunningtons LLP
The Law Society accreditation awarded to Cunningtons LLP
Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation awarded to Cunningtons LLP
Trading names:
Cunningtons

Description

Cunningtons are renowned for helping people with Property Law and Conveyancing, and we also have specialist Family Law, Wills and Probate, Litigation, and Debt Recovery departments.

Rankings by area of expertise

The rankings below show the areas of expertise that Cunningtons LLP offers to clients. You can see how good the service offered is in comparison to all other law firms nationally / locally.

Meet the team of Cunningtons LLP

Meet the team of Cunningtons LLP

Contact & Locations - Cunningtons LLP

Opening hours

Monday 09:00–17:30
Tuesday (Closed)
Wednesday (Closed)
Thursday (Closed)
Friday (Closed)
Saturday (Closed)
Sunday (Closed)

141 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0QT

Reviews

4.8 /5 283 Reviews
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Star rating
Review Source

Rating

Review Source

Clients say

What clients say about Cunningtons LLP

Clients consistently praise the firm’s conveyancing expertise across house purchases, sales, new-builds, first-time buyer matters, transfers of equity and more complex property transactions. They are seen as efficient, thorough and proactive, with strong attention to detail and clear, timely updates. Clients also value their ability to explain each stage in plain English, answer questions promptly and keep matters moving smoothly. Soft skills repeatedly highlighted include friendliness, patience, reassurance, professionalism, approachability and sensitivity, especially during stressful or emotional transactions.

Clear communication
Prompt responses
Helpful team
Professional service
Efficient process
Kept informed
Plain English
Attention to detail
Supportive approach
Easy-to-use app

ReviewSolicitors Review List

Profile image of anonymous

anonymous

Communication beyond awful

Large periods of time passed between communication, often blamed on staff absence or annual leave (which on a purchase that should have been completed with 10 weeks was absurd). When communication was received, requests that could have been made with one email took a string of multiple with something else needed being asked each time rather than all at once. When we withdrew from the purchase this was acknowledged the next day but our final bill was not sent for an additional calendar month, which when queried we were once again told it was for annual leave! Completely unprofessional and a large reason for our purchase falling through.

0
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of John

John

Worst levels of service ever

Absolutely shocking! Can honestly say worst experience ever. It made moving house (what is already a stressful experience) a million times worse ! and more stressful! The whole team left, could never reach anyone by phone or email, no one ever called back or responded to my queries, ever! I even had to change solicitors on the back of the appalling level of service for the purchase of my new house. Currently going through complaint procedure with Ombudsman to address the poor level of service. Beware! and avoid at all costs when moving house. Writing this now as had to wait for my complaints procedure to be completed.

Solicitors tagged in
this review

A representative from Cunningtons LLP responded to this review

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, and we are sorry to hear about your negative experience with Cunningtons. Customer satisfaction is a priority for us and we are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and expertise to all of our clients. We understood that your concerns were addressed over a year ago, so we are sorry to see that you are still upset. As mentioned, we strive to provide the best service we can to clients. On the rare occasions we do not meet expectations, which in your case was connected to a number of things not wholly within our control, we do look to make amends. So once again we do regret that on this occasion you were not satisfied with the service provided.

1
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of Amy

Amy

Housing & Property

Cunningtons are truly the worst company I have ever dealt with

Cunningtons are truly the worst company I have ever dealt with. Palaniappan Ahilan at the Hornchurch branch was very unprofessional and I hold him responsible for the property purchase (chain-free) having fallen through. There were errors in the basic information on legal documents – both my name and the purchase price were incorrect! Phone calls were left unanswered, emails were not responded to and the service throughout was substandard. Due to their delays, failure to meet deadlines and unprofessionalism, the purchase of the property fell through. We were due to exchange imminently, however delayed responses from Ahilan resulted in the seller pulling out of the transaction the day after we were supposed to have exchanged. I hold Cunningtons (in particular Palaniappan Ahilan) entirely responsible for the collapse of the property purchase and truly believe that if we had chosen a different solicitor, we would not have had this issue. I raised a formal complaint with Cunningtons and even their complaints team could not stick to their own response deadlines, providing far-fetched excuses for their lateness. I very rarely write negative reviews, but I feel so strongly about this situation that I feel the need to urge anybody to think twice before instructing this firm!

A representative from Cunningtons LLP responded to this review

Thank you for your review, but it is not quite accurate. This is of course understandable; clients are not expected to understand the intricacies of leasehold conveyancing or the concurrent duties that a solicitor will owe to a client’s mortgage lender. We did explain things to you during the course of your transaction in 2023. You raised a complaint on 2nd January 2024. It is correct that unfortunately, due to staff absences, a full response to this was not provided until 8th February 2024. Your complaint was not upheld. Unhappy with our response to your complaint, you then approached the Legal Ombudsman, who also dismissed your complaint. Whilst you refer to the reasons given for the dismissal of your complaint as “far-fetched”, they were not. A full chronology of events was given to you, including an explanation as to why a defective title indemnity insurance policy was required to protect your mortgage lender in line with their lending requirements. This was required due to the lack of insuring obligations on the freeholder in relation to the building, and was raised in early course with your seller. Your seller was not prepared to agree or pay for this initially but when it was finally agreed, after several chasers, it was also necessary to ensure the policy that was eventually agreed was acceptable to your mortgage lender. You were told in advance this would be necessary to do. We do accept that there was a typo in one draft document (not multiple documents). This was the draft transfer, but this was very quickly and easily corrected, as it was in draft and subject to agreement with your seller. Likewise, you renegotiated the purchase price twice. The first time appears to have caused the initial confusion. This is why solicitors will ask their clients to double check documents before they sign them. On the second occasion you renegotiated the purchase price/agreed an allowance, very late on in the transaction. This caused a small last minute delay as well, because it was necessary to obtain the approval of your mortgage lender and agree a contractual clause with the seller. This was also seen to quickly. The sale didn’t fall through because of anything this firm did or did not do. The email from the seller’s solicitor confirmed that your seller had a change of heart, and had decided to rent the property instead of selling it to you. Whilst this firm’s service may not have met your personal expectations, the huge number of positive reviews that we receive is demonstrable proof that we meet and often exceed the expectations of the vast majority of our clients.

3
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of Warwick

Warwick

Housing & Property

House sale and purchase of new home

Gemma Hopkins is a solicitor who we found to be available to help or answer any questions and to be thorough from start to finish. I would highly recommend Gemma 👌

1
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of Twinkle

Twinkle

Housing & Property

Fantastic Service

It was a great experience working with Tamil. As first time buyers, we were very nervous and didn’t know the exact process but Tamil walked us through and helped us at each and every step. She was very approachable and friendly which made it easier for us to discuss our doubts/concerns. The process moved quickly without any hiccups and I was kept well informed about the progress. Would strongly recommend her services. Thank you

0
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Other Reviews

Profile image of Jo Rhodes

Jo Rhodes

A client

Easiest conveyancing experience I have ever had. Cunningtons were not the cheapest but their excellent communication and accessibility made our experience of selling our property as seamless as it could be.

Thank you so much for your kind review!

0
Collected on: Google collection source logo
Profile image of Shaun McMahon

Shaun McMahon

Housing & Property

Shaun's experience...

Initially with the app, Very impressive although not all emails/updates went on there. After sending requested items instantly and some unrequested (we knew were needed) we were asked for them again and again. Basic questions were responded slightly pedantically and our solicitor wasn’t present for exchange, completion of sale, Nor our exchange on purchase. Felt like the only way to get anywhere was to keep calling and be firm which was an unnecessary stress.

0
Collected on: Perfect_portal collection source logo
Profile image of Hannah Latchfield

Hannah Latchfield

Housing & Property

Hannah's experience...

Great experience, everyone I spoke to was really helpful. Gemma was very clear about everything she needed and communication very well with me. If Gemma was on leave there was always cover arranged so I could continue to progress with the process

0
Collected on: Perfect_portal collection source logo
Profile image of Jade Newman

Jade Newman

Jade

100% would recommend to anyone in need of solicitors. As first time buyers this was complete unknown territory for us. Kate was not only extremely helpful but quick to address any concerns and made the process as smooth as can be. We are extremely happy.

Thank you so much for your review, its so great to hear you had a fantastic experience buying your first property with Cunningtons!

0
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Profile image of Lyn Line

Lyn Line

Lyn

I recently used Cunningtons Solicitors for my conveyancing and had the absolute pleasure of working with Josie Filler at the Hastings branch. From start to finish, Josie made the entire process of moving home incredibly smooth and manageable.Her attention to detail was exceptional, and she made sure I felt thoroughly looked after at every single stage. Property transactions can be incredibly stressful, but Josie’s calm, patient, and reassuring approach kept me completely at ease. She was always prompt with updates and happy to answer any questions I had.I cannot recommend Josie and the Cunningtons Hastings team highly enough for their professionalism and brilliant customer care. Thank you for making my move a success!

Thank you very much for your kind review! Our first for our new Hastings office! So pleased to have been able to help you with your move and that everything went well for you!

0
Collected on: Google collection source logo

Reviews

4.7 /5 1329 Reviews
Filter your results
Star rating
Review Source

Rating

Review Source

Clients say

What clients say about Cunningtons LLP

Clients consistently praise the firm’s conveyancing expertise across house purchases, sales, new-builds, first-time buyer matters, transfers of equity and more complex property transactions. They are seen as efficient, thorough and proactive, with strong attention to detail and clear, timely updates. Clients also value their ability to explain each stage in plain English, answer questions promptly and keep matters moving smoothly. Soft skills repeatedly highlighted include friendliness, patience, reassurance, professionalism, approachability and sensitivity, especially during stressful or emotional transactions.

Clear communication
Prompt responses
Helpful team
Professional service
Efficient process
Kept informed
Plain English
Attention to detail
Supportive approach
Easy-to-use app

ReviewSolicitors Review List

Profile image of anonymous

anonymous

Communication beyond awful

Large periods of time passed between communication, often blamed on staff absence or annual leave (which on a purchase that should have been completed with 10 weeks was absurd). When communication was received, requests that could have been made with one email took a string of multiple with something else needed being asked each time rather than all at once. When we withdrew from the purchase this was acknowledged the next day but our final bill was not sent for an additional calendar month, which when queried we were once again told it was for annual leave! Completely unprofessional and a large reason for our purchase falling through.

0
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of Patricia

Patricia

Power of Attorney, Probate, and Conveyancing.

Cunnington’s dealt with the Power of Attorney, Probate and Conveyancing, for our Mum and ourselves, after our Mum passed away. They were professional at all times, informative, kept you up to date at all times. We also have our Will with them. We would definitely recommend Cunnington’s. We used the Braintree office.

Solicitors tagged in
this review

0
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of John

John

Worst levels of service ever

Absolutely shocking! Can honestly say worst experience ever. It made moving house (what is already a stressful experience) a million times worse ! and more stressful! The whole team left, could never reach anyone by phone or email, no one ever called back or responded to my queries, ever! I even had to change solicitors on the back of the appalling level of service for the purchase of my new house. Currently going through complaint procedure with Ombudsman to address the poor level of service. Beware! and avoid at all costs when moving house. Writing this now as had to wait for my complaints procedure to be completed.

Solicitors tagged in
this review

A representative from Cunningtons LLP responded to this review

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, and we are sorry to hear about your negative experience with Cunningtons. Customer satisfaction is a priority for us and we are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and expertise to all of our clients. We understood that your concerns were addressed over a year ago, so we are sorry to see that you are still upset. As mentioned, we strive to provide the best service we can to clients. On the rare occasions we do not meet expectations, which in your case was connected to a number of things not wholly within our control, we do look to make amends. So once again we do regret that on this occasion you were not satisfied with the service provided.

1
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of James

James

Been spoilt in the past.

Poor communication skills, lack of urgency or drive. Always feel like you’re too much trouble.

A representative from Cunningtons LLP responded to this review

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, and we are sorry to hear about your negative experience with Cunningtons. Customer satisfaction is a priority for us and we are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and expertise to all of our clients, so once again we do regret that on this occasion you were not satisfied with the service provided. Please could you e-mail your full name and transaction details to customercare@cunningtons.co.uk so that we can look into this further. Thank you

1
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of Amy

Amy

Housing & Property

Cunningtons are truly the worst company I have ever dealt with

Cunningtons are truly the worst company I have ever dealt with. Palaniappan Ahilan at the Hornchurch branch was very unprofessional and I hold him responsible for the property purchase (chain-free) having fallen through. There were errors in the basic information on legal documents – both my name and the purchase price were incorrect! Phone calls were left unanswered, emails were not responded to and the service throughout was substandard. Due to their delays, failure to meet deadlines and unprofessionalism, the purchase of the property fell through. We were due to exchange imminently, however delayed responses from Ahilan resulted in the seller pulling out of the transaction the day after we were supposed to have exchanged. I hold Cunningtons (in particular Palaniappan Ahilan) entirely responsible for the collapse of the property purchase and truly believe that if we had chosen a different solicitor, we would not have had this issue. I raised a formal complaint with Cunningtons and even their complaints team could not stick to their own response deadlines, providing far-fetched excuses for their lateness. I very rarely write negative reviews, but I feel so strongly about this situation that I feel the need to urge anybody to think twice before instructing this firm!

A representative from Cunningtons LLP responded to this review

Thank you for your review, but it is not quite accurate. This is of course understandable; clients are not expected to understand the intricacies of leasehold conveyancing or the concurrent duties that a solicitor will owe to a client’s mortgage lender. We did explain things to you during the course of your transaction in 2023. You raised a complaint on 2nd January 2024. It is correct that unfortunately, due to staff absences, a full response to this was not provided until 8th February 2024. Your complaint was not upheld. Unhappy with our response to your complaint, you then approached the Legal Ombudsman, who also dismissed your complaint. Whilst you refer to the reasons given for the dismissal of your complaint as “far-fetched”, they were not. A full chronology of events was given to you, including an explanation as to why a defective title indemnity insurance policy was required to protect your mortgage lender in line with their lending requirements. This was required due to the lack of insuring obligations on the freeholder in relation to the building, and was raised in early course with your seller. Your seller was not prepared to agree or pay for this initially but when it was finally agreed, after several chasers, it was also necessary to ensure the policy that was eventually agreed was acceptable to your mortgage lender. You were told in advance this would be necessary to do. We do accept that there was a typo in one draft document (not multiple documents). This was the draft transfer, but this was very quickly and easily corrected, as it was in draft and subject to agreement with your seller. Likewise, you renegotiated the purchase price twice. The first time appears to have caused the initial confusion. This is why solicitors will ask their clients to double check documents before they sign them. On the second occasion you renegotiated the purchase price/agreed an allowance, very late on in the transaction. This caused a small last minute delay as well, because it was necessary to obtain the approval of your mortgage lender and agree a contractual clause with the seller. This was also seen to quickly. The sale didn’t fall through because of anything this firm did or did not do. The email from the seller’s solicitor confirmed that your seller had a change of heart, and had decided to rent the property instead of selling it to you. Whilst this firm’s service may not have met your personal expectations, the huge number of positive reviews that we receive is demonstrable proof that we meet and often exceed the expectations of the vast majority of our clients.

3
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo

Other Reviews

Profile image of Jo Rhodes

Jo Rhodes

A client

Easiest conveyancing experience I have ever had. Cunningtons were not the cheapest but their excellent communication and accessibility made our experience of selling our property as seamless as it could be.

Thank you so much for your kind review!

0
Collected on: Google collection source logo
Profile image of Shaun McMahon

Shaun McMahon

Housing & Property

Shaun's experience...

Initially with the app, Very impressive although not all emails/updates went on there. After sending requested items instantly and some unrequested (we knew were needed) we were asked for them again and again. Basic questions were responded slightly pedantically and our solicitor wasn’t present for exchange, completion of sale, Nor our exchange on purchase. Felt like the only way to get anywhere was to keep calling and be firm which was an unnecessary stress.

0
Collected on: Perfect_portal collection source logo
Profile image of Hannah Latchfield

Hannah Latchfield

Housing & Property

Hannah's experience...

Great experience, everyone I spoke to was really helpful. Gemma was very clear about everything she needed and communication very well with me. If Gemma was on leave there was always cover arranged so I could continue to progress with the process

0
Collected on: Perfect_portal collection source logo
Profile image of Monica Robinson

Monica Robinson

Monica Robinson

Highly efficient and left no stone unturned Speedy

0
Collected on: Estas collection source logo
Profile image of Stella Pe Win

Stella Pe Win

Litigation

Stella

I found Mark Taylor extremely helpful - he was friendly, concise and straightforward yet happy to explain his reasoning further if asked. Friendly and approachable.

Solicitors tagged in
this review

Thank you very much for your kind review!

3
Collected on: Google collection source logo

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