Business Details
16 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Property Sales and Lettings in Southend
Established in Southend for over 15 years, 1st Call Sales & Lettings Sales & Lettings has become one of the town's most respected estate and letting agencies. Our team of experienced professionals brings over 100 years of combined expertise since 1989, offering tailored support through every stage of property transactions. We prioritise transparency and client relationships, replacing traditional agent attitudes with a relatable approach that simplifies the home-moving process. Recognised through multiple awards including ESTAS Essex & Kent Landlord Agent of the Year, we maintain long-term client partnerships built on trust and consistent 5-star service. Our property management department, staffed by NFOPP-qualified professionals, ensures landlords receive timely payments and tenants benefit from responsive support.
Services
Property Sales
Lettings
Property Management
Mortgages & Conveyancing
Free Valuations
Served areas
- Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea, Shoeburyness, Southchurch, Chalkwell, Thorpe Bay
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of combined property market experience since 1989
- Our team provides free property valuations with no obligation
- We maintain consistent 5-star customer reviews from satisfied clients
- Our dedicated property management department operates 24/7 for emergencies
- We utilise industry-leading accounting software for transparent transactions
Payment methods
- Cash, Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments
What people say
Incredible agent
Amazing experience
Professional, friendly service
100% recommend
Three years with no issues
Services
Property Sales
We specialise in residential property sales across Southend and surrounding areas. Our experienced negotiators use local market expertise to achieve optimal prices. Clients benefit from free valuations, professional marketing, and transparent transaction processes. Our team supports buyers and sellers through every stage, from initial viewings to completion.
Lettings
Our lettings service connects landlords with suitable tenants across Essex. We offer comprehensive tenant referencing, lease agreements, and market-driven pricing advice. First-time investors receive tailored guidance through our Landlords Guide. Tenants access updated property listings with detailed specifications and local area information.
Property Management
Our NFOPP-certified management team handles day-to-day property operations for landlords. Services include rent collection, maintenance coordination, inventory management, and legal compliance. We use PayProp software for transparent accounting and provide emergency support through dedicated contact channels.
Mortgages & Conveyancing
We connect clients with mortgage and legal services through trusted partners. Our network provides competitive financing options and conveyancing support. Clients receive guidance on property purchase processes, including survey requirements and legal documentation.
Free Valuations
Our free valuation service offers accurate property pricing assessments without obligation. Local market experts analyse comparable sales and current demand to determine realistic asking prices. Valuations include market trend insights and selling strategy recommendations.
Questions
What property services do you offer?
We provide property sales, lettings, management services, and free valuations across Southend and surrounding areas.
How do your free property valuations work?
Our local experts assess your property's value using market data and comparable sales, with no obligation to proceed.
Do you manage properties long-term?
Yes, our dedicated management team handles maintenance, rent collection, and tenant relations for landlords.
Which areas do you cover?
We operate in Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea, Shoeburyness, Westcliff, and surrounding Essex locations.
Are your fees competitive?
We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, tailored to individual property requirements.
Reviews (26)
Kara H.
Jun 12, 2025
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We recently rented a property through 1st call, with Richard guiding us throughout the process. He was extremely helpful and friendly, making every effort to make this rental possible for us. We found that Richard was always willing to assist, responding promptly to our inquiries and never showing frustration despite our numerous questions. If we were to move again, we would definitely choose to use 1st call every time, due to the excellent service we received.
Active & Vibrant
Apr 17, 2022
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I've just moved out of the house share I've rented for almost 2 years. Natalie was the agent who helped with my appointments. She was so friendly, quick and helpful, as well as being so accommodating to my busy schedule and running late for my appointments! She has been so helpful at communicating with the finalising my tenancy. Many thanks!
Clever Foxxx Meggiemo
Apr 03, 2022
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The agent that helped me through the process of renting was Ben. He was a massive help and was very efficient in ensuring certain aspects were complete. Replies over email we're very speedy which I loved and made the whole process of renting my first flat an easy task to do. Very helpful highly recommend using this agency lovely staff there. Tours for the property were quick and informative.
Terry Delaney
Apr 03, 2022
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I am returning to the UK after living in Greece for 7 years, it's been very difficult to find somewhere to rent but Ben and his colleagues have been superb in finding me somewhere to rent and guiding through the process. I would recommend Ben and 1Call to anyone looking to rent or buy a property.
Nicola Duncan
Mar 24, 2022
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I have been using first call sales and lettings for years now, I purchased my property through them and rent it out through them too. As with most companies I expected initial first class services then a lapse. Not with first call! They are so on the ball it's untrue, any issues or problems are dealt with quickly and extremely efficiently, they are competitively priced and I always feel valued as a customer. Keep up the great work! We love you ( as do our tenants!) x
Clive Williams
Mar 23, 2022
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Ben rented out my property incredibly quickly at requested rent. Ben has been very easy to deal with and communication is first class. All in all, an excellent agency to deal with. I would thoroughly recommend them.
Ad Linden
Mar 21, 2022
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I've been renting via 1st call now for just under 6 months, I would definitely recommend them for any one looking to find a rental property or even buy or sell there property, from start to finish of my application all the staff were more than helpful and managed to get me my lovely flat sorted asap, After experiencing some minor wear and tear issues at the flat they were rectified very quickly from there appointed tradesmen who did a great job. Thanks again to Benjamin who helped me secure the flat last year and Vicky and ben on the property maintenance team have been fantastic and always so helpful. (Highly recommend to contact 1st call)
Matthew Moody
Mar 17, 2022
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I've recent moved into a rental property and found the whole process very straightforward and easy - I dealt with Ben from the initial request to view the property right up until getting the keys and he was very friendly, professional and approachable throughout. I'm now settling in nicely and have been made clearly aware what to do and who to go to if there is ever an issue. Thoroughly recommend 1st Call!
Sarah McCormack
Mar 09, 2022
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I can't rate 1st Call highly enough. Every single person I've ever had dealings with has always been friendly, helpful, understanding and an absolute pleasure to deal with! Their phones never go unanswered and my emails are always promptly acknowledged. I mainly deal with Vicky now and she's amazing. Nothing ever seems a bother and she has always gone above and beyond for us. Highly recommend!
Joseph Laryea
Mar 05, 2022
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They do business very honestly and professionally. If you have to deal with a guy called Ben, be rest assured you will be in good hands. After expressing interest in a property, things move so swiftly and I was in the property very quickly. Thanks 1st Call.
Annette Johnson-Farge
Mar 05, 2022
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I am first time landlord and found the whole team, especailly Richard and Vicky, very helpful and supportive. I receive detailed reports and photos from visits, competitive quotes for works to be completed and guidance with the legalities of being a landlord. I highly receommend them as a letting agent.
Tefl Recruits
Dec 24, 2021
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We have sent over 15 emails regarding a broken bath and various other issues that are health and safety problems. Property management has not sorted out. They sorted out hanging off light switches and exposed wires after a month. Our inventory completely left out big areas of concern. They have agreed and failed to send us an updated inventory. They have had two months to sort out. The property was not cleaned and carpets dirty when we moved in. We had a very good experience with the lettings team but not with the property management team.
Steven Stott
Dec 21, 2021
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We had to go to the appeal body to get our deposit returned. They didn't provide proof for their claim so we won on most counts. We reported issues with the flat we rented in April and nothing happened. Our complaints went unheard although my partner believed they listened to me more than her. Not sure if it's their fault but the landlord gave us verbal consent to put up a curtain pole. They charged us for the fitting and as we didn't have it in writing we had to pay for it. One final advice for renters try get them to visit when you leave. They didn't with us despite giving plenty of notice. I can't recommend them to renters.
Disderdoodah Deedooo
Dec 09, 2021
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Pretty rude and condescending when I called to check somthing out, shan't be using these for this reason
Laura Hearn
Nov 20, 2021
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My partner and I used 1st call to sell our flat. The estate agent Rob Crowe has been an absolute pleasure to work with. He's been chasing solicitors, our buyer and has just gone above and beyond his job role. He's extremely responsive in which we receive replies straight away and is always on hand to take a call. Although we've had a hiccup with the sale of our property, Rob has been a diamond and has reassured us. Rob is a credit to 1st call and we will 100% be selling further properties with this company in the future.
Ben Gallagher
Sep 19, 2021
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Thanks to 1st Call for all their hard work and guidance provided in selling my flat, the overall process was seamless thanks to Rob's hard work and professionalism. My flat was listed and sold within a week and the whole transition ran smoothly from start to finish thanks to Rob. I would highly recommend 1st call if you are looking to use an estate agent for a sale/purchase/rent.
Pete Jackson
Jun 06, 2021
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Friendly enough told me they had nothing for me although there was 3 in the window Said they would send me some forms and nothing turned up.
Emily Hodges
Mar 05, 2021
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We have had such an amazing experience with 1st call, especially Ben! 1st call have been so helpful in helping us find our first property, and when our first property fell through they did everything possible to help us find an alternative property. I would 100% reccomened this estate agents to any family member or friend looking to move.
Albertas Abdulajevas
Oct 11, 2014
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Both myself and my wife were more than happy with the service provided by 1st Call. This was our first time buying a property. Stewart and Rob were fantastic. Always available to speak to, either by telephone or email and if we had any questions they were more than happy to advise us. Great customer service. Highly recommend this company to anyone looking to buy or sell. Thanks guys. We will definitely be recommending you to our friends and family.
Sharon Quick
Jun 01, 2014
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My husband and I are very happy with the service we have received from 1st Call and Stewart in particular during the purchase of our new property. Stewart and the team have always acted with the utmost professionalism and kept us informed every step of the way and have always been willing to answer any questions we've had during the process. We would have no hesitation in recommending 1st Calls services as they've helped to ensure the process has progressed very smoothly from beginning to end.
Catherine Capon
We are tenants with 1st call. From the initial sign up to ongoing maintenance, service has been excellent. Vicky looks after us and is always very prompt and efficient with excellent customer service which results in us feeling valued and cared about as tenants.
Toni Roberts
Both myself and my partner cannot sing the praises of 1st Call's sales team enough; Rob and the team go above and beyond throughout the process of selling and are more than happy to offer help and advice when it's needed. Friendly, communicative and always on the ball, it's been a great experience knowing we've had such superb agents at the helm.
Having dealt with quite a few agents throughout the process, I can say with all honesty that 1st Call have been and are by far the best agents we've had the pleasure of dealing with.
Having dealt with quite a few agents throughout the process, I can say with all honesty that 1st Call have been and are by far the best agents we've had the pleasure of dealing with.
Seanz Beanz
Ben at 1st call was responsible for handling my tenancy application and i must say I have been impressed with his performance throughout the process. I had many questions to ask and Ben was able to provide comprehensives responses almost straight away on each occasion. Overall i'm extremely pleased with their service and most importantly the property they have helped me secure is perfect. Top marks.
Charlotte Mariga
Had a really good experience with 1st Call Lettings. They really eased the stressful process of finding us the perfect property to rent. Ben Buchholz was highly professional and very helpful and friendly. He was easy to contact and got back to us very quickly with any queries, would definitely recommend!
Daniel Williams
Both myself and my partner were more than happy with the service provided by 1st Call. This was our first time buying a property and Rob was fantastic. Always available to speak to, either by telephone or email and if we had any questions he was more than happy to advise us. Great customer service. Highly recommend this company to anyone looking to buy or sell. Thanks guys. We will definitely be recommending you to our friends and family.
Laura McGrory
I had a fantastic experience with Stewart from 1st call. I bought my first home through this estate agents and they could not have been more helpful. I had many questions, all of which were always answered promptly and I really felt guided through the whole process. I would highly recommend this company and feel that this is the standard that all estate agents to strive to.