Business Details
Your Trusted Forest Hill Property Agent
Benjamin Matthews was founded on the principle of restoring personal service to real estate. With over two decades of industry experience, our owner Ben Matthews identified a gap in the market for a client-focused alternative to impersonal corporate agencies. We specialise in property sales and lettings across Forest Hill, Catford, and surrounding London areas, combining deep local market knowledge with a commitment to individualised service. Our approach prioritises direct communication, honest advice, and tailored marketing strategies that maximise property exposure. Unlike larger agencies, we maintain direct oversight of every transaction, ensuring continuity and accountability throughout the process. Our expertise extends to property valuation, market preparation, and navigating both sales and rental processes with transparency.We leverage modern marketing platforms while maintaining traditional values of personal accountability and community understanding. Our track record demonstrates consistent success in achieving optimal outcomes for property vendors and landlords. The business maintains strong local connections through fifteen years of community presence. We differentiate ourselves through guaranteed 24/7 availability for client communication and a refusal to delegate critical responsibilities to rotating staff members. Our service model proves that independent agents can compete with larger firms through superior customer care and market insight.
Services
Property Valuation
Sales Representation
Lettings
Property Management
Buyer Guidance
Highlights and features
- We provide personal service with direct owner involvement
- Our 15-year local residency informs accurate market valuations
- We guarantee 24/7 direct communication with the managing agent
- We offer honest property preparation advice without hidden costs
- We maintain 7-day viewing availability including evening appointments
Associations and certifications
- Client Money Protection Scheme
What people say
Friendly and professional
Local market knowledge
Stress-free experience
Transparent communication
Prompt problem resolution
Services
Property Valuation
Our expert valuation service combines 20+ years of industry experience with detailed local market analysis. We consider property characteristics, recent sales data, and area development plans to provide accurate pricing guidance. Clients receive comprehensive written reports explaining valuation rationale.
Sales Representation
We manage the complete sales process from initial marketing to completion. Services include professional photography, targeted online promotion, accompanied viewings, and offer negotiation. Our local contacts help accelerate transactions while maintaining vendor control over key decisions.
Lettings
Our lettings service covers property preparation, tenant sourcing, and legal compliance. We conduct thorough referencing checks and prepare comprehensive tenancy agreements. Regular property inspections and maintenance coordination ensure landlords' investments remain protected throughout the tenancy.
Property Management
We offer full-cycle property management including rent collection, maintenance coordination, and tenant communication. Our service includes regular property inspections, financial reporting, and compliance management. We maintain detailed property records to ensure smooth tenancy transitions.
Buyer Guidance
Our buyer support service helps clients navigate London's property market. We provide market analysis, mortgage advisor recommendations, and negotiation support. Our local knowledge helps buyers identify suitable properties and make competitive offers.
People
Benjamin Matthews
Owner & Managing Director
With over 20 years in London real estate, Ben founded the agency to restore personal service standards. He personally oversees all transactions, leveraging deep Forest Hill market knowledge gained through 15 years' local residency and professional experience.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We specialise in Forest Hill, Catford, and surrounding London boroughs including SE23, SE6, and SE15 postcodes.
How do you determine property valuations?
Our valuations consider recent local sales, property condition, market trends, and development plans. We provide comparative market analysis with clear pricing rationale.
What fees do you charge?
Our fees are competitively priced at 1.5% plus VAT for sales, with no hidden extras. Letting fees start at £99 including marketing and tenant referencing.
Can you help first-time buyers?
Yes, we provide tailored guidance for first-time buyers, including mortgage advisor recommendations and step-by-step purchase process support.
How quickly do properties sell?
Our average sales time is 8 weeks, significantly faster than the London average, thanks to targeted marketing and active buyer network.
Do you offer virtual viewings?
Yes, we provide high-quality virtual tours with interactive floorplans and 360° property walkthroughs for international or remote buyers.
Reviews (5)
Sophie Hinds
Oct 04, 2021
Report
Ben is a super efficient, friendly and reliable estate agent. He was personally there every step of the way to navigate us though the tricky process. I thought his bespoke service worked so much better than the bigger agencies on the high street and his honesty and straight talking were commendable. Should we ever move again we will definitely be giving him a call.
Nick Sharpe
Jul 29, 2021
Report
We had a first class experience with Ben at Benjamin Mathews Estate Agents. Sold very quickly at the price we wanted. Ben, ably supported by George in the office, provided fast, effective communication throughout the process. Overall, after looking at the competition, we were very happy to have chosen Ben who provided excellent value for money. I would highly recommend his estate agency services.
Brendan Gaughn
May 25, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism
Highly recommend Benjamin Matthews Estate Agents, very professional service from start to finish, really impressed with the marketing of our property in Sydenham. Highly recommend this fantastic independent agent.
Highly recommend Benjamin Matthews Estate Agents, very professional service from start to finish, really impressed with the marketing of our property in Sydenham. Highly recommend this fantastic independent agent.
Aline Galvao
Mar 29, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism
We used Benjamin Mathews to sell our flat in Dulwich and to rent our house. Very happy with the service he provides
We used Benjamin Mathews to sell our flat in Dulwich and to rent our house. Very happy with the service he provides
Susan Brown
Jan 24, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
I would highly recommend Ben Matthews. He is very hands on, a good communicator, and a pleasure to deal with. My house sale was not straight forward but Ben went over and above what I expected of an estate agent. A true professional.
I would highly recommend Ben Matthews. He is very hands on, a good communicator, and a pleasure to deal with. My house sale was not straight forward but Ben went over and above what I expected of an estate agent. A true professional.