Savills Review & Guide

Savills currently ranks as one of the world’s leading estate agents/property advisors with over 39,000 professionals working in 600 offices across the world including the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. 

Savills prides itself on being experts in both local and international properties, offering services to residential buyers, corporate investors, and everything in between!

If you’ve heard of Savills but want to learn more about what the company has to offer, keep reading. This guide will provide all the information you need including an in-depth look at Savills’ services, selling & letting fees, and reviews.

 

About Savills

Savills was founded in the UK in 1855 – that’s over 160 years ago! Since then, they’ve grown to become one of the world’s leading property agents. The company was started by Alfred Savill as “Savill and Son”. 

After his death in 1905, his three sons – Alfred, Edward, and Norman – were already partners in the company and honored to carry on their father’s legacy. 

The Savills family company survived both the first and second World Wars and in 1950 merged with Rees-Reynold and Hunt which included rating surveyors and advisors for commercial property investments.

The agency rebranded itself as Savills in the 70s with 58 partner offices in both Wales and England. In 1988 the company became Savills plc and obtained a full listing on the London Stock Exchange. Savills continued to expand well into the 90s by extending its reach into Spain, Germany, France, and Asia.

Savills went on to acquire several more property management teams across the world including in Singapore and Sweden. 

The company’s main headquarters were then established in London. Soon after, Savills acquired a US-based company as well, opening 25 offices across America. By 2019, Savills presence expands into the Middle East and India. Fast forward to the present day and Savills has acquired new partnerships in Korea and North America, continuing to expand its reach and offering clients access to more properties in more regions than ever before. 

 

Savills Reviews

Savills has spent the last several decades making a name for itself as one of the world’s leading property advisors. The company has expanded its size, reach, and sectors exponentially over the course of 100 + years.

And in that time, they’ve earned plenty of positive reviews from satisfied customers and some negative feedback from clients wanting more. Here’s a look at what current and former clients have to say about the Saville experience. 

Positive Reviews

Savills currently has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot. Out of 929 reviews, 75% rate the company as excellent while 21% of the responses report a bad customer experience.

Let’s start with the good. Most of the positive reviews describe the team as personable, friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Satisfied customers also mention how efficient and responsive Savills’ agents are. 

These positive reviews also mentioned that Savills in-depth market research and advice helped guide them toward a smart, lucrative, and sound financial decision. 

Negative Reviews 

As with anything in life, you have to take the good with the bad. Not all Savills’ customers had a good experience with the company. Some clients reported issues with the website. Users claim that the website information isn’t always accurate. For example, a property listing will claim to have multiple pictures of a property but only one or two are visible. Other times, only sold properties were listed and users were unable to search efficiently for available properties.

Other issues include insufficient communication, lack of timely response, poor property management, and lack of knowledge. All of these claims are in stark contrast to what the company lists as its strengths. 

 

Savills Awards and Recognitions

Over the course of 160 years, Savills has earned its fair share of awards and accolades. Here are some of its most notable honors.

• Sales and Letting Agency of the Year
• Global Real Estate Advisor of the Year 2018 & 2020
• Graduate Employer of Choice for Property 2019, 2020 & 2021
• Number One Real Estate Superbrand 2016, 2017, 2019 & 2020
• UK Sales Agency & Letting Agency of the Year
• European Broker of the Year 2018
• 2016 Residential Advisor of the Year
• Property Manager of the Year 2016

Savills has been recognized internationally for its high standard of customer service and a wide variety of resources, tools, and opportunities across multiple sectors. 

 

Savills Services

With over 300 services, we can’t possibly cover them all. But let’s take a closer look at some of their most popular services, what they have to offer, and how much they’ll cost you.

Asset Management

The Savills team helps clients create a strategy and framework for making important decisions, while also providing information on property appraisals. Using this service, landlords can easily identify and troubleshoot what assets are performing well and which ones need work. Asset management is available for rural, residential, and commercial property owners. 

Property Management 

In addition to asset management, Savills also offers a variety of property management tools and services for both residential and commercial owners across the world. This is especially useful for investors who own properties in multiple locations and need help managing their workload. Savill can offer help and insight on a single asset or provide a full portfolio. You can also hire Savills for day-to-day property management or to create a long-term strategy. 

Buying or Selling

Savills provides support for both buyers and sellers across the globe and across multiple markets – both residential and commercial. Savill services a multitude of clients from first-time buyers to seasoned homeowners and rural land owners by offering transparent and personally tailored insight and support. 

This includes finding and viewing properties, marketing your property, and negotiating the best prices. Although Savills fees are much higher than most other agents and online estate agents, they have a strong reputation when it comes to valuing and selling a property quickly. 

Letting or Renting 

Savills doesn’t just help you buy or sell a property. They also offer services for landlords and tenants looking for a safe, affordable place to live. Savills can also help you invest in a buy-to-let property or find a commercial office space. 

But Savills’ services don’t stop there. Savills’ agents strive to create long-term, trusted relationships long after the tenancy agreement is signed. Fighting off competition from hybrid and online letting agents, Savills continues to grow its managed rental portfolio.

Valuation

From investors and fund managers to developers and property companies, Savills’ team of experts offers detailed valuations. Customers span multiple sectors and markets from residential properties to commercial businesses including hotels and healthcare facilities. Savills valuations are current and based on the most recent market research and statistics. Team members are constantly researching all aspects of the planning, investing, and development process to offer comprehensive valuations and advice. 

Consultancy

Developers and investors will be glad to know that Savills offers in-depth consultancy services as well. Savills’ team of specialists uses industry knowledge, current market trends, and years of experience to offer bespoke advice that meets individual client needs. These services include heritage planning, development project management, architectural design, and project planning. Many clients utilize Savills’ services to see a development project through from start to finish. 

Development

Savills’ services for developers don’t end there. The company also offers more hands-on services and support. These include land sales and acquisitions, valuations, portfolio advice, and transaction support. Sectors include commercial, rural, residential, and multi-use. Savills will choose a team member best suited for your project, location, and needs, keeping clients up to date on market trends, potential challenges, and reasonable solutions. 

Finance

Money makes the world go round and Savills understands this, which is why the company offers financial advice and support. The company’s team of financial advisors can help clients make smart, informed decisions based on current market trends and sector insights. Services range from local to national and international. Savills also works closely with several well-trusted and well-respected lenders to help clients obtain the financial support they need for a smooth, cost-effective transaction. 

Investment

Savills offers industry insight on property investments across the world, regardless of where you live and where the property is located. Whether you’re looking to invest in a residential property, shopping mall, farm, office, or hospital, Savills has a team member with experience in this particular field. Savills can also help at any stage of the process, whether you’re just starting out or need help mid-way through. Savill’s market-leading research team uses data, trends, and market intelligence to help clients across every sector make informed financial decisions. 

Research and Planning

Without adequate research and planning, your project will fall short and you may end up losing money. Savills provides research and planning services to ensure this doesn’t happen. Savills has planning experts trained to help guide clients through the complex steps of the research and planning process. This includes complicated applications, compulsory purchases and compensation, appraisals, legal agreements, economics, infrastructure payments, planning policies, and more. Savills’ research team has experience with land use laws and policies across the world, offering a mix of global and local knowledge.

Occupier Services

Savills also offers global services for those who occupy properties but aren’t in the property business. With over 600 specialists working client-side, Savills has helped some of the world’s largest and most successful occupier businesses. Team members develop a visual portfolio that links data from the market and other enterprise systems to provide an insightful management tool that helps clients plan their next move. 

 

The Sectors Savills Serves

With so many offices and experts spanning the globe, Savills services a wide range of sectors and clients including:

• Affordable housing
• Education
• Energy
• Healthcare
• Hotels
• Industrial and Logistics
• Infrastructure and Transport
• Leisure
• Marine
• Minerals and Commodities
• Mixed-use
• Office and business space
• Public sector
• Residential
• Retail
• Student accommodation
• Utilities, oil, and gas
• Vineyards
• Waste management 

 

Savills Property Auctions

Savills also hosts property auctions, helping both homeowners and buyers get the best price for their properties. Savills is currently ranked as one of the UK’s leading auction houses with over 20 years of experience. Savills works to get the right properties in front of the right people so everyone comes out a winner.

Savills helps buyers find a property and sellers get the best price for their property. They also offer support to help simplify the bidding process. 

Buying at Auction

Prior to the auction date, you can browse Savills’ catalog of available properties. This is published up to two weeks prior to the auction, giving you plenty of time to plan and budget. You can also select properties you’re interested in and schedule a viewing beforehand. 

You’ll need to register for the auction to attend and upload any required documentation. Savills recommends that only serious buyers put in a bid. If you’re unsure, it’s best you sit this one out. If you’re confident you want a particular property, make sure you have the available funds. Savills requires a 10% deposit on the property and buyer fees. It’s important to note that £250 is included in VAT below £20,000 and £1,250 is included in VAT at and above £20,000.

The Bidding Process

There are 3 ways for you to bid on a property at auction – by phone, online, or by proxy. The latter involves authorizing the Auctioneer to bid a specified amount on your behalf. You can register online as a bidder and must include the following information:

• ID documents
• Details of your solicitor
• Details of any bidders, buyers, or individuals paying the deposit

Each bidding process works a little differently, so be sure to check the website for detailed instructions on bidding by phone, online, or proxy. 

Selling at Auction 

Savills auction is a great place to sell your property as well. Before you list your property, Savills team of experts will perform market research to ensure you’re making the best financial decision. Some other advantages of using Savills auction to sell your property include security, certainty, and saving time. Once the gavel falls at auction, your sale is a done deal. Auction contracts also follow a specific timeframe, which means buyers can’t drag their feet or delay the process. 

Auctions are also transparent, giving you a clear, immediate picture of how much your property is worth and how many people are interested before landing on the best possible price. The atmosphere at an auction is competitive and high-energy, helping drive up the sale price as bidders feed off one another’s excitement and eagerness. 

Here are a few things to consider before selling your property at auction.

• Is it suitable for auction? (properties in need of refurbishing sell the best)
• Choose a reserve price (the minimum price you’ll accept for the property)
• Take the necessary pre-auction steps (inspections, submit the property details for display on Zoopla, Rightmove, and in the Savills’ auction catalog)

 

Savills Offers Global Reach and a Multitude of Services

Chances are, if you need help selling, buying, letting, or investing in a property across the world, Savills has a service that can help. With over 600 offices spanning dozens of countries, you can stay connected regardless of where you are in comparison to your property or land. The only downside to using an agency as large as Savills is that, sometimes, it negatively impacts customer service. 

With thousands of clients at any given time, you may find yourself lost in the shuffle. On the other hand, a larger company means more versatile and skilled team members in specific industries, sectors, and locations. 

Start out by seeing if Savills has a location in your area and what services they offer. Then, determine if this property agency is the right fit for your needs, budget, and future plans.