Watchdog Upholds Complaints against Foxton's

The Chiswick based estate agent has failed to convince the Advertising Standards Authority that claims made in their brochures were true

The Advertising Standards Authority has found that Foxton's, based in Chiswick Park, made misleading claims in their advertising. The Authority upheld three complaints made by rival estate agent Winkworths.

Winkworths had objected to a series of promotional material issued by Foxton's. One section of a brochure stated "... If you are letting your property, you want the best possible rent and a high calibre corporate or private tenant who can move in quickly" and featured testimonials from corporate clients, including one from the Documentaries and Investigations Department of the BBC.

However Foxton's failed to provide signed and documented proof of the testimonial from the BBC as required by the Authority's Code. Foxton's claimed that they had been in contact with the BBC several times since the brochure had been published and the BBC had not indicated that it had any objection to the use of the quotation.

Winkworth's also claimed that Foxton's statement that their "exceptional staff enable us to sell in excess of £2.5 billion worth of property .. each year" was untrue. This complaint was upheld and Foxton's have withdrawn the advertisement which featured this claim.

Another objection was made to the claim made that Foxton's sell or let one in four properties in the areas in which they operate. The Authority considered analysis submitted by Foxton's and concluded that the statement was misleading.

The Authority advised the Foxton's to consult the Committee of Advertising Practice Copy Advice team for help with preparing future advertisements.

December 11, 2002

Latest numbers show 3% fall in W4 property prices

Land Registry Numbers for Chiswick

Don't believe the hype on Chiswick property

No Clear trend for Chiswick property

Chiswick Shop Rentals Rising Faster then Anywhere in London

Need Mortgage Advice?

Hometrack