Reply: 1.1.1
From: Jane B
I'm using Metropole now & have found them good - do what they say they will, very experienced, not into rip-off, keep me well informed & haven't found any instances at all of divergence between what they say, what they do, and what has happened (a nice change). I bought a block with an existing permit - decided to use them instead of trying to do it myself and have subsequently congratulated myself for that decision a number of times.
We haven't started building yet but they've already saved me money: eg, the architect who came with the property had Glorious Visions of Making A Building Statement and in fact has been a royal pain in the whatsit. Metropole have handled him well, pointed out the potential pitfall to me, and recommended a lower cost material.
I spent considerable time researching both the firm & its principal before deciding. Am happy with them & to date find they delivered what they promise (also a nice change). Pleasant people, and I think the model of 'buying wholesale' has a lot to recommend it.
Wakelin - think they're also reputable, obviously like to position themselves as leaders in the field. I think their advice is sound - ie, look for limited supply, good areas, etc. I looked, went to a few events, but found them short on real value and long on self-promotion. Ultimately decided that as a value proposition, their fees weren't worth it to me & decided to do something else.
Hope this helps.