Your Local Award Winning Estate Agent
For many years, we at Cray & Norton Estate Agents have been recognised for our success in the sale and letting of property. By helping thousands of people move into new homes, we have established a respected reputation throughout the London Borough of Croydon. Since our formation in 2005, we have remained a genuine family-run estate agency, combining local expertise with nationwide coverage. We are also proud to be Croydons exclusive member of The Guild of Professional Estate Agents, linking us with a network of over 800 estate agency offices across the country.
Maintaining exceptional standards is a fundamental part of our business. Our staff receive extensive training and are committed to delivering a customer experience that reflects professionalism, integrity and ethical responsibility. Qualifications gained through The Guilds associate training scheme, approved by Cambridgeshire Trading Standards, further support the quality of service we provide. We are also regulated by the Property Ombudsman. Our professional services encompass residential sales, residential lettings, land, new homes and property management. Operating from our Croydon office, we cover areas including Addiscombe, South Norwood, Shirley, Waddon, New Addington, Thornton Heath, Woodside, Selhurst and South Croydon, ensuring comprehensive support for clients across the borough.
Served areas
- Croydon, Cro, South Croydon, CR2, Addiscombe, South Norwood, SE25, Thornton Heath, CR7, Waddon, Woodside, Purley, Sanderstead, Warlingham
Business details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Award-winning family-run estate agency established since 2005
- Free non-pressurised valuations for sales and lettings services
- Residential sales, lettings, property management and probate valuations
- Nationwide coverage through professional estate agency network
- Guild-trained staff delivering exceptional customer-focused property services
- Regulated professionals committed to strong ethical industry standards
Associations and certifications
- Guild of Professional Estate Agents
- Ombudsman
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
Our expertise covers residential sales, probate valuations, residential lettings and ongoing property management. We are committed to offering a reliable and professional service tailored to individual property needs. By combining experience with a practical approach, we help clients navigate each aspect with confidence. We aim to maintain high standards across all areas of our work.
People
Darren Cray
Director
With over 30 years of experience in the property industry, Darren Cray is the Director of Cray & Norton and leads the team with a clear focus on delivering exceptional service and achieving results. He oversees all aspects of the business, from valuations and sales strategies to team development and client relationships. Darren is passionate about the local property market and takes pride in helping clients make informed decisions, whether theyre buying, selling, letting or renting
Andrea Cray
Director
As Lettings Director, Andrea Cray brings a wealth of experience and a personal touch to everything we do. With over 20 years in the property sector, she has built a reputation for honesty, professionalism, and in-depth local knowledge. Andrea is actively involved in all aspects of lettings and is always happy to offer advice whether youre a first-time landlord or an experienced investor. Andrea is passionate about her role and manages a portfolio of over 150 properties.
Marcel Ruane
Sales Director
Leading the sales team at Cray & Norton, Marcel Ruane combines years of industry experience with a hands-on, approachable leadership style. From setting sales goals to mentoring the team and meeting clients, he plays a key role in keeping everything running smoothly and successfully.
As well as overseeing the sales department, Marcel carries out accurate property valuations for both sales and lettings, helping clients make confident and informed decisions. Passionate about property and dedicated to delivering great results, he is always on hand with expert advice whether youre buying, selling, letting, or renting.
As well as overseeing the sales department, Marcel carries out accurate property valuations for both sales and lettings, helping clients make confident and informed decisions. Passionate about property and dedicated to delivering great results, he is always on hand with expert advice whether youre buying, selling, letting, or renting.
Reviews (30)
Puperpup
Apr 22, 2026
I had a really positive experience with this estate agent. Darren and Archie were consistently accommodating throughout the process. Whenever I needed updates, they chased the sellers promptly and always came back to me in a timely manner, which made the whole journey far less stressful.
Chloe was also fantastic during the viewings. She was friendly, patient, and incredibly helpful, going above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. On completion day, she made an extra effort to ensure I could collect my keys without any issues, which I truly appreciated.
Overall, the team made the process much easier, and their support didnt go unnoticed. Id happily recommend them
Chloe was also fantastic during the viewings. She was friendly, patient, and incredibly helpful, going above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. On completion day, she made an extra effort to ensure I could collect my keys without any issues, which I truly appreciated.
Overall, the team made the process much easier, and their support didnt go unnoticed. Id happily recommend them
Thembi Nxumalo
Apr 21, 2026
I had a fantastic experience renting through Cray and Norton i have been a tenant for the past 3 years and they have been excellent,unlike other agencies,they are increadibly responsive whenever a maintenance issue arises repairs sorted within hours, communication always friendly,its a relief to have a tenant that looks after tenants ,Thanks Archie and all team ,i will recomend Cray and Norton anytime
Louise Sutton
Mar 15, 2026
Maira Iqbal
Feb 12, 2026
Anita Zakharides
Dec 14, 2025
Broncos Best
Nov 30, 2025
I had sold my property through a small estate agent in a timely and efficient manner. Unfortunately I attempted to purchase three times through large estate agents and was frustrated by extremely poor service and communication leading to three failed purchases. Probably because they couldn't sell me this and that. Fortunately on the fourth attempt I purchased through Cray and Norton. They had extensive knowledge of the area and the property and any gaps were addressed by email the next day. All enquiries answered within 24 hours. Responsive communication through them to the seller of the property. Needless to say the sale progressed to a speedy conclusion to the satisfaction of all parties due to Archie and Darren being proactive at every stage. Due to the service differential I'm sure this agent will continue to thrive even in this tough market.
Wilson Chacko
Oct 23, 2025
Jinghui Shao
Oct 19, 2025
W. E.
Oct 05, 2025
We chose Cray and Norton to sell a vacant family home. I found Darren to be an excellent listener who picked up on our needs. Our contact was also with Archie and Lucas. Everyone communicated friendly, promptly and professionally. C&N definitely stand out as having excellent skill and strategy. We felt they cared. We are very happy with the sale. We had the misfortune of below par solicitors - Darren, true to his word, kept the sale progressing. I 100% recommend and would use again. Thank you team, i know there was hard work to do.
Jino Joseph
Oct 05, 2025
I am really pleased with the support provided during the whole process of buying the property. I would specially thank Mr. Darren for his constant monitoring and getting all things sorted, which avoided the delays in the process.
Would like to recommend Cray & Norton for any kind of estates enquiries.
Would like to recommend Cray & Norton for any kind of estates enquiries.
Sue Penfold
Oct 02, 2025
Archie and Darren and rest of the Cray & Norton team did amazing job selling our dads house. The buyers was a nightmare , kept asking to view property again and again. Drop the price twice , did not have 10% deposit. Cray and Norton handle all these problems easily and professionally. Thank you and well done.
Howard Whitelaw
Sep 30, 2025
We have been looking for a property through Cray and Norton for some months now and despite being shown several properties that met our initial requirements, we have been guilty of then changing our specification (sorry!). Despite this Darren and his staff have remained patient, friendly and professional throughout and have continued to find alternative properties for us to view.
Agnieszka Hatas
Sep 09, 2025
Fran Elliott
Jun 16, 2025
We chose to let one of our properties with C&N, having managed this process ourselves up until recently. So far, they've been great. Responsive, communicative and - most importantly - honest with us, which has been refreshing. Particular shout out to Archie and Andrea, they've both been great.
They also have very competitively priced management packages. It's early days with our new tenants but I'm hopeful they'll be decent and long- standing.
They also have very competitively priced management packages. It's early days with our new tenants but I'm hopeful they'll be decent and long- standing.
Ruth Frimpong
May 31, 2025
I had an excellent service from Cray and Norton Estate agent. From viewing to finally signing the tenancy agreement, everything was smooth and stress free. Best experience I have ever had from an estate agent. I do recommend them as they are very professional. Thank you to the whole team for making my move easy and stress free.
Toby Marcroft
Mar 20, 2025
Julia Coyne
Mar 02, 2025
Ive repeatedly used Cray& Norton due to the exceptional service they give from start to finish. Darren gives great advice with the marketing and Archie and Lucas showed my house to its best potential and sold my house within two weeks. I wouldnt use any other agent in Croydon as this family run estate agent are experienced in the locality and know their market. I was kept updated through out the process and it was stress free.
George Marcroft
Feb 14, 2025
Cheryl Forrester
Jan 26, 2025
Cray and Norton were always very professional and definitely knew the market. Darren was on hand to make sure the sale of my Mum's house went through and whilst this was a very difficult time for us Darren and the team did their utmost to make the whole process as good an experience as possible. Thank you
Rachel Asante
Jan 20, 2025
Very good service. We were impressed with Cray & Norton form the first leaflet that entered our flat. We wanted local experts in particular. They gave the most accurate estimate, fair commission and under no pressure to use them - they actually gave us breathing space we cant say the same for many other EAs in the area!
After leisurely putting our home on the market with an online DIY service, once we found our onward purchase was ready we needed a quick sale and Cray & Norton were the first call. When you email/call they always respond, we didnt need to chase (unless to keep the onward purchase happy in the chain). Archie conducted viewings and treated the property with respect and communication was consistent always letting us know when to expect viewings.
Thanks, Archie, Marcel and Darren and all the team (who Im sure may have been involved at different points?). I have recommended to all who were next to us!
After leisurely putting our home on the market with an online DIY service, once we found our onward purchase was ready we needed a quick sale and Cray & Norton were the first call. When you email/call they always respond, we didnt need to chase (unless to keep the onward purchase happy in the chain). Archie conducted viewings and treated the property with respect and communication was consistent always letting us know when to expect viewings.
Thanks, Archie, Marcel and Darren and all the team (who Im sure may have been involved at different points?). I have recommended to all who were next to us!
Barbara
Jan 14, 2025
Cray and Norton offer a great service. They are realistic regarding where the price of your property should be and able to give tips on making your property more saleable. Excellent communication and the guys work hard to drum interest and screen for time wasters. My property sold with them and that was a great feeling. No matter who you speak with there they are always polite and empathetic and offer a flexible service. I would highly recommend them. Just try for yourself and see
Blanca Beatriz De Tucker
Dec 18, 2024
Cray and Norton Estate Agents, a company with the old fashion professionalism and modern technology was very instrumental on my search for a property with very specific and uncommon requirements. They were up to the challenge over a long period of time, with focus on what was needed. I greatly appreciate their help and strongly recommend Cray and Norton to a discerning customer.
Douy Singsamran
Nov 30, 2024
We just moved into our new rental home, thanks to Cray and Norton Estate Agent! Their team was incredibly helpful, responsive, and professional throughout the entire process. They truly understood our needs and made everything so easy and stress-free. Highly recommend Cray and Norton to anyone looking for a fantastic estate agent. Thank you for making our renting experience such a positive one!
Christopher Bishop
Nov 23, 2024
We have used this estate agent more than once.
Great service from the owners downwards.
Thanks to Darren, Marcel and Archie.
If you want an estate agent you can trust and that will actually work to help you with your house purchase then use Cray and Norton.
Thank you all for your great service and hard work.
Chris
Great service from the owners downwards.
Thanks to Darren, Marcel and Archie.
If you want an estate agent you can trust and that will actually work to help you with your house purchase then use Cray and Norton.
Thank you all for your great service and hard work.
Chris
Trudy Wright
Jun 16, 2024
Absolutely first class at what they do and yet so down to earth. It all started with Marcel (and what a lovely chap he is) and he got viewings for my property in a matter of hours, Archie showed interested parties around and within a week or so I had an offer brokered by Marcel. Darren was the finisher and nudged all concerned in the most helpful way. Impressed is an understatement - the dream team came through for me and lived up to all those positive reviews that steered me to them in the first place. I don't post reviews but I feel this lot deserve the accolade. Thank you chaps u are all true gents, no spin just action! Trudy
Roger Monteil
Feb 05, 2024
I instructed Cray and Norton to market my property in Queen St. Croydon in January 2022. As a client, I provided them with a particularly challenging set of circumstances which caused several buyers to withdraw! However, the personnel at Cray and Norton were never detered and were always able to provide new buyers for me to assess. I was always amazed on how quickly this was done.
I should add that at one point I had to withdraw the house from the market because my personal circumstances did not facilitate a sale (hence the gap from initial instruction to final sale).
Cray and Norton are the ultimate professionals in the real estate business. I highly recommend them should you wish sell a property (as in my case) and I'm sure that buyers are of the same opinion.
I should add that at one point I had to withdraw the house from the market because my personal circumstances did not facilitate a sale (hence the gap from initial instruction to final sale).
Cray and Norton are the ultimate professionals in the real estate business. I highly recommend them should you wish sell a property (as in my case) and I'm sure that buyers are of the same opinion.
Inna Boyd
Jan 20, 2024
We would like to say big "THANK YOU!" to the Cray & Norton team, in particular Darren and Marcel, for their help and guidance during the sale process of our home.
The customer service that we received back in 2014 (when the house was purchased) was at the same HIGH level when it was sold in 2023:
- friendly attitude,
- frequent and clear communication,
- knowledgeable about their industry,
- proactive and responsive.
We would highly recommend Cray & Norton to anyone, who wishes to sell / buy a property.
The customer service that we received back in 2014 (when the house was purchased) was at the same HIGH level when it was sold in 2023:
- friendly attitude,
- frequent and clear communication,
- knowledgeable about their industry,
- proactive and responsive.
We would highly recommend Cray & Norton to anyone, who wishes to sell / buy a property.
Claire
Mar 16, 2023
We bought a lovely property in Woodside Green from Cray and Norton. Archie is a lovely, polite and knowledgeable young man who promptly responds to all queries.
Darren supported key milestones in the sale, due to our mortgage company it was slower than expected but unlike other agents he wasnt pushy or rude which is much appreciated during a stressful time !
Highly recommend Cray and Norton and we would 100% work with them again. They are the real deal !
Darren supported key milestones in the sale, due to our mortgage company it was slower than expected but unlike other agents he wasnt pushy or rude which is much appreciated during a stressful time !
Highly recommend Cray and Norton and we would 100% work with them again. They are the real deal !
Rachel King
Oct 24, 2022
Cray & Norton are a fantastic family run estate agent who supported us every step of the way in buying our new home. In contrary to many others, they are non-pushy, efficient and extremely pleasant to deal with. Nothing was too much trouble and were always the other end of the phone if required, meaning a much less stressful process. 10/10 would use again in the future. Thanks Darren & Team!
Asher Whiting
Apr 05, 2020
Cray and Norton were amazing throughout our sale and purchase and we would highly recommend their services. They communicated with the entire chain involved and when things became difficult it was so reassuring to know we had an agency we could completely trust and rely on to help us overcome any hurdles. They put a great deal of work into getting us to moving day and we can't thank them enough. Thank you to Darren, Marcel, Sam and the whole team!