Category — Devon

South Devon Property Search

Why do people come to live here? It’s simply beautiful.

• Soft rolling countryside
• Wonderful estuaries perfect for sailing
• Totally unspoilt
• Lovely little market towns
• Stunning coastline and beaches
• Lots of rural and coastal property available

Broadly speaking the South Hams defines an area south of the A38 in Devon. The South Hams (we’ll refer to it as South Devon) incorporates a number of charming towns and villages, the principals of which are: Totnes, Modbury, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Bigbury, Dittisham, Newton Ferrers, Noss Mayo and Dartmouth.

Types of Property For Sale

There’s an eclectic mix of farm houses and cottages, coastal property, fishermen’s cottages and rural property, mixed with a growing amount of more modern property. There are also a number of oak marvellous framed homes, many designed and constructed by Carpenter Oak of Dittisham, who are the pioneers in such modern, airy buildings.

Property Prices

Property values in the South Hams tend to be higher than elsewhere in Devon, simply because of its charm and desirability.

It’s also less highly populated than elsewhere in Devon, so demand tends to concentrate around fewer houses and which maintain higher values.

South Devon Towns & Villages

Totnes

Totnes is creative, arty, growing strong alternative cultures like Transition Towns. Nearby is Riverford, the home of Riverford Organics, the UK’s largest organic veg box business and the Riverford Field Kitchen which is well worth a visit.

Modbury

Down the road, you’ll find places like Modbury a steep high street populated entirely by independent retailers who were the first town in England to ban plastic bags. Such projects are a testament to the strong ties that can be built in small communities.

Kingsbridge

I think of Kingsbridge as a good working town that benefits from the Estuary to attract visitors, but still retains a strong sense of community throughout the year.

Dittisham

Dittisham is a stunning village on the banks of the river Dart, looking across to Greenway, Agatha Christie’s home for many years, and inspiration for many of her books.

Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo

The twin villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo straddle the river Yealm where there is a cross section of former fishermen’s cottages with twentieth century homes climbing up the valleys behind them. There are several excellent pubs including The Dolphin and The Swan. It’s another good place for sailing.

Bigbury, Bigbury-On-Sea and Burgh Island

Bigbury, Bigbury-On-Sea and of course Burgh Island (home of the famous art deco hotel and which gets cut off by the tides daily – crossing available by the pedestrian tractor). Also on Burgh Island is the Pilchard Inn. Bigbury-On-Sea has a Links golf course and a great beach – perfect for young families.

Salcombe

Salcombe has become the second most expensive rural town outside the home counties, with a restaurant, café culture and retail shops to match the lifestyle.

Though very busy in Summer, you only have to go inland a little way, or visit neighbouring creeks, coves, hamlets and villages to find stunning properties which offer the best of all worlds.

Transport Links

Totnes is on the main London Paddington line. The A38 running from Exeter to Plymouth links direcetly to the M5. Airport connections can be found at Plymouth and Exeter. Plymouth has  thriving port and ferry links to France and Spain.

Property Search Agents

We don’t need to sell Devon. The secret is out and South Devon particularly has become the retreat of choice for many with solid prices unlikely to budge much even in the deepest recession.

It’s precisely because of that (and of course significant savings in time, money, hassle, stress) that property search agents (professional property finder services) are in demand and can really make a huge difference to the property search process.

We know the lay of the land, local property trends, have carefully built trusted contact lists and unrivalled local property knowledge.

To find out if a property search agent like Recoco might help you find your dream home, call us on 01392 433 554.

The South West boasts a wealth of coastal property for sale. The South West Coastal Path alone, runs some 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. The path travels through a diverse set of landscapes from the soporific coastline of South Devon, to the dramatic and rugged Atlantic coastlines of North Devon and Cornwall.

Coastal Property For Sale

The level of coastal property available for sale is equally diverse from ancient fishermen’s cottages to splendid manor houses as well as stunning contemporary architecture.

The varied coastline offers tremendous scope for all sorts of property buyers, from families looking for a second home, sailing enthusiasts, surfers, walkers as well as a wealth of rural property inland.

The accessibility of the South West through major road, rail and air routes, as well as a warmer climate, makes it the most desirable choice for many property buyers, particularly those in their retirement years.

For many, the idea of coastal property need not always include a sea view. Sometimes, just being close to beaches, walks and activities is sufficient to provide the lifestyle change you seek.

Investment Property

There is always a constant demand for waterside and coastal property. The limited supply of such property undoubtedly means higher prices but a safer investment regardless of outside influences in the property market and the wider economy.

Waterside property owned as an investment will always attract a great following for people wishing to holiday in the area. There is a market for renting out holiday properties finished to a high standard.

Devon

Devon has two very different coastlines, each with its own character and attributes. North Devon is a surfers paradise lashed by Atlantic waves, whilst South Devon has numerous coastal inlets that are havens for the yachting fraternity, now augmented by high quality, shops, restaurants, bars and amenities.

In addition, and by no means to be forgotten, is the English Riviera, the original destination in Devon for holidaymakers.

Dorset

Dorset coastal property lies on the Jurassic Coast. It is officially a national park and protected by its status. The coastline offers dramatic cliffs, coastal valleys and rocky beaches. The English Channel is a gentler sea than the Atlantic, and the countryside bordering the coast reflects this, with a rolling and beautiful landscape.

Dorset is highly accessible, being that much nearer to London and, for some, is commutable.

Cornwall

Cornwall appeals to those looking for wild and rugged landscapes and weather. Being on the furthest promontory of the country, this is where you can distance yourself from the rat race. Again, there are definite hotspots in the coastal property market, such as the Helford Passage, Rock, Padstow, St. Ives & Fowey.

These are the areas that have traditionally appealed to the affluent, with prices to match. For those prepared to look further afield, yet still be close to these areas, there is a wealth of property offering potential without the premium property prices.

Somerset

The Somerset coast is an often forgotten and bypassed coastline, with hidden gems. Bordering the Exmoor national park and hiding the Quantocks, the Brendon Hills and the Blackdown Hills, this area offers stunning rural landscapes, dramatic coastal scenes and yet is accessible via the M5 and with convenient mainline railway connections.

Starting Your Coastal Property Search

It’s important to get to know the area you want to live in before making a significant financial commitment. What attracts you to the coast? What do you want to get from your change in location and lifestyle? More often than not, starting a search, whether for coastal or any other kind of property, should begin with introspection rather than a view to the actual properties themselves.

Make a list of what you want from your life, not just your property. This single exercise can prove enormously helpful in understanding exactly what you want to be looking for and where.

Using A Property Search Agent

For those unable to spend the time or money investigating the whole of the South West, a property search agent may well prove a sound investment, identifying areas that will best suit your requirements. They will handle your search from initial enquiry, discovering your requirements and then matching them to the available properties and areas. They will handle complex price negotiations, as well as surveys and liaising with solicitors, through to completion.

Recoco have been helping clients buy property in the South West for over 10 years, with over 30 years of experience in the regional property market and a lifetime of local knowledge.

“He really does seem to know every little village in the area, and househunting went from being a bit of a headache to being an exciting adventure once again.”

Should you need  further help in your property search, please call us on 01392 433 544 for an informal discussion of your requirements.

Are you thinking of moving to Devon?

Devon is a large county, with lots of fabulous property. It’s a perfect country escape, well-connected, with plenty of rural, beach and coastal properties for sale.

Why Move To Devon?

Devon is arguably one of the best places to live in the UK. Of course, we’re absolutely prejudiced, because we live here.

But in 2009 Devon was voted as England’s best county to live in by Country Life, factoring in categories everything from crime figures to food to green space, council performance and composting. Read the full article about how Country Life arrived at their conclusion that Devon is the best county in England.

Devon Is Just That Bit Closer

Whilst Cornwall is undeniably beautiful, for some property buyers it’s just a shade too far away from large cities like London and many find that Devon, whilst being comfortably far away and with its own gravity, is also very well connected with the rest of the country from the M5 and by rail.

Cornwall is beautiful, but a little too far for some. However, if that’s exactly what you’re looking for you may be more interested in our page on Cornwall Property Search.

Coastal Property Search in Devon

There is a wealth of coastal property for sale in Devon. Devon is the UK’s only county to have two separate coastlines, each with very different characteristics. As such it offers property finders searching for coastal, beach, or waterside property plenty of choice – from rugged coastline perfect for surfing, to sedate pebbly beaches in the English channel at Budleigh Salterton.

The South West has some of the best sailing waters in the country. It’s been the home of Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake – undeniably amongst the best sailors in history.

Size & Population

Whilst it’s the 4^th largest county, it’s 11^th in terms population density. That means more green space, small cities with easy access to the countryside and plenty of small villages ideal for a second home, rural relocation or a country escape.

It’s actually the problem of size and the number of small villages which leads many people to consult a property search agent to find the right property. A property search agent will help narrow down the possibilities, show you where not to live, as well as give you the insight and knowledge you’ll need to make the right buying decisions.

City Shopping, Exeter

Exeter is a small cathedral city of about 120,000, at the furthest end of the M5. Exeter has a busy shopping centre with large department stores such as John Lewis (opening late 2012), House of Fraser and Marks & Spencers as well as most well known high street shops. Exeter also has specialist electronics shops such as the Apple store, bespoke tailors such as Lugets and a thriving community of independent shops.

Supermarkets available include Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.

Transport & Infrastructure

Train Stations In Devon

A train journey London Paddington to Exeter can take as little as 2 hours and 2 minutes.

Villages and towns connected to the rail network include: Barnstaple, Chapelton, Umberleigh, Portsmouth Arms, Kings Nympton, Eggersford, Lapford, Morchard Road, Copplestone, Okehampton, Sampford Courtenay, Yeoford, Crediton, Newton St, Cyres, Tiverton (Tiverton Parkway), Exeter (served by Exeter St. David’s, Pinhoe, Exeter St. Thoma, St. James, Polsloe Bridge, Digby & Sowton) Whimple, Feniton, Honiton, Axminster, Topsham, Exton, Lympstone Commando, Lympstone, Exmouth, Starcross, Dawlish Warren, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Torre, Torquay, Paignton, Totnes, Ivybridge, Plymouth (served by Devonport, Dockyard), St. Budeaux Victoria Road, St Budeaux Ferry Road, Bere Ferrers, Berer Alston, Calstock, and Gunnislake.

Roads

Beyond the M5, which ends at Exeter, a network of A roads serves the rest of Devon, but it’s relatively quick to get around by car. Beyond the M5, South Devon is served by the fast moving A38. North Devon is largely served by the A361 and the A377.

Exeter & Plymouth Airports

Exeter has its own airport and flies to Summer and Winter holiday destinations as well as scheduled flights to locations including: Paris, Geneva, Salzburg, Amsterdam, Dublin, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and a handful of others.

Dartmoor

Over 34,000 people live in Dartmoor national park. It’s high, rugged moors, wild ponies and magnificent countryside attract millions each year.

If you buy a property on Dartmoor and need to apply for planning, the Dartmoor National Park authority will handle the application, which may sound daunting, though their website claims that 91% of planning applications were approved in the year from 1^st April 2010.

Climate & Geography

The Met Office moved to Exeter, in Devon, for a reason!

According to the met office, coastal areas in the South West have on average about 1600 hours of sunshine each year – with more favourable sunshine hours on the English Channel coast.

Teignmouth is one of the sunniest places in the country and according to a survey published by HomeSun from met office data, Maudlin Drive is the 5^th sunniest street in the UK(1).

Dartmoors high moors have a slightly different climate and you can expect more rain.

For more information about climate in the South West, visit the Met Office here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/sw/print.html

Food

As you might expect for a thriving rural county such as Devon, we do great food – and not just clotted scones and cream. We have plenty of farm shops, selling local cheese, ciders, fresh bread, vegetables and fruit. Devon sports its own vineyards which have competed favourably with French wines in blind taste tests. The largest official food organisation in Devon is the Taste of the West which promotes the greatest regional produce.

Education: State Schools, Private Schools & University

Devon has a wealth of private schools which offer the very best teaching and educational standards combined with the more relaxed outlook of the South West, covering pre-preparatory schools to A level education. Families will want to live close or within a reasonable commuting distance of schools, and will likely impact your choice of location for buying property.

Likewise, catchment areas in the state school system play an important part in choosing property, as well as walking or commutable distance. Devon has some very good grammar schools.

Exeter and Plymouth are university towns. Once kids have grown up, distance probably plays a lesser role in where you choose to live. Exeter also has the Peninsular Medical School. Dartmouth also has the Britannia Royal Naval College.

Using A Property Search Agent

If you are actively looking at fine property for sale in Devon, you might want to seek extra help from a property search agents like Recoco.

Every year we help a small list of private clients find property in Devon, West, Dorset, Cornwall and Somerset. We handle your entire purchase from search and shortlisting, through specialist surveys, meeting with architects etc. to price negotiation and completion.

Is it an unfair advantage? We think so. But that’s why our clients choose us. To find out more, please call us on +44 (0)1392 433 554 and we’ll be happy to talk to you about your next property purchase in Devon.