David Turnbull Bespoke Estate Agent Covering West Devon

25/09/2026

Finding a buyer is only half the battle.

New Propertymark data suggests that more than half of agents are now seeing most transactions take 17 weeks or more to get from offer accepted to exchange.

That is a long time for buyers and sellers to live with uncertainty.

There are plenty of reasons for delays… complex conveyancing, chains, lenders, searches, extra regulation and information being passed between multiple parties.

But there is also a newer complication entering the mix.

More buyers and sellers are turning to AI to analyse documents, check advice and generate questions of their own.

Understandable? Absolutely. Helpful? Not so clear cut.

There is a difference between using AI to understand what your solicitor is telling you and using it to become your own second solicitor.

You are paying a professional for a reason.

Ask questions. Make sure you understand. But sometimes the best thing we can all do is let the professionals get on with the job of getting the move through.

The conveyancing process already takes long enough as it is – the last thing it needs is more friction.

New blog is on my website now to explain the turmoil. 😞🫤

18/09/2026

An interest rate hold was what the housing market wanted… wasn’t it?

Yesterday, the Bank Rate stayed at 3.75%, and yet much of the reaction focused on inflation, the prospect of future rate rises and a more “hawkish” Bank of England, despite no change in the voting pattern from July – still 6-3 for holding steady.

So why did apparently reassuring news produce such cautious, even negative, headlines?

The answer lies in what markets think will happen next – and why mortgage rates don’t simply move up and down with Bank Rate.

Our latest article looks beyond the headline and asks what the September decision actually means for buyers and sellers across West Devon.

For months, anyone with half an eye on the housing market has probably had a fairly simple relationship with Bank of England interest rate announcements.

15/09/2026

Recently launched to the market in Tavistock.

A Unique, Grand Designs Development Opportunity to create a three floor, one-of-a-kind contemporary home set in the Heart of Tavistock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Outline planning is obtained which were revised and expanded on the previous designs in 2025 and indicate an approximate Gross Internal floor Area (excluding garage): 4,090 sq ft (380 sq m).

One of the best development opportunities we have seen for many years and wow, this would be a stunner once completed. 🤩

15/09/2026

I do rather like driving into Honeysuckle Drive in Tavistock 😊😊😊

Spoken For boards is what it’s all about. 🙌

11/09/2026

The September property bounce is here… and the South West is leading the way!

New Rightmove figures show buyer demand jumped by 5% nationally in the first week of September, compared with an average rise of just 0.4% at the same point over the past five years.

Here in the South West, the increase was even stronger at 8% - second only to London in the UK, which is up by 9%.

It is an encouraging sign that buyers are returning after the summer and getting on with their moving plans.

For anyone thinking about selling in and around Tavistock and West Devon this autumn, that could make now a very interesting time to come to market.

Read our latest thoughts on what the September bounce could mean for local sellers.

There are certain rhythms to the property market that we become used to.

10/09/2026

I don't do football but we are delighted to have scored a hat trick in Honeysuckle Drive in Tavistock.

After this home spent sometime on the market the owners trusted us to take over the marketing with a fresh approach and we are delighted to have secured a buyer for them within 28 days.

We have plenty of other properties that we are still trying to find buyers for but we're thrilled to achieve a result for these sellers. 🎉

10/09/2026

Recently launched to the market in Alexandra Drive, Bere Alston.

It's a lovely Semi-detached Bungalow in a popular Village Location. 😀

It has a level Sunny Aspect Garden, Modern Kitchen and shower room, Utility Room, Conservatory, Living Room, Two Double Bedrooms, Driveway and Garage.

Viewings are being booked now, call me to book your accompanied tour. 📞🏠😃

05/09/2026

Estate agency is constantly changing.

But right now, there seems to be a lot of corporate activity driving that change… even self employed agents like myself are driving change in a different way at the other end of the spectrum.

What does this look like?

On one side, some of the biggest groups in the industry are getting bigger, acquiring long-established independent agencies across the country.

On the other, something very different is happening.

Experienced estate agents like me and thousands like me are increasingly choosing to work for ourselves, using technology and platforms such as eXp to strip away the overheads of the traditional branch model – and spend more time actually looking after our clients.

Estate agency as an industry might feel to the public like it is simply becoming more corporate.

But perhaps it's actually splitting in two.

I’ve shared a few thoughts on what that might mean for homeowners – and why genuine choice in estate agency still matters.

This week, the property industry press reported that industry giant Lomond has acquired Ocean Property Services Group – a Bristol business with a 40-year

02/09/2026

If you are currently trying to sell your property what are you doing to help your estate agent sell your home. 🏠

Sort of a strange question?

Waiting for your next update from your agent, with little or nothing to report will not help you sell. 🤦‍♂️

Even when your present your home perfectly for viewings, (which we really appreciate).

Listening to your agent and working with them proactively to achieve your sale is vitally important.

As I said yesterday, team work makes the dream work. ❤️