Rupert is Black Brick’s West Country specialist. He formerly owned a long established local agency, so he has boots on the ground, so to speak. He also has 30+ years of experience in property, and has successfully secured over £1 billion (you read that right) worth of homes for his clients and their kids. From first homes and holiday lets to forever homes; from families building their Devon dream business here, to empty nesters looking to retire. He’s done it.

Based in the South Hams, Rupert knows the challenges of house-hunting first hand. He made the move from the South East years ago with his family and still has a Land Rover with 220k miles on the clock to prove it! He will make sure you’re only doing the dreaded M5 schlep when he’s found you the right viewings, so no turning up to find a railway line runs through it.

Chatting to Rupert, it occurred to me that what a property finder does is very similar to what Muddy does. We both make it our business to keep our finger on the pulse, to know what’s going on locally, know where’s up and coming, and where to find the good schools, theatres, shops and communities. The only difference is that when I walk down the street in Salcombe, all the estate agents don’t say hello! Black Brick also send out a search-list on behalf of clients to hundred of agents around the county, from the big players to the smaller independents. Truth is, most of the homes Rupert roots out, never make it on the open market – a property finder gets in first.

The catch? Yup, Black Brick charge a fee, but I believe Rupert when he says that nine times out of ten that fee is covered by what he knocks off the price when negotiating. And unlike estate agents, who are acting for the seller, he is acting in your best interests. Proof of the pudding is that many of his clients become friends who he’s happy to help find trusted local surveyors, builders and project managers too, once they’re down here.