Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. h&s Surveyors conducted a level 2 survey ahead of our house purchase last year. Their communication was excellent from start to finish, and their report was thorough and very well written. One year on, the report describes everything we've learned from living in our home and we haven't hesitated to recommend h&s Surveyors to our friends and family. Hopefully, we won't need to move home for some time, but when we do, we will use h&s Surveyors.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful and simple process to book in our survey and received back very quickly. Thorough and insightful report and lovely team to work with. Thank you so much.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely first class service, I had additional questions after the survey and nothing was too much trouble. I would highly recommend this company.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. H&S provided an efficient service at a very competitive price. Communication was great. The report was detailed and comprehensive and even our solicitor was impressed with it. We would use them again.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andy provided a really thorough RICS Level 3 survey for us, which was clear and easy to understand, for an excellent price. Would definitely recommend.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently had a Grade 3 survey conducted as part of the process of purchasing a house, and we couldn’t be happier with the service provided! The survey was incredibly thorough, detailed, and professionally executed, giving us a clear and comprehensive understanding of the property's condition. The report was not only easy to understand but also highlighted important areas to address, which has been invaluable in helping us plan for possible future works. Chris' expertise, attention to detail, and willingness to answer any questions made the whole process seamless and reassuring. We truly feel that this survey was worth every penny and gave us the confidence to move forward with our purchase. Highly recommend to anyone looking for reliable and meticulous survey services!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Survey was promptly booked with helpful admin staff responding quickly by email. Survey was detailed (including plenty of photos) and arrived within the time promised. Seems to be much better value for level 2 surveys than other local providers. Would recommend - thank you!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris is knowledgeable, efficient and helpful and provides an excellent professional serviceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was the second time using H&M Surveyors. They were quick to respond to my initial enquiry and also arranging a date for the survey. Chris phoned me beforehand to ask if I had any particular concerns about the property. The level 2 homebuyers report was provided in the timescale advised and Chris was also happy to discuss the findings of the survey once I had seen the report, which I found very useful. Chris was friendly and explained everything I needed to know. Would definitely recommend h&s and will be happy to use again in the future.
Where are the best places to live in Devon?
If you are planning to relocate to the West Country, Devon has plenty to offer. Are you looking for a more relaxed pace of life and a town or village with a strong community spirit? How about plenty of space and a stunning countryside or seaside location? Whether you are longing for a country cottage, a family home or a modern apartment, Devon provides some of the best places to live in the UK. If you are thinking of heading West for the long term, you are sure to be spoilt for choice.
However, relocating to a part of the country you are unfamiliar with can be a stressful experience. Without a clear idea of where the best places to live are, or who to consult locally for property advice and guidance, it can make the job of finding your new home in Devon much harder than it needs to be.
That’s where Hammond & Shaw come in. Our long established team of Surveyors in South Devon is well known for the quality of service we deliver to HomeBuyers in Devon. Covering Exeter, Dartmouth, Salcombe, Torquay and beyond, we can provide the local property knowledge you need along with quality property survey and valuation reports that are designed to be jargon-free and user friendly.
So, where are the best places to live? Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for. Exeter is a thriving regional hub with several booming industries, plenty of amenities and culture. Totnes is a picturesque medieval market town with an independent spirit and alternative culture. Salcombe, recently dubbed ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, is a pretty coastal town boasting prime seaside homes. Dartmouth aka ‘the jewel of the South Hams’ is a picturesque historic harbour town, rich in maritime history and overlooked by the famous Royal Naval College. We could go on…
Interestingly, in a recent list of ‘best places to live in the Southwest of England’ compiled by The Times, three lesser-known Devon towns made it into the top 10: Topsham, Kingsbridge and Chagford. Let us take a look at each of these in turn.
Topsham
A small estuary town on the Exe, Topsham has a much calmer ambience than the vibrant city of Exeter only 4 miles north. Loved by locals and visitors alike, there’s a great village vibe with a pretty high street running through the centre of town offering a wide selection of local independent shops, pubs and restaurants.
The Strand in the town centre is one of the most prestigious and well-known streets where those who have the budget have a choice of historic Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian period homes and beautiful Dutch-style gable houses. For those looking for more modern accommodation, consider one of the many new developments on the outskirts of town.
Kingsbridge
Kingsbridge is a bustling market town located at the northern end of the Kingsbridge Estuary and easily reached via the A38 Devon Expressway and A381 that runs through the heart of the South Hams. It’s close to the beach but far enough away from the Salcombe crowds to provide a welcome contrast as an ‘unassuming’ town with a strong community spirit. There’s a proper town centre with a cinema and weekly farmers’ market, and plenty of shops aimed at local residents rather than the tourist trade.
Kingsbridge has excellent education facilities and good schools including Kingsbridge Community College. Local properties here range from barn conversions and bungalows to historical properties with extensive plots of land.
Chagford
Chagford is a small market town situated on the north-eastern edge of Dartmoor where the microclimate provides more sunshine and less rain than on the other side of the moor. Exeter is about half an hour away by car and easily accessible via the A30.
Thanks to its rural location, the town is popular with nature lovers but it has also made a name for itself as a place of culture. The highlight of the year is the annual Chagstock music festival.
Property for sale in Chagford ranges from beautiful old cottages and barns to family houses and impressive estates. Expect to pay a premium for living in one of the most sought-after places to live in Devon and the Dartmoor area.
If you are looking for a property to buy in South Devon and need professional advice, H&S Surveyors should be your first port of call. Contact the team to discuss your upcoming purchase and for guidance with the best choice of home survey for your property. We look forward to welcoming you to Devon, the best county in the UK according to a recent YouGov poll.
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Last updated: 24th April 2025