Stuart Millard
Stuart Millard, Manager of Stags Estate Agents - Dartmouth
Stuart Millard, Manager of Stags Estate Agents
How did you get to this position?
I’ve been working in estate agencies for 13 years and it was always my ambition to work in Dartmouth. When I visited a couple of months ago I realised how much I missed the sea and wanted to live here. The position came up so I grabbed the opportunity. I started in October and hope to stay here for the next 20 years and beyond.
I grew up in Ottery St Mary, where my parents still live, and worked in estate agents around Somerset until I went on a two-year travelling sabbatical in Australia, Asia and Europe. When I returned in 2009 I got back in touch with Stags and worked in their Yeovil office until the position at Dartmouth came up. I’ve always loved it down here. My friend has a Moody 32 up at Noss Marina and I’ve been sailing on the Dart for the last ten years.
I’ve also helped out with yacht deliveries in my spare time – flying over to Germany and sailing boats back as part of a crew. I’ve done all my travelling for now, got it out of my system, and am entering a settling down phase. I’m now looking to get a boat and a dog and live, eat and breathe the dream that is Dartmouth.
Why did you want to be an estate agent?
I’ve always been passionate about property and really enjoy going out on site visits. My father was an estate agent and is now a chartered surveyor. I left school at 17 and started in estate agency a year or two later. My first job was making the tea and coffee. I’ve worked at Stags in Yeovil and Exeter, as well as Redferns, in East Devon, and Shaws.
Has estate agency changed in recent years?
It’s certainly a much tougher climate now. I left for my sabbatical at the peak of the market in November 2007, when business was booming. The crash came in early 2008 while I was away. Things have been pretty tough since and it’s a lot harder getting even cash buyers out of the woodwork and spending their money at the moment. However, there are still lots of good buyers out there and I think 2012 will be more positive with stronger overall demand for property.
Are things different in Dartmouth?
There are certainly some amazing properties around here, which are a delight to sell and our portfolio includes many great waterside apartments and rural properties.
Dartmouth and its surrounding areas are always popular. The majority of our customers are presently second homeowners and cash buyers. People come down here on holiday and see how great it is and want to live this way of life. They then buy somewhere to let as a holiday home or weekend retreat and move into it after retirement. A lot of our buyers are from London and the Home Counties and Stags has an office in Pall Mall, London, in addition to our 19 branches across the South West.
With many weekend visitors, we have to be available seven days a week to accommodate everyone. Our residential lettings portfolio is very busy, as a lot of people want to let a property for about 12 months before plunging in. They can then get to know the area well - find the sunniest spots etc – before making a decision. At the Dartmouth office we always like to use local solicitors with local knowledge, which makes it much easier to work with vendors and buyers.
How are you settling in?
Dartmouth is such a warm, welcoming and inviting town to newcomers. I’ve really noticed this, especially moving in during the winter period. Friends have invited me to dinner parties and it’s been really easy settling in.
I’m now looking forward to having time to visit the yacht clubs and go on some great walks. I’m in the process of clearing out my Somerset property to sell on and then buy something in Dartmouth. I bought it to do up leisurely but having moved to Dartmouth quicker than I expected, I’m now quite busy with it at the moment!
Any future plans for the Stags team?
First of all we’ll be handing out Christmas drinks and nibbles during the Candlelit procession. We’re also looking to expand our small team and are about to advertise for an administrator to join me, Kirsty in negotiating, and Zoe in lettings. We’re always keen to get involved in charity events and recently helped out in a cycle race for the Wallace and Grommit Grand Appeal for Bristol’s Children’s Hospital.
A team of nine riders cycled to every Stags office in the South West over four days. I was the support vehicle on a motorbike, which was tiring enough! On a more personal level my photography hobby is on hold at the moment but I’ll be out and about in Dartmouth very soon, looking for the perfect landscape shot. •
First Published December 2011 By The Dart
