Devon estate agency uses hi-tech drone

Forward thinking Devon Estate Agency Helmores has become the first to use a Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to market their clients’ properties with stunning aerial footage.

Rob Stoyle, one of the owners, has succeeded in obtaining a BNUC-S qualification together with permission to fly their state-of-the-art multi-rotor camera drone from the Civil Aviation Authority which means they can put their marketing 400 foot above the competition.

He said: “Attached with a high definition GoPro video camera our Multi-Rotor drone is a cutting-edge marketing tool that I have undergone rigorous training to fly. We now offer this as part of our marketing package which means that we can provide amazing aerial video and photography to enhance expensive homes, farms and estate listings; capturing aspects of a property that cannot be seen from the ground. ”

One such property is the £1.25m Heron’s Bank estate in Cullompton where vendor Nick Worden was delighted with the results; “I was incredibly impressed that Helmores were able to offer this to me and that I could be a part of the film making process. Rob took his time to get it just right and his final edit was superb. The film quality is amazing. It has been a real asset to the sale process of my home.” The film can be viewed on Helmores’ Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=O614RbjfqE0

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) were originally devised by the military for use in the war, but less expensive versions have made it possible for videographers to use them too. However, in order to be able to legally use the footage Rob had to undergo much training to obtain the specific qualifications and permission to fly from the CAA.

He said; “Effectively we are using the same airspace as civil and military aircraft which meant we had to produce our own Operations Manual and learn a great deal of general aviation knowledge as well as health and safety. An aircraft like this can see a lot more and so it is important that we are sensitive to the flying path and how close I get to livestock, homeowners and other unrelated properties. I am incredibly careful to use this footage where appropriate and assess the suitability of a property for this marketing tool. One of my favourite pieces of footage is Clifford Cross Cottage in Drewsteignton – what an incredible way to show off their setting and views!”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDUyvoV2Veo&list=UUn0TDESFidudlwlMe3z4kVw