The use of drones for photographing homes for sale has been exercising national headline writers over the last week.
Strutt & Parker used a drone to take pictures of a stately home in Yorkshire, while Carter Jonas used one for a bird’s eye view of a £10m property in Oxfordshire.
However, it’s not just the big agents using the technology.
A small independent in Devon is also using a drone to market properties.
Furthermore, Helmores is not even hiring in specialist firms to do it – it has its own drone and Rob Stoyle, one of the owners of Helmores, has undertaken the training to fly it.
Drones were originally devised by the military for use in the war, but less expensive versions have made it possible for videographers to use them.
Stoyle, pictured, had to get permission from the Civil Aviation Authority in order to be legally able to use the footage, which cannot be shot from over 400 feet.
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, home owners 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 the setting and views.”
He said: “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. ”
We reckon this is a pretty good story of innovation, coming from an agency in Crediton, founded in 1699 by William Helmore and which has been passed down through family connections for the last three centuries.
It’s well worth viewing these two properties in full screen mode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O614RbjfqE0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDUyvoV2Veo&list=UUn0TDESFidudlwlMe3z4kVw
They are a brilliant addition to your marketing armoury. We started about 4 years ago using David Moss of skyhighimagery.co.uk who was then equipped with a telescopic pole on a van. He then progressed to a 6 rotor hexacopter and we obviously progressed with him! We've used him on building plots and any property that would benefit from a different perspective. Have to say we've left it to him rather than investing time and money ourselves. Choosing the right day/weather conditions can disrupt your diary especially if you are a fully 'hands on' agent!
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We're now using drones whilst filming some of our video tours – they offer stunning images and are a great instruction winning tool on the right properties.
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Opening our agency last year in Richmond upon Thames we really wanted to showcase the area and did with some great aerial filming. http://vimeo.com/76462086
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David I really like that! – Great idea might have to "Borrow" it for my offices (don't worry not in Richmond). Was it straight forward to arrange?
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