Trusted Agent profile
★★★★★
28 reviews across 2 platforms
5 Cross Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1BH, North Devon EX31 1BH
John Smale & Co's North Devon office at 5 Cross Street is rated 4.3 out of 5 across 28 reviews on two platforms, including 26 Google reviews rated 4.5. The 2 Trustpilot count is for the whole business. Checked 9 October 2026.
Every review we hold for the North Devon office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
5/5
GoogleI would recommend these people to everyone. The property we had sold through them was unoccupied. They worked so hard look after our house during that time. We could never have done without them. They made sure that the conveyancing went through without any undue delays. Thank you all at John Smale especially Toby Dowding.
Thank you very much. So nice for us to receive these positive comments. Very nice dealing with you!
5/5
GoogleI have only used John Smale & Co. as a buyer and so I can't comment on their costs or value. I found them to be very responsive to emails and phone calls and were always quick to dispel any concerns regarding the progress of the conveyancing process. Ther were very respectful of client confidentiality when forwarding messages from the sellers to us as the buyers . They were always careful to remove email headers which would divulge personal information. If I was a seller, this is exactly the level of care and respect for GDPR that I would want from them as a client. Top marks. Speaking hypothetically. I would definitely use them as a seller but the truth is, I like this house so much that I don't think it will be sold again in my lifetime!
1/5
TrustpilotNasty, inhumane John Smale & Co Barnstaple
Did you know John Smale & Co have a legal duty of care under HHSRS (housing health and safety rating system) to ensure all their rental properties in radon risk areas (yes, North Devon is such an area) are evaluated and monitored for radon? And if the levels are above the HHSRS hazard level to take urgent remedial action. But John Smale & Co do not do this!Radon is a naturally occurring carcinogenic gas given off by the Uranium rich rocks in this area that gets stuck in your lungs, gives off radiation aka alpha particles (this is why so many South Western tin miners died from lung cancer and why the SW has such a high ratio of lung cancer sufferers in comparison with other areas of the UK) and becomes polonium (remember Alexander Litvinenko?) which then decays into Mercury (not good for your organs, and especially not for pregnant women). So you would think that John Smale & Co, who paint a picture of themselves being ethical and caring for the local community would, at a minimum, comply with the law. But oh no! It seems tenants are sub-human in their eyes, not deserving protection from radon.I know from experience when I rented an expensive converted barn just outside Barnstaple. Now, forgetting the tiles coming off the roof, the broken effluence system, the very insecure outer door (one tug and an outsider could get in), the torrent of water from the top floor to the bottom when you have a shower, the subsidence causing nasty crack in the kitchen floor, I have monitored radon levels at TEN times the HHSRS Category One Hazard level. John Smales & Co should have monitored for radon before we moved in, and when we moved in, and then remedied the hazard (it costs around £1500) but did not.I am now in the process of suing John Smale & Co, not just for the danger they put my family through, but to try and ensure a judge orders them to immediately test for radon in their other rental properties. Nice company? Not in my book (and their staff are so rude IMHO as well).
5/5
GoogleThank you Toby and your team. A seamless and very professional service from start to finish. You found our perfect buyers for our house within a very short period of time despite going down the ‘discreet’ route. You were always there to answer any questions which you did in a very timely fashion. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you.
1/5
TrustpilotNasty, inhumane John Smale & Co Barnstaple
Did you know John Smale & Co have a legal duty of care under HHSRS (housing health and safety rating system) to ensure all their rental properties in radon risk areas (yes, North Devon is such an area) are evaluated and monitored for radon? And if the levels are above the HHSRS hazard level to take urgent remedial action. But John Smale & Co do not do this!
5/5
GoogleWe experienced a fantastic service, always professional and friendly. Toby kept us informed throughout the process. We would highly recommend.
Thank you very much for your review, nice dealing with you.
4/5
GoogleThey where not my agents however I was buying a property off them. Had no issues when I spoke to them on the phone the only reason they don't get five stars is on the day of the sale. The chain was held up and was completed late in the day. Had to go into Barnstaple to get keys and then get out again. They did not offer to meet me at the property to hand over keys and refused when I asked them too. I realise it was at short notice hence why it was only one star lost.
5/5
GoogleDavid and his team have sold houses for me over the years, and I've had experience in buying through them as well, both sides have been exemplary.
5/5
GoogleGreat service and great team. Happy to assist and respond quickly to all queries. One disappointment was details within the particulars and 1 bit of information provided by the agent, however, still bought our home! Very happy. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your comments and constructive comment. We hope you are happily moved in!
1/5
GoogleBought a Leasehold Property via this Agent. Data publicised for Rent, Service Charge (levels and accuracy) was not of up-to-date and accurate. Suggest do own due-diligence.
5/5
GoogleExcellent service from staff who always go the extra mile to secure your sale. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them or to use them again.
Thank you very much, it was lovely working with you.
5/5
GoogleToby handled the sale of my Dad's property in a very sensitive way. He gave a sensible valuation and kept in regular contact regarding prospective purchasers and offers. He took a lot of photos and regularly updated the details on the website to keep it looking fresh. I would recommend John Smale Estate Agents to everyone.
5/5
GoogleThey have put me in touch with properties, they don't do a hard sell which is very nice. I find their work force, caring hardworking and knowledgeable.
5/5
GoogleHelped me move into my first home.
5/5
GoogleBarnstaple's oldest established firm yet the most progressive. Excellent, honest staff, that always try their best. I would ALWAYS use them to sell my property. Also they have a great easy to use website!!
5/5
GoogleFrom Louise & Mark Marks Cleaning Service. Look forward to doing business with your company again, very prompt payment.
4/5
GoogleNice old pub, food a bit pricey, lovely setting
5/5
GoogleReally friendly and helpful stagf
5/5
Googlequick, accurate and thoughtful service, outstanding!
3/5
GoogleRating only, no written review.
3/5
GoogleOk
5/5
GoogleRating only, no written review.
3/5
GoogleNice place,
5/5
GoogleRating only, no written review.
Where the same review appears twice we show it once. We leave out reviews that name another agent or another of the brand's offices.
John Smale & Co's North Devon office has 28 reviews across two platforms: 26 on Google, 2 on Trustpilot (across the whole business). Reviews may appear on more than one platform. Checked 9 October 2026.
John Smale & Co is rated 4.3 out of 5 across all 28 reviews, and 4.5 out of 5 on Google from 26 reviews, checked 9 October 2026.
John Smale & Co, 5 Cross Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1BH, North Devon EX31 1BH.
Ratings and review counts checked 9 October 2026. Is this your office? Claim your page.