James Bovey built his career in estate agency before joining PLG in 2017, seeking a more meaningful role. Now leading the Property Finding team, he combines expertise with a client-focused approach to secure homes that change lives.
Q: Tell us a bit about your career path and how you joined PLG.
James Bovey: After leaving school, I started working in a factory dealing with fibre optics. It was a good job, and I worked my way up to a supervisory role. But when the company was bought out, I was offered redundancy. I decided to take the payout and pursue a career, so at 21, I became an estate agent with a well-known firm in Torquay. I worked my way up, gaining qualifications such as NVQs, technical awards, and becoming a member of the National Association of Estate Agents. The company I worked for encouraged me to become a qualified professional estate agent, not just a salesperson.
After about eight years in sales, the market started to shift, and we saw an opportunity in the rental market. I went through additional training to understand rentals and helped create the rental department for the company, which is still thriving today. By 2016-2017, I felt ready for a change, but I didn’t want to leave property completely. That’s when I came across the opportunity at PLG. I liked the idea of still being involved in property, but with a more rewarding focus—helping people with disabilities. It’s been over seven years now, and I’m still as passionate as ever about the work we do.
Q: What is the advantage of having technical qualifications in estate agency?
James Bovey: It’s a big difference. In the UK, anyone can become an estate agent, which means there’s a wide range in the quality of service you get. A lot of letting agents don’t have the qualifications or experience to properly understand the regulations, such as the Tenant Fees Act of 2019. Some agents still have outdated terms in their agreements, even though they can’t enforce them anymore. At PLG, we pride ourselves on being professional and well-informed, which sets us apart when dealing with agents.
Q: How do you stay updated on property market regulations?
James Bovey: I’m a member of the National Residential Landlords Associations, which keeps me in the loop with regular updates and publications. I also read industry news to stay on top of changes, especially around renters’ rights, which is a hot topic at the moment. It’s all about keeping your knowledge fresh and relevant.
Q: Can you tell us about your role as Head of Property Finding?
James Bovey: My job is to lead the property finding team and make sure we’re always focused on the needs of our clients. Every day, we look at which clients are active and which are waiting due to market conditions. We speak to estate agents, search for opportunities, and make sure we’re moving quickly because the market is so competitive. When we identify a property, we often have to act fast to get it for our clients. The team prides itself on being able to get anywhere in the country within 24 hours if necessary.
Q: What are the key strengths of the Property Finding team?
James Bovey: The property finding team is made up of Ellie, Becky, Agnese, Wayne, Steve and Kristy and this week Lisa also joined the team. Everyone brings with them different skills and a wealth of knowledge. Some are more focused on admin, while others excel at negotiating with agents. Their collective experience means they can tackle almost any challenge that comes up. They also help each other out, which is crucial in a fast-paced market. Ultimately, we have a well-rounded team that’s equipped to find solutions for our clients.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work?
James Bovey: I love the challenge of working with estate agents and showing them how things can be done differently. But the most rewarding part is seeing how our work impacts clients’ lives. Whether it’s a rental or a purchase, knowing that we’ve helped improve someone’s quality of life makes all the hard work worthwhile. We’re not just finding properties—we’re helping people move forward after a difficult period in their lives.
Q: Are there any clients that stand out as particularly challenging or rewarding?
James Bovey: One that stands out is Alicia’s case. We had a lot of issues with the agent during the rental process, but we managed to find a purchase property that worked for her. It was a full journey, from rental to purchase, and even included adapting a holiday home for the family. Unfortunately, her mother passed away soon after they moved in, but I’ll always remember how hard she fought for her daughter. It was a rewarding case, even with all the challenges.
Q: What is the PLG ethos when it comes to working with clients?
James Bovey: At PLG, we do our best to solve problems and improve the quality of life for our clients. We focus on tailoring our approach to each individual rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution. Our job is to make sure everything runs smoothly, even when it means thinking outside the box or pushing through obstacles. We never give up, and we always strive to get the best.
James Bovey’s journey reflects his dedication to professionalism, problem-solving, and making a real impact through property. At PLG, his expertise and client-first approach ensure that every search is more than just finding a home—it’s about transforming lives.
