Philip’s Story

"I remember going to school every day on the bus to St Austell from Truro and being fascinated by all the different houses built along the way. Looking back, that first interest in architecture was where it all began for me. When I left school nearly 56 years ago, I resolved to become a surveyor. That goal was ultimately achieved and, although qualified as a Chartered Surveyor for many years, I am best known as an estate agent, having worked in the industry for 55 years."

Early Career

After spending the first five years of my career in Launceston and Liskeard, I returned to my home city of Truro as property manager for a well-known agricultural firm, a role I held for the next decade. With Truro dominated by corporate agents, I decided to open my own agency. I took over premises in Cathedral Lane — the same street where my great-grandfather had started his business back in 1876.

As a Cornishman, I have always been fiercely proud of both Truro and the Cornish identity, and passionate about planning and the built environment. Many businesses have come and gone, but more than 40 years later, I am still here.

Professional Values

Estate agents are often maligned, and in many respects the industry has been responsible for its own reputation. From the start, my aim was different: to build a firm rooted in professionalism, guided by the standards of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

We have always believed that recommendation is the best form of instruction and never take any client for granted. Over the years, I have seen loyalty tested and sometimes felt the disappointment of clients’ actions. Yet I have also been uplifted by moments of complete trust and integrity — reminders of why we do what we do.

Today and Tomorrow

Today, I am joined by four partners — all with strong Cornish roots — and together with our wider team of 16, I am proud that the ethos of the firm remains the same: serve our clients with integrity, maintain professional standards, understand people’s needs, and always do our best.

Technology may be reshaping the property world, but there will always be a need for trusted professionals. Philip Martin will continue to meet that need for many years to come.

Having sold and managed property from the banks of the Tamar to the tip of St Just in Penwith, we know Cornwall inside and out.

We know Cornwall. We know property. This is what we do.