Rural News: Plan ahead for sales success

It is well reported that the rural property market has been particularly buoyant since the end of the first covid lockdown in 2020. Initially we experienced a surge in demand from purchasers seeking space, maybe somewhere to hide away, or even isolation. This sentiment, coupled with the Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday and relatively low interest rates, created a huge burst in demand. Supply of struggled to match demand and agents were rushing around to keep up with viewings and offers.

We have launched a number of rural smallholdings and equestrian properties this Spring and Summer. Demand is still strong, now driven by a similar but more settled attitude than we experienced following the first covid lockdowns. We are now seeing well researched purchasers looking for a rural idyll, but also being mindful of being within commutable distance of the office, schools and the supermarket whilst also requiring fast broadband speeds. Increasingly, purchasers are also looking for additional opportunities where property can provide an income, perhaps a diversification into a holiday let or small scale business use. Equally, some purchasers are looking to fulfil a more personal lifestyle, ecological or biodiversity project with their families. An example is Leasingthorne Farm, a traditional County Durham farmhouse which is being sold along with a extensive range of traditional and modern farm buildings. The buildings could remain in agricultural or equestrian use but offer plenty of scope for conversion to residential or commercial uses, subject to obtaining necessary consents and permissions. There is also up to 10 acres of adjoining land available, which offers additional space or grazing land for livestock and horses.

With this in mind vendors should ensure that clear, detailed marketing material is produced setting out all relevant matters for prospective purchasers. Issues such as fencing liabilities, access rights, sewerage systems, water supplies, clawbacks and restrictive covenants can be described and dealt with at an early stage of the sales process. Something as simple as producing a clear sale plan allows both parties to envisage the extent of the property, removing the chance of confusion further down the line. This will allow prospective purchasers to put forward informed offers when the time is right. This in turn provides solicitors with clear information when they are instructed, allowing the legal process to proceed as smoothly as possible.

YoungsRPS has a dedicated, specialist rural sales team operating from offices in Sedgefield, Northallerton, Hexham and Dumfries but covering the whole of North Yorkshire, North of ngland and Scotland, providing reasoned professional and practical sales advice.

If you are interested in buying or selling your rural property speak with one of our rural property experts. You can find contact details for all offices here.