“The start of the Horse Trial Season has this year seen the increase in popularity of Equine Property, and it’s clear that many horse owners are keen to own their stabling, as opposed to merely renting space for their horse at Livery.” This is the message from Will Parker, Associate Director for H&H Land and Property.
“Currently the demand for equestrian properties across County Durham is buoyant,” says Will. “The most recent we have sold have achieved prices above their agricultural value, particularly those equine properties which have good access and running water.”
Like their occupants, equestrian properties come in all shapes and sizes. It should come as no surprise that the main criteria for the potential purchaser is that it should provide suitable housing and grazing for horses, but what to look for, and what to buy? It is a complex market, and requires care before you enter.
Here, Will gives some considerations for those looking to purchase their first equine property, as well as the latest update on the equine property market.
“Firstly, horse owners should be aware that the market place is quite competitive and we are finding that in the main, buyers are favouring properties up to 10 acres. There is also an increased desire to create commercial equestrian elements for both DIY and full livery. This side of the equestrian industry grows all the time.
“If there is access and water the fact that the land you are considering has no buildings should not necessarily deter you, as long as there is the potential to erect stables and field shelters at a later stage. “
Will adds: “We currently have a mixture of bare land holdings and land with good quality stables for both private use and commercial use.”
When it comes to houses with land and stables attached, these are becoming increasingly hard to find, and increasingly popular to buy. “We know of many deals being completed off the market. With so many sales being accomplished privately, I can’t stress too many times the importance of having an agent with their ear to the ground, if you are serious about purchasing an equine property!”
One of their recently launched equine properties is 11 acres of ring-fenced productive grassland paddocks, on the outskirts of Sacriston in County Durham. With accommodation for up to seven horses in a recently constructed stable block this is a very good example of the type of equine property which is sought after. With a guide price of £150,000, the land is classified as Grade 3 on the Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales, and has previously been used for private livery.
Equestrian use of land is not counted as an agricultural purpose, and the regime for planning is a good deal tighter. To prevent disappointment and issues of planning, boundaries, and potential rises in rates, always check the finer details before signing on the dotted line.
An example of an equestrian property with further potential is a block of 2.65 acres of paddock land which has a newly built range of agricultural buildings suitable for a variety of agricultural uses. Located near Wingate and for sale at around £75,000 has great potential as an equestrian property.
“These buildings would ideal as stables, although they do have planning consent which was granted for the erection of the single storey agricultural building in 2012, my advice to any interested party would be that that you must check the planning details, before signing.” Says Will.
H&H Land and Property offer specialist equestrian advice in both, planning, business and sales/acquisitions. The company will be on hand at Richmond Horse Trials on 6th-8th May where it is the sponsor.
As Will says, “this is an ideal opportunity for anybody who would like to drop in to see us in the trade stands area for a discussion about their equine property needs.”
If you would like any further information or assistance, please call the Durham office of H&H Land and Property on 0191 3708530 or e-mail will.parker@hhland.co.uk