Preparing to sell a farm or land

With a shortage of Lincolnshire farmland for sale, it’s definitely a sellers’ market with buyers prepared to pay a premium.

If you’re considering putting land or a farm on the market, preparing vital is important, especially if you want the sale to go through smoothly.

Unlike selling a home, farm buyers tend to be less focused on presentation and more concerned about the land itself and the existing features that will make their life easier.

If you want to make your life easier when selling land or a farm, then thinking about these key five areas will help.

Clarity
Title registrations, entitlements and stewardship schemes need to be clear and may need to be transferred to the new owner on completion. You will need to consider who is going to pay any professional fees and costs related to these areas, and you should make this clear in the sale particulars.

Regulations
Ensure you have a survey to ensure septic and oil / diesel tanks meet current regulations. If they don’t, you might want to consider repairing them or at least request quotes for bringing them up to scratch so that your potential buyers are aware.

Planning permission
You should ensure that you have all the documentation relating to any development or change of use that has already taken place. If there has been a development without planning permission, you might need to apply for a Certificate of Lawful Use.

Water supply
If your property has a private water supply, maybe from a spring or borehole, you should provide reassurance about the quantity and quality of the water.

Historic disputes
It is now a legal requirement to provide potential buyers with the details of past or current disputes, such as disagreements over boundaries and access.

If you’re considering selling a farm or land and need help, advice or a valuation, please call Ray Phillips on 01522 696496 or email ray@walters-rural.com or use our contact form.