Buying a Smallholding: A Property Finders Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life in favour of a more rural and self-sufficient lifestyle, buying a smallholding might be the perfect step. For many of our clients who reach a time in their lives where they are finished with their high-powered career, their family is grown, and they want to try something new, smallholdings become appealing.

However, while the idea of keeping livestock, growing your own food, and living off the land is romantic, the reality can be complex.

At Stacks, we are property finders with experience in all types of acquisitions, including rural properties, properties with land, farms and smallholdings. We’ve outlined key considerations to help you navigate the process of buying a smallholding in the UK. 

What Is a Smallholding?

A smallholding is a small-scale agricultural property. They range in size from a few acres to around 50 acres. Their land is larger than a domestic garden but smaller than a full-scale farm so they can be very versatile.

Many of our clients want to invest in smallholdings so that they can invest their time into living off the land around them and do things like;

• Grow their own fruit and vegetables.
• Rear livestock such as chickens, pigs, sheep, or goats.
• Keep horses or other grazing animals.

If the idea of living on a smallholding is of interest to you and you are ready to begin your search, contact one of our regional directors today.

Can You Live on a Smallholding?

In the UK, you can live on a smallholding, but there are several factors to consider. You must ensure that the smallholding either has a residential property or has the planning permission to build one.

When buying a smallholding you should also consider your income and commitment; if your intention is to solely live off of the land then this could be challenging, you may need another source of income depending on your situation. It is also time consuming, so free time is another factor to think about.

Tips for Buying a Smallholding in the UK

Some of our best tips and advice for buying a smallholding in the UK are;

Understand the rules and regulations: Make sure you investigate things like planning permission, agricultural regulations, animal welfare licencing, food production and sales certifications if you plan on selling your produce.

Work with a Property Finder: If buying a smallholding is new to you, then you should seek the advice of a professional property finder like Stacks. We know exactly what questions to ask and what to look out for. We can steer you in the right direction of the type and size of smallholding you may want to invest in and help you on your property buying journey.

Have clear goals in mind: How much time do you want to spend working on your land? How many animals do you intend to keep? Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? The answer to these questions will determine the size of the smallholding you’re looking for and the condition in which you want it to be before you purchase. 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Smallholding

Once you (or your property finder) have found a smallholding that you want to invest in, it’s important that you ask the right questions and consider the following elements. This is something that Stacks can help you with so contact us if you require support.

Overall Infrastructure: Check for essential amenities such as water supply, electricity, and road access. Remote smallholdings may require expensive infrastructure improvements.

Soil Quality and Drainage: If you plan to grow crops, soil quality is essential. Soil surveys can be requested to check the quality. You should also consider drainage conditions to and any waterlogging issues. 

Water Rights and Irrigation: If you need significant water for crops or livestock, check for water abstraction licences or borehole permissions.

Local Community and Services: Consider the local community and how a working smallholding might affect the area. Think about the proximity to veterinary services or call out fees for larger animals. The community may have Rights of Way, or have traditional passed over the property – how does that affect your plans? 

Buying a Smallholding with Stacks Property Finders

Buying a smallholding in the UK offers the chance to embrace a rewarding rural lifestyle. At Stacks, we recommend that you also consider the careful planning research you may need. As a property finder, we can help you find and research smallholdings that align with your goals and the lifestyle you want for you and your family.

For more information on working with Stacks, get in touch. We can provide you with tailored property search services and expert advice.