A strategic approach to farm sales

Selling land or a fully equipped farm is a big decision for any owner, especially if they are farming it in-hand.

In some cases, a farm or land is likely to have been in the same family for generations and while disposing of it can be a stressful experience for some, there are many ways to create a smooth process and ensure the best value is generated for the assets being sold.

For the majority of sellers, the primary objective is indeed to gain the best price, so how can this be achieved?

Brown&Co advises clients through the process with a strategic approach to property sales, ensuring that all possible options have been explored to help them achieve the highest value for their assets, and saving them time, stress and money.

One of the first points to consider is to prepare for the sale well in advance of marketing. This is essential and will help to avoid potential delays and conflicts when a buyer has been selected.

First impressions really do count so presenting a clean and tidy farm should be high on that initial list. Time spent preparing the farm for sale can be a good investment if approached in the correct way.

Then there is timing to consider. Marketing the property at the right time of year, and with full effect, can be key to securing a successful sale at the highest price.

Lotting in a sensible manner can be important too, so that the property offered for sale is at its most presentable for the market and for the buyers looking to invest. Dividing a farm or estate into separate lots is often the best way to expand the pool of potential buyers, but overfragmentation can deter bidders.

What those buyers won’t like is uncertainty or buying issues so removing all potential for either should prevent a prospective buyer’s confidence being eroded.

By sorting out any issues prior to marketing the potential purchaser will have a clear understanding of what they are buying. Be transparent and disclose as much information as possible from
the start.

To add value, we help our clients to explore all planning possibilities while ensuring that any permissions in place are secure and add value to the holding.

Where a planning permission cannot be achieved before a sale, Overage can bring to the market land that would otherwise be retained by a seller.

Overage rates are usually best applied at a level that sufficiently incentivises the new owner to pursue planning to release capital for both the owner and the overage holder, but at a level high enough for the seller to sell the property.

If you ware interested in exploring the possibility of selling your farm, you can contact your local team of land agents or request a valuation using the link below. You can also explore the land and farms we currently have for sale.

Book a Valuation

Land & Farms For Sale