How To Choose The Right Smallholding

Living a self-sufficient lifestyle surrounded by glorious British countryside may seem like paradise, and it certainly can be just that. It is not a decision that should be taken lightly, however, as it can be hard work and can be a dramatic change from life in the city or even in another type of countryside abode.

If you are considering buying a smallholding for the first time, read through the considerations below before taking the plunge!

Your Ambitions

How you want to use your smallholding will be key to choosing the right one. Do you want to create your own mini-farm, to be completely self-sufficient or to start a bed and breakfast business and just grow enough to feed your guests? Do you need fast-draining land with the right nutrients for your fruit and vegetables, or simply enough space for a few chickens?

Your Priorities

Make a list of everything you want from your property even before browsing the smallholdings for sale. List those features that are essential and those that are negotiable. This will provide you with a good starting point for your search.

The Good Life

You won't be living the Good Life if you have to bribe your children to move, or indeed your partner. Resentments will soon start to bubble up, and you may find yourself living in a stressful home rather than the paradise you had planned!

If you are planning to continue in your current job or retire, it is also important to think about the work required to run a smallholding and whether you will want to use up your free time when the initial excitement has passed. If not, you don't have to give up your country living dream - simply change the type of property you are planning to buy.

The Right Location

It can be tempting to head to the middle of nowhere with dreams of idyllic isolation, but make sure this is what you really want.

There is no doubt that it can be glorious, but could you cope without a fast broadband connection if you need to stay in touch with your business world? How would you feel if you were isolated in the winter due to bad weather?

Of course, there are many smallholdings for sale that do not mean having to compromise on amenities or live miles away from anything else - or maybe you do genuinely want the quietest life possible. There are a multitude of possibilities, so it is just important to choose the right one for you.

For advice on buying or selling smallholdings, please don't hesitate to contact one of our agents here at Fox Grant and we will be delighted to help.