Demand for equestrian properties is one of the most enduring aspects of the rural property sector, with year-round appeal.
Property consultancy, Galbraith, which sells equestrian properties throughout Scotland says it’s always possible to find or create your own perfect property, as long as you have the key fundamentals in place.
The firm handled the sale of 20 equestrian properties last year and equestrian properties are always among the top performers on its social media platforms – it’s not unusual for a property to receive more than 5,000 views within the first 2 hours.
Hannah Christiansen, who leads property sales for Galbraith in Aberdeen, said: “The supply of suitable equestrian properties can be limited as they tend to stay in the same hands for many years, but once they do come to the open market the sale of equestrian properties requires careful and very specific handling to ensure they are presented to the correct pool of potential buyers.
“Typically, buyers who compete regularly are looking for good access and transport links.
“Properties within commuting distance of a major town or city will command a premium, as will properties in an easily accessible location.
“Access to good local bridleways and hacking routes without having to venture across main roads are also a bonus for all types of buyer.
“Families will appreciate having stabling and other facilities at home so that their children don’t need to be ferried around quite as much.
“That can represent a huge time saving.
“As a general rule of thumb, about one and a half acres of grazing is required for the first horse and one acre for each additional horse
“If the land is not ideal – if it’s rather wet in places, prospective buyers shouldn’t disregard the whole property, as there can be solutions for poor drainage.
“Whilst it is an advantage to have a ready-made arena on your property, it isn’t always necessary for those preparing for major competitions as preparing for an event on land which isn’t completely perfect could in fact give you a competitive edge.
“It is also possible to buy a house that you love and create stabling and the other features that you need for your horse from scratch, as long as you have sufficient land.
“There are two schools of thought here – either you buy a property with a wonderful house and create the facilities from scratch as you would like them, or you buy a property for its fantastic stabling and then look at renovating or altering the house.
“The one major caveat is that planning departments vary significantly between different areas, so it is worthwhile talking to an experienced agent before embarking on a project.
“The other aspect which is of real importance to vendors is that the title deeds for rural properties, especially older properties, can be quite quirky and do not always document all aspects which a buyer would need to be comfortable with before completing the missives for example what livestock is permitted.
“We always work with the vendor and their solicitor to make sure everything is properly documented before that stage so that there aren’t any surprises which would delay the sale.”
Equestrian properties currently for sale through Galbraith in Aberdeen include:
Upper Kinnadie, Auchnagatt, near Ellon which is on the market at offers over £395,000.
A superb country lifestyle property enjoying a quiet position amongst the beautiful Buchan countryside.
The farmhouse is an immaculate detached property dating back to the 1850’s and is a fantastic opportunity for those seeking countryside living with excellent equestrian facilities.
This property sits in around eight acres of land in total of which around seven acres are divided into two fenced fields and two fenced paddocks.
There is also a detached steading, bothy, barn and several useful outbuildings included.
Mains Of Boddam, Insch, Inverurie, on the market at offers over £395,000.
A detached traditional farmhouse offering an exceptional family home.
There is a lovely large south-facing garden and lying adjacent the garden is exceptional equestrian facilities built in 2015.
These include a stable block with two loose boxes and tack / feeding room; 20m x 60m all-weather floodlit arena with training mirrors and a fully fenced paddock of over three acres.
There are also two detached agricultural sheds.
There is an additional 10 acres of fenced paddocks and woodland available under separate negotiation.
Derranbank, Clola, Peterhead, on at offers over £499,000.
A beautiful period property dating back to around 1867 located in a private countryside location.
The detached traditional stable block has a charming courtyard area and is all in exceptionally good condition having been refurbished by the present owners.
There are four individual stables, a storeroom and feed area together with a detached garage and barn.
The arena is 40m x 20m, fully enclosed and has overhead LED floodlights.