Fivefold Agency growth at Davidson & Robertson

There has been a fivefold increase in rural property sellers approaching Davidson & Robertson to market their properties this spring. The market is ticking upward in terms of the number of properties coming to market, and more sellers are choosing D&R as their agent for both on and off-market sales.

Chris Edmunds, D&R Director and Head of Agency said “Confidence in what we can achieve for both buyers and sellers is very encouraging and continues to grow. Sellers are approaching us on recommendation. Word spreads quickly in rural communities and referrals go a long way when people are deciding who they want alongside to sell their property.

“The uncertainty of higher interest rates, coupled with the effect of Brexit and policy changes, has held the market back, but there are now more properties coming to market as this uncertainty is lifting and sellers are making a move.

“Other factors influencing decisions to sell relate to changes in circumstances, with some choosing to retire, others looking at restructuring their farming enterprises and some selling due to lack of succession. Some are transitioning from traditional farming and want to cash in on environmental enhancements.  We are also likely to see more smaller pockets of land come to market from sellers looking to reduce debt when faced with higher borrowing interest rates.”

The market shows signs of being more buoyant than in the last few years, with an active property market anticipated for the year ahead. Whilst spring is traditionally a time when properties launch, D&R  anticipates this timeline will stretch well into the year.

Commenting, Chris said “During the first quarter of 2024, there has been strong interest in selling farms and pockets of land. We have been approached by a lot more sellers this spring compared to last year, but not all were ready to launch just yet.  For some, the extremely cold and wet weather has delayed their properties coming to market, waiting for the ground to dry and fields to green up so their properties look their best.”

Davidson & Robertson is gearing up for a busy year which is kick-starting this month. The near future sees the launch of several properties including two in Cumbria: Woodside House and land, Waberthwaite, and Wood Farm, Cockermouth.  Shortly coming to market across the border there is an equestrian property in Lanarkshire, two well-equipped farms in Ayrshire, and a livestock farm in South West Scotland. Further north, they also have instructions and new enquiries to sell properties in the central belt and North East Scotland.

For some, the wet and cold winter and spring have solidified their decision to sell later in the year or in 2025, so getting the right advice at a very early stage is important.

Chris said, “Conversations about planning, preparation and market appraisals at the start of the decision-making process are crucial and can help iron out issues and uncertainty as well as making the process less daunting.”

D&R has a diverse portfolio of properties coming to market in the coming months including farms, land, rural properties, development opportunities and woodlands.

If you are considering buying or selling this year, contact Chris Edmunds or the sales team for a confidential, no-obligation discussion on 0131 449 6212 or 01900 268 633.