There are positive signs in the property market, despite the challenges of 2024, say rural property agents Davidson & Robertson (D&R) who last year saw 100% growth – both in terms of tender enquiries and instructions to sell.
Chris Edmunds, D&R Director and Head of Agency said “Our visibility significantly increased last year, and we completed sales on some exceptional farms, good quality land and smallholdings.
“Choosing who to work alongside when selling their property is a huge, once or twice in a lifetime decision that involves a lot of trust. Landowners place great value on recommendations, so we are pleased to see the number of referrals increasing which we believe contributed to the number of instructions doubling in 2024. As we move towards spring, we already have far more properties on the market or to launch than at the same time last year.
“Factors influencing the decision to sell and the right time to do so, is a very personal one, be that to restructure the business, diversification, retirement, or releasing capital to reduce debt. Whatever the reason for selling, preparation will make the process smoother, and presentation will make a significant difference to buyers viewing the property.
Top five tips to get the most out of selling your property:
- Appoint an experienced Agent to discuss planning, preparation, appraisals and marketing options. Choose one recommended for good local knowledge, national impact and a wealth of contacts including a potential buyer list. An Agent with multi discipline expertise can also advise on scope for development or assessing natural capital assets.
- Instruct other professionals – your accountant about tax liabilities and a solicitor so issues with titles or boundaries can be rectified before launch, and if the property has grazing land and occupiers, formalise agreements to help guarantee vacant possession and improve saleability.
- Property presentation is important, so take time to check gutters, yards, and outside areas. Maintain hedges, check fences, gates, and water troughs. Declutter and scrap the scrap (which currently has a high value).
- Plan your photography – professional photography makes a huge difference and there is now an expectation of drone footage and walk through videos. If your crops look best in summer/autumn, consider photography a year in advance.
- Get your timing right – whether you choose to sell on the open market or private sale, your Agent will work with you to launch once everything is in place, and that doesn’t have to be springtime. D&R saw several 2024 instructions held over until spring 2025 because the timing wasn’t right, or circumstances changed.
Whilst springtime is traditionally a popular time to launch properties, D&R is also seeing more property launches extending to later in the year. In 2024, the majority of D&R instructions and sales came in the second half of the year.
2025 launches
With numerous properties already on the market and more spring launches already planned, Davidson & Robertson is gearing up for a busy year.
Will Dalrymple, Senior Associate at D&R said “New to the open market this spring is West Shirva, a mixed livestock farm strategically positioned between Glasgow and Stirling. Extending to over 250 acres, the farm has a centrally positioned steading, good range of buildings and a four-bedroom farmhouse. In addition to being a productive livestock farm, there is potential for woodland creation, biodiversity net gain and wetland areas for habitat management, so we anticipate interest from both farmers and investors.
“Further north in Caithness, we recently launched two crofts totaling almost 540 acres for offers in the region of £695,000, and in the North East, a smallholding/equine yard is on the market in Fraserburgh for offers over £460,000. In contrast, in the English Lake District, Foldgate Farm, a lifestyle smallholding opportunity with a variety of income streams is on offer for a guide price of £1.25million.
“Coming to the market shortly we have a number of productive farms both on the open market and available privately. There are also blocks of bare land and a number of lifestyle opportunities already secured as instructions.”
If you are considering buying or selling this year, contact Chris Edmunds or Will Dalrymple for a confidential, no-obligation discussion on 0131 449 6212.
