The Scottish land market is mainly on hold for obvious reasons, but land agents say they have a range of new farms and estates earmarked for sale as soon as the Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
Savills rural agency head Evelyn Channing said agents are continuing to prepare properties which would typically be launched mid-May, and predicted the recent fall in the stock market could result in an upswing in funds being invested in land and property as a long term investment.
“We are doing all the necessary due diligence as normal and preparing the marketing material as far as we possibly can,” she said.
“We can take a decision at the very last minute as to whether or not to delay a launch and it is worth remembering that these days it takes no more than 24 hours to get a property live on our website and the property portals. We can also send links with details to those on our database of buyers, so being prepared and communicating with our buyers and sellers will continue to be a priority over the coming weeks.”
Meanwhile Galbraiths have gone ahead with the launch of a diversified farm with 10 holiday cottages near Dumfries, with a price tag of £3.5 million.
Meikle Richorn Farm and Holiday Cottages is located around three miles from Dalbeattie and extends to 238 acres. The sale includes a traditional six-bedroom farmhouse and 10 cottages converted from the original farm steadings. Planning permission was granted in 2010 for the development of six holiday chalet lets. There is also a modern cattle shed and a large general purpose shed with workshop and storage area.
For those looking for a more modest entry into the farmland market, the Scottish Land Matching Service has launched a new website to help match new entrants and developing businesses with well-established farmers and crofters who are looking to take a step back from the industry.
The service is managed by the former head of agriculture policy at the Scottish Government, Ian Davidson, and supported by industry organisations including NFU Scotland and the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association.
The new website, which can be accessed at www.slms.scot explains how the land matching service works, and allows people to register their interest or look at listings for current opportunities.
nnicolson@thecourier.co.uk
