Finding A Smallholding For Sale In Scotland
Living on a smallholding is a dream for many people. The idea of being self-sufficient, surrounded by nature, and having the freedom to create your own unique lifestyle is appealing to many.
Scotland is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, and it’s no wonder that many people are looking for smallholdings for sale in Scotland. However, finding the perfect smallholding can take a long time and it’s better to know where to look and what you should look for before buying any type of land for sale in Scotland.
In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks for finding your dream and we’ll explain the difference between a croft and a smallholding in Scotland.
Why Scotland is the Perfect Place to Find Your Dream Smallholding
Scotland is a country with diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to rolling hills and mountains. It’s the perfect place to find a smallholding, no matter what your preferences are. Here are some reasons why Scotland is the perfect place to find your dream smallholding:
- Scotland has a strong agricultural industry, with many farms and smallholdings producing a wide range of crops and livestock.
- The Scottish Government is committed to sustainable agriculture and has various grants and funding available to support smallholders.
- Scotland has a rich history and culture, with many small communities that have their own unique traditions and customs.
- There is a very good selection of land for sale around Scotland at reasonable prices.
Where to Find Smallholdings For Sale in Scotland
Now that you know why Scotland is the perfect place to find your dream smallholding, it’s time to start looking for properties. Here are some places to start your search:
- Scottish Estate Agents: Local estate agents are a great place to start your search for a smallholding in Scotland. They have access to a wide range of properties and rural estate agents in Scotland know their own areas well.
- Local Newspapers: Many local newspapers in Scotland have a property section where smallholdings for sale are often advertised. Find out the name of the local paper in the area of Scotland you are interested in.
- Property Auctions: Smallholdings are sometimes sold at property auctions in Scotland, and this can be a great way to find a great piece of land at a lower price.
- Talk To Locals: Take a trip to your area of interest, stay a little while and speak to local people. You may be surprised at how effective this can be when it comes to looking for Scottish land and property.
The Difference Between Crofts and Smallholdings in Scotland
In Scotland, a smallholding and a croft are two types of rural properties that are similar in some ways but have distinct differences.
A smallholding is a small rural property, typically less than 50 acres, used for agriculture and often for the purpose of self-sufficiency. Smallholdings can be found across Scotland and are typically used for a range of agricultural purposes, such as keeping livestock, growing crops, and producing food. Unlike crofts, there are no legal requirements or regulations governing the use of smallholdings.
A croft is a specific type of smallholding that is governed by Scottish land law. A croft is a small agricultural unit, typically between 5 and 20 acres, that has been legally designated as such by the Crofting Commission.
Crofters are required to live on or near the croft, and the croft must be used for agricultural purposes. Crofting law also provides additional protections for crofters, such as the right to buy their croft and the right to assign their tenancy to a family member.
In summary, while both smallholdings and crofts are small rural properties used for agricultural purposes, a croft is a specific legal designation that comes with additional regulations and protections for the crofter.
Crofts are commonly rented long term from large estates or landowners whereas smallholdings in Scotland are usually privately owned.
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Building on a smallholding in Scotland
The local planning authority will consider a range of factors when deciding whether to grant planning permission for a new building on a smallholding, including the impact on the local environment, the suitability of the site for development, and the potential impact on neighbouring properties.
It is also important to be aware of any specific regulations or restrictions that may apply to any smallholding for sale in Scotland. For example, if the smallholding is designated as a croft, there may be additional regulations governing the use and development of the land.
In general, it is recommended to seek the advice of a professional, such as a solicitor or a planning consultant, to ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met when planning to build on a smallholding for sale in Scotland.
Smallholding For Sale In Scotland: Per Acre Prices
If you are searching for a smallholding for sale in Scotland you may be interested in the average price per acre that smallholdings sell for in different parts of the country. Please note these figures are only a general guide and prices do vary.
| Area of Scotland | Average Price per Acre |
|---|---|
| Highlands and Islands | £1,800 |
| Aberdeenshire | £2,200 |
| Perthshire | £2,500 |
| Dumfries and Galloway | £2,600 |
| Argyll and Bute | £3,000 |
Repossessed Smallholdings in Scotland
Is it possible to find repossessed smallholdings for sale in Scotland? Yes, it is possible, but in order to find repossessed smallholdings you need to do two things:
- Register with a property auction house in the area you are interested in, then tell them you are specifically interested in a repossessed smallholding should it become available. They will contact you when a suitable property appears for auction.
- Secondly, contact local estate agents who deal with bank repossessed properties in Scotland and ask them if they deal with repossessed smallholdings or land. Like the auction house, they will notify you as an interested party when something comes up.
Finding repossessed smallholdings can take a while as they don’t appear on the property market in Scotland that often. However, it costs nothing to leave your details and a suitable piece of land may become available in due course.