From lifestyle purchasers with a single horse to more serious equestrian enthusiasts, all are keen to secure well located land parcels and are prepared to bid competitively, driving prices up to get the right piece of land.

In recent months Bruton Knowles has sold several land parcels ranging from 2 to 10 acres all of which have attracted great interest and exceeded their guide price. The typical value for agricultural land in the area is around £4,000 per acre, but parcels with equestrian potential are securing figures close to £10,000 per acre and can achieve more depending on the location, amenities like water and electricity supply and the number of interested local parties.

Rebecca Roberts, Rural Surveyor at Bruton Knowles comments, "It is worth taking some professional advice to appraise the value of this kind of asset as this audience have quite clear requirements all of which affect value. Equestrian purchasers will consider; location (a 15 mile radius or less from their residence is often preferred), size (the recommended minimum area for keeping horses is 2 acres per animal), access, water/electricity connections, shelter, fencing, security and any local hacking/connected bridal way access.

It is also worth remembering that in most instances farmland will need a formal change of use in planning terms to allow the new purchaser to keep leisure horses on the land. Again a farmer/landowner could be well advised to secure change of use prior to marketing the property in order to secure an even greater premium on value. Finally the timing of the sale and the nature of the land parcel will all inform the method of sale. You could for example choose to pursue competition and speed at an auction or instead allow time to build up market interest through a sale by private treaty. This is all something a professional consultant can advise on to make the most of the asset.”

For more information on rural asset management, rural planning consultancy or rural agency advice please contact Rebecca Roberts on 01452 880073 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it