Preparing to Sell Your Farm

A farm is a business, but in most cases, it’s also a home. Just as with other businesses and houses, the right kind of preparation can speed the sale and help the seller to get the best possible price.

When preparing a farm for sale, it’s important to consider the nature of the specific property. Think about what potential buyers might be looking for, and make sure that the property is presented in a way that will check as many boxes as possible on their wishlists. Make your property and your business as attractive and as flexible as you can.

A Farm is a Home 

As with any other home sale, it’s important to repair, refresh and simplify the house and grounds. Improvements that are inexpensive and that will improve the appearance of the buildings and land should be given the highest priority. 

First, anything that isn’t either decorative or functional should be removed, and ornamentation should be reduced to a minimum. Clear out rubbish, clutter and unnecessary furniture and equipment. Sell it, auction it, or put it into storage. Leave only the items that are currently in use, and make sure that everything is neat and well organised.

If walls or fences need repair, then repair them. If tracks or roads are rough or overgrown, then make improvements. Add a fresh coat of paint anywhere that could benefit from it, and keep the colours neutral or traditional. 

While a clean, simple and attractive interior is important, the appearance of hedges, gardens and other landscaping will also contribute to potential buyers' impressions of the property. Make sure that both the interior and exterior look neat, clean and well cared for.

A Farm is a Business

Selling your agricultural business means getting organised and gathering together all of the information that a potential buyer will need to make a sound business decision.

Prepare a package containing legal documents such as:

• Title deeds
• Tenancy contracts
• Planning applications and permissions
• Overage clauses
• Covenants
• Rural Land Registry maps
• Agri-environment schemes and agreements
• Renewable energy agreements and assessments

Make sure that the boundaries of the property are well and legally established. Include a property survey with elevations and other information, such as:

• Rights of way
• Land use
• Walls, roads and tracks
• Wildlife habitats
• Bird migration
• Wetlands

Note where the land is officially designated by a government or environmental organisation, the name of the organisation, and any rules or agreements that apply. 

You will also need a full inventory of farm equipment, buildings and livestock. You may wish to include an option to sell these assets separately. Put together a list of items that will not be included in the sale, if applicable.

In a Nutshell

A successful farm sale begins with a home and business that make the best possible impression on potential buyers.

1. Remove clutter, including equipment and furnishings that are damaged, obsolete or superfluous.
2. Optimise the organisation and appearance of the property
3. Catalogue and document everything

The information provided here is only an overview. It is important to consult local experts in rural property for advice on the sale of a specific farm. 

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