Would I be mad to buy a 5 acre field?

[BFG]

Having all the above helps - but I'd still go ahead - just armed with more knowledge that you had - if you really want to.

Yeah, that's my view now. I'm kicking myself for not sorting it out before the weekend. I've got visions of thousands of want to be buyers turning up over the weekend!

My fingers are crossed!

[BFG]

If you can afford it, don't hesitate!! Our field is my salvation. For years we just ran the dogs on it[that's what we bought it for] but have had it fenced off into three fields and have sheep, pigs and poultry as well as a couple of acres for dogs, children etc.
If there is a right of way through it I would fence the track through it very securely, using barbed wire if practicable. The very best of luck to you and remember that if you don't buy it now, then change your mind in a year or so you may well be paying double what you pay now!!

That sounds like a good way to do things. Starting slow with the dog walking. How did you keep it maintained?

My last dog past away a few years ago now, but I definitely plan to get another one or 2 at some point, so it'd get daily dog walking at the very least.

[Polly Fouracre]

That sounds like a good way to do things. Starting slow with the dog walking. How did you keep it maintained?

My last dog past away a few years ago now, but I definitely plan to get another one or 2 at some point, so it'd get daily dog walking at the very least.

We had to pay someone to kep the grass under control-£80 a time and that three times a year! If we didn't the pugs would have been permanently lost!!
As ours is agricultural land we have no problem in keeping livestock, just registered with D.E.F.R.A. and got our holding number etc. and away we went.
We are, fortunately, half a mile up a steep and stony track, impassible to anything but a land-rover or a tractor and have only a few hardy dog walkers, mountain bikers and horse-riders passing us. Bliss!!
Any solicitor who deals in property will help you and will find any problems etc.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for you for Monday!

[bobleponge]

Polly, if BFG manages to buy his 5 acre field (and I hope you do BFG) will you have acre envy?

[Hilary B]

Good. Good point about stamp duty.

I checked up about the VAT thing, and while it is possible for land-and-buildings to have VAT chargeable, this only happens if, at some point since 2002, the owner considered it to be to his/her advantage to make such a decision, and made a positive decision to have it apply. For piece of a farm, that seems vanishingly improbable, but the estate agent should be able to confirm this. Normally land is exempt.
You can put in an offer (in England) before you get a solicitor on the case. You aren't committed until you exchange contracts (just like a house purchase). Scotland is different of course......

[Snadger]

How many acres have you got Polly Fouracres?

I used to play Doom many moons ago (Yesss I know, showing my age!)where you could have a small gun or a BFG. (Big Effing Gun).............not perchance where the name came from is it BFG?

[BFG]

We had to pay someone to kep the grass under control-£80 a time and that three times a year! If we didn't the pugs would have been permanently lost!!
As ours is agricultural land we have no problem in keeping livestock, just registered with D.E.F.R.A. and got our holding number etc. and away we went.
We are, fortunately, half a mile up a steep and stony track, impassible to anything but a land-rover or a tractor and have only a few hardy dog walkers, mountain bikers and horse-riders passing us. Bliss!!
Any solicitor who deals in property will help you and will find any problems etc.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for you for Monday!

I've got a petrol strimmer, but doubt I'd be too keen to do the lot. I think I'd put my hope in ground cover.

I've found an agriculture specialist local solicitor who sounds quite good. I'm not sure if that also means expensive, but will try them ASAP.

Any idea of the sort of cost involved and what I'll be expecting/needing them to do? Can I just say I'm planning on doing x, tell me everything I need to know please?

Thanks. 2 lots of fingers crossed must be double the effect!

[BFG]

I checked up about the VAT thing, and while it is possible for land-and-buildings to have VAT chargeable, this only happens if, at some point since 2002, the owner considered it to be to his/her advantage to make such a decision, and made a positive decision to have it apply. For piece of a farm, that seems vanishingly improbable, but the estate agent should be able to confirm this. Normally land is exempt.
You can put in an offer (in England) before you get a solicitor on the case. You aren't committed until you exchange contracts (just like a house purchase). Scotland is different of course......

That's great Hilary, thanks. Nice to know.

I'm not sure what to do next. I'm going to ring the solicitors 1st thing Monday. How long would all the searches and stuff take? Sounds like I should make the offer ASAP and then pull out later if anything disastrous comes back.

[BFG]

Snadger, it's wasn't chosen from Doom, but I did play back in the day.

I was at college in 94 or 95 and would play network mode with the IT dudes after the IT suite closed. It was brilliant!

[Polly Fouracre]

Polly, if BFG manages to buy his 5 acre field (and I hope you do BFG) will you have acre envy?

Too right I will! I am now in negotiation with a friend to share- crop her three acres. Land is like shoes, you can never have enough!!

[Polly Fouracre]

It has vehicle access round and across another field only. Its pretty secure that way as least (no traveller problems hopefully), but not great for me and my hatchback. Would that put you off? How would I get firewood off site? Would I need to get myself a Landrover? Maybe I could get a (push) bike trailer!

It has got a footpath next to it for easy pedestrian/cycle access. I'd want to hedge the side and put a security gate in.

We bought a twenty year old L.W.B. Land Rover and have never looked back!

[BFG]

I made an asking price offer yesterday, but alas no joy. There's been loads of interest and the 3 plots are probably going to be sold together.

So all this was pointless! I'm a bit dissapointed, but nothing I can do. Just be patient and wait for the next opportunity.

Thanks all.

[bobleponge]

Mate I'm gutted for you.

[Pumpkin Becki]

What a shame BFG! I've been keeping my eye on this thread to see how its going. There'll be something else soon, and it'll be better by far, you mark my words.

[Incy]

So sorry to hear that BFG!
I've also been crossing my fingers and watching with interest. I do hope another opportunity comes along quickly for you.