Hi I am new to accidental smallholder. I have an opportunity to purchase an 18 acre smallholding at auction. The sellers have been unable to sell it for several years and have reduced the guide price by £150,000. it has been up for auction previously but failed to sell. Consisting of a bungalow agricultural tie, Dutch barn and pig building. The smallholding has not been worked for 18 years. Occupied by the widow of the previous pig farmer. A local farmer has cropped the land to keep it clean. No rent paid.
Does anyone know how I can fulfill the agri restriction, which is difficult on 18 acres? As I believe that you have to earn an income equivalent to the minimum wage. One reason why the holding has not been sol is that the house was built by Woolaways, most were concrete constructionand it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage. Woolaways built cheap agricultural bungalows in the 70's and 80's.
Although in my sixties now and brought up on a farm and worked on farms in my younger years it is something I have always wanted to own. Plus my son and his young family want to move with us,I would love to give my grandchildren a better life. I have kept chickens, bees and at present rent 1/8 acre plot for fruit and vegetables.
My problem is that if I purchase the holding and am unable to lift the tie I would be stuck with it, as I would not be able to afford to have it just sit there. I have the funds as my parents recently died and left me their modest house. You may feel that my age may be a limiting factor but at present I am fit and healthy. I can honestly say that the happiest time of my life was as a child living on a farm.
I have experience of tractor driving and some livestock but have no idea of the paperwork side of an agricultural business. I used to spray crops but now I believe certificates are now required, similarly for transport of livestock.
Are there any other costs involved with owning land, except council tax for the house ,insurance etc.,agricultural buildings and land are exempt I believe? I did read that some water companies have hit farmers with large water bills for drainage. I would be most grateful for any advice from experiences smallholders.