[josie101170]

What would you offer for the 20 year lease?  It is a bonny spot, but as has been mentioned, some folks have no choice but to rent and/or HOPE that they are considered!  I wish I could get it!!!  i'm wondering if the care of the land would make up for a minimal offer?  Anyone know what the rent is on 35 acres with a house? 

[shetlandpaul]

hermit its not a croft. its rented on a 20 year lease. i did not say its not worth going for in fact its very nice . the house is in a poor state and will cost thousands to fix. i just think its unfair that they expect you to bid blind. if anyone does go for it please get a local to suggest a reasonable rental value.

[josie101170]

I'm trying to do that, ShetlandPaul......but no help so far!!!  It's driving me crazy...all I need is a ball park figure but everyone is keeping their cards close to their chest in the small Argyll community!!!

[doganjo]

Even the estate agents???  They'll usually do anything for money!

[josie101170]

The vendors and even other estate agents!!! I thought they'd help out, but I suppose they hope to get the best/most in the offer or just not interfere.....the more I think of it, the more I would like to take it on.....just don't know what to offer....it's a complicating affair!!!

[doganjo]

Go online and look for rented properties of a similar size all over the country, see what they are asking for rent, then make an allowance for condition of the land, condition of the property, location, then check up on available grants to a renter, or whether the owner has to apply for them.  If it's for you it won't go by you.  Do the homework (as fast as you can)and you should get it if you really do want it.  Good luck
Sites to look at to start you off.
http://www.carterjonas.co.uk/buy/farms-land-and-estates/search.aspx?pg=map&q=farmsAndEstates&pt=buy&np=0&xp=0&nb=0&st=0&sc=4&sqa=0
http://www.localpropertyindex.com/Search/Rent/Farm/
http://www.agriseek.com/rental/e/Property/Farm/
http://www.farmsforrent.org/

[shetlandpaul]

remember as of the first of april the smallholding won't qualify for aid from the crofting schemes. good news for us it means we don't have to go through the earnings bit.

its strange that the community wan't to expand but they are making it difficult for you. the solictor should have been willing to suggest a ball park figure but they would not. they have some intresting properties on there books. just need to win the lottery.
have you made contact with the people trying to promote the island they may have other property going for rent. the open aspect near the sea maybe nice in summer but what about a storm in winter.

if you really want it go and see it and then only bid what you can afford. good luck.

[josie101170]

Hi, thank you!!! shetlandpaul.....the weather doesn't put us off, we are currently in the same position facing the west coast, just 20 miles down the coast and we  used to farm on an island.....I'm away to do some homework with the aforementioned sites and weigh up the pros, cons and pennies!!!!

[ellied]

I had a look at this myself - you may be lucky as they say they're looking for other things than  just the offer price including proven agricultural skills to maintain the land, willingness to improve the buildings and continue to use them for agricultural purpose, whether commercial or hobby venture, and the type of person able to fit into a small island community..  so if you've already proved you can farm on an island and are relatively local, you should have a head start on many potential candidates.  Just be realistic as to what you can afford as it won't be an easy place to make income with so few people or markets locally for any supporting business..  that's what put me off along with the concept of putting my time and money into it for 20 years and being homeless and penniless at 66

[josie101170]

We viewed this property today.  The estate agents photos are flattering!!!  The place has been left to almost ruin with pile and piles of rusted metal, fleece and just mess.  I now know why there were no interior pictures online, not good, mouldy and damp with a dilapidated kitchen which needs ripping out and replaced (the whole extension, not just the units!!!).......I have never smelt the smell of cat like that in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It needs a lot of money, care and time! 

[doganjo]

So what are you going to do - walk or talk?   we're all dying to know 

[josie101170]

We started talking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!     but so much depends on the answers we get back and then...if they accept our offer!!!!  It's nerve wracking but very exciting....I believe that whatever will be will be......but it's got to be worth a try, even if it'll take me a year to re-decorate!!!! x

[doganjo]

If you DO take it on Josie, how about either a blow by blow account on here, a blog, or even a full blown website.  I set up a  website when I was building my house and when I moved here I took it down.  So many folk have asked about it since that I wish I hadn't now.

[josie101170]

What a great idea!  I have a website for my art http://barrett.moonfruit.com so I could do the same for this venture...it'll be a 20 year blog!!!  Thank you for your support, I feel better getting my thoughts out! XxX

[bloomer]

good luck to you

sounds like a project and a half