[sagehen]

Couldn't hurt to try sweetening them first with some honey and stuff  . Maybe renting it for a few years, whilst you save up to buy may actually be the better idea. They may give you first refusal if they intend to sell it, and by renting and setting up your live stock there, they know you're reliable and serious about buying it. The only problem is the price rising in those few years you save up!

[Daisys Mum]

If they are making redundencies this might just be the right time to ask about buying it or renting.

[doganjo]

I've tried that with a housebuilding company that has the field across the lane from me - running right alongside the railway line.  I told them they 'd better cut their losses and take my money as they'd never sell houses next tothe line now.   Hasn't worked so far but the MD will soon be my daughter's neighbour so will try him!