On the face of it, a small farm or estate offers the perfect escape from it all  – peace, good views, history and a feeling of being part of a traditional community. In reality, the day-to-day complexities of buying a rural property can be overwhelming.

Here are six factors to bear in mind when viewing what might become your own piece of England.  

1. Names

A lot can be gleaned from a property’s address. Without stating the too obvious, water-related names – River Cottage, Brook House, et al – usually mean there is plenty of it about, so it’s worth checking the area’s flood records. Similarly, ‘hollow’ often implies a property is in a dip and may well be shrouded in darkness for much of the day.

2. Land

How is it currently managed? Is it let to a neighbour who grazes livestock on it? Find out for how long any agreement is in place in case you want to take it back in the future. Where the property adjoins another, what are the obligations for maintaining the boundaries – are they shared? Look at the existing fencing or hedgerows – their condition will potentially tell you a lot more about where the responsibilities lie than the neighbour. Check whether or not the sporting rights are part of the sale. It is perfectly possible for them to be let separately or kept out of a sale.           

3. Access

Are there any paths or old access rights to retained land or buildings? You don't want to wake up on your first Sunday morning to find ramblers hiking across the meadow in front of your house. Is the driveway to the property shared and if so who has responsibility for its maintenance?

4. Environment

The countryside is peaceful – most of the time. If you like a property enough to view it more than once, why not time a visit to coincide with the school run to see how busy the roads are or visit at night to see whether there is any significant light pollution. Remember to check with the local planning authority for any future developments which might affect your future enjoyment of the property – what if a new housing scheme or wind farm is on the horizon?

5. Upkeep

Historic property is often listed and can require additional planning permissions and other consents in order to undertake repairs. Look closely at the heating system – if it is Victorian in origin it might be time to replace it at considerable cost. And check you are not required to supply water to the whole village.            

6. Keep score

I advise all my clients to score the individual elements, including the house, the land, location and price of a property, as they go round it. By giving each component part a score out of 10 it will become clear which aspects are of most importance and those worthy of compromise. Any property that scores over the 35/40 mark is close to that 'rural idyll'.

Further information

View available rural properties for sale.