Demand for sporting rights is strong and with relatively limited supply, there are good prospects for those looking to sell or lease. But for the unaware, there can be pitfalls. Here's what to look out for:

• While not always the case, the value of your property and any related sporting rights may be greater than the sum of the parts, typically referred to as 'marriage value'. You must consider not only what you might achieve for the sporting rights alone, but also what the severance and sale of such rights might have on the value of your property as a whole.
• If you want to sell the rights but maintain ownership of the land, think about the consequential impact on the rest of your property. For example, where will the right of access be for any new purchaser or lessee? Is privacy an issue for you? Does it impact on other rights?
• Do you have what buyers are looking for? Buyers of fishing rights typically want to see good catch records, named pools, good, consistent seasons and the best opportunity to catch the desired species. Other features which make sporting rights more appealing include good access and parking, the presence of fishing or shoot huts, and so on.
• Are the sporting rights registered with the Land Registry? If not, we recommend that they are registered to prove undisputed ownership and speed up any sale process.

If you are contemplating any sale or letting of your sporting rights, seek advice from a professional with specific knowledge in the field. They will be able to tell you if, how and when to target your potential audience.

Further information

For details of our estate management services, contact Savills Estate Management and Consultancy.