Varying in size and functionality, these homes can offer stables, paddocks as well as acreage. Usually, there are also local trails and bridleways near to these properties, perfect for hacks.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know before investing in an equestrian home.
What are they?
An equestrian home is simply a property that is a planned estate development with enough land to home a horse.This should include space for a stable, a paddock and grazing land. The British Horse Society recommends that there should be a ratio of one horse per 0.4-0.6 hectares on permanent grazing (1-1.5 acres per horse).
What should you look for?
This question is ultimately dependent on what sort of property you are buying. Below is a list of considerations to make if it isn’t ready for horses currently, to see if it is suitable.If it is already ready to have horses living there then great, however, it would be worth reading through the following items to check that they are in the right condition.
1. Suitable facilities
As you may well know, being a horse enthusiast requires a lot of equipment. This combined with a place to store them with electricity and water means that a stable is an essential requirement.2. Location
Most equestrian geared properties are found in rural spots due to the land required to accommodate them.In addition to this, whilst this is essential for the horses, you must also bear in mind if it is the right place for you.
Does the property have local amenities that you can easily get to? Similarly, if transport is an issue and you have to rely on public transport, would you be able to make essential trips easily? These are just as important considerations to make just as with buying any home.
3. Accessibility
Often found down country lanes with untreated surfaces, accessibility is an important factor, especially when it comes to transporting the horses.You should have ample space to navigate a horse trailer to and from the property, as well as space to turn around.
4. Access to Water
Horses are especially thirsty creatures and require constant supplies of water. All plumbing in and outside of the house should therefore be up to date, with outdoor taps and even sinks readily available to provide water points around the property.5. Quality of Land
A big aspect to consider when investing in an equestrian property is how good quality the land is.Land with free-draining soil is ideal for this, as it is a lot more manageable throughout the wetter seasons, ensuring that horses won’t be in poor conditions.
Other Considerations
For properties that aren’t yet in a position to house horses, but fulfil all of the above requirements, including meeting BHS thresholds, any structures built would require planning permission.When changing existing agricultural land to equestrian land, this change of how land is utilised is considered a ‘Change of Use’ under Section 55 of the 1990 act.
Change of Use permissions include:
- Residential outdoor space converted for equestrian usage
- Agricultural land changing to equestrian land
- Private use land to commercial purposes (e.g. Livery yard)
- Livery yard to commercial properties (e.g. riding schools)
Will Changing to Equestrian Land Add Value?
Normally coming with a lot of land, equestrian properties are highly sought after, and as a result, add value.Generally, these properties are also in desirable rural locations, which will also positively impact the value of the home.
Changing the equestrian property you live on by securing planning permission for further developments, buying more land and generally keeping the property well presented, again will increase the value.
Interested in owning an equestrian property? Contact our specialist team today or visit our Equestrian Properties page to find out more about the range of properties we currently have available.