Smallholding for Sale Kent
Many know Kent as “The Garden of England.” This is because its fertile soil and favourable climate have birthed many gardens. The countryside is full of allotments and orchards.
Unsurprisingly, its core industries are agriculture and tourism. What’s unique about this charming region is its proximity to London. Living in Kent, you get access to the London job market while living in the beautiful countryside.
The countryside is so pretty that 28% of the county is classified as an area of outstanding beauty. The areas in question and the North Downs and the High Weald.
It’s got a booming industry of its own: logistics. Well placed between the capital and Europe, there are a lot of well-paying jobs in transportation.
All this makes Kent a great place to invest. There are a ton of empty homes in need of renovation, too. According to recent data, more than a thousand homes stand empty in Kent.
What is a Smallholding?
Many of Kent’s empty properties are small holdings that are no longer in use. But, what is a smallholding?
Technically, a smallholding is a property that is less than 50 acres in size. It also needs to be sold or leased to someone for agricultural purposes.
Smallholdings are farms that support a single family. Some of the products may be sold on, but the profits only support the farmer and his/her family.
For many, smallholdings represent a nostalgic vision of rural life. They may not be as profitable as large-scale agriculture. But, they offer a lifestyle that appeals to many.
–Buying A Smallholding In Scotland
Finding Smallholdings in Kent
As with most things, it makes sense to start your search online. Look up areas you’re interested in. Try to find listings online for smallholdings for sale.
Once you know when you want to invest, it’s time to look for specific properties. One of the best ways to do this is by attending auctions, which often feature abandoned houses.
Some of the best options for this in Kent are Auction House Kent and EIG Property Auctions. These auctioneers often sell damaged buildings on behalf of the local government.
There’s also no substitute for visiting Kent in person. It’s important to get a sense of the area you plan to invest your money in. Talking to locals, especially those in the real estate industry, should also give you some leads on empty smallholdings.
Locals tend to be intimately aware of any properties that don’t appear to be occupied. Many will be eager to see them renovated and can help you identify prospects.
Traditional Derelict Cottages for Sale in Kent
There are many traditional residences in rural Kent. These cottages come in a range of conditions and may need to be remodeled to restore their previous radiance. In some instances, though, it is best to demolish the cottage and create something new.
Many of these cottages have significant historic value. Some date back as far as the 17th Century. These properties are stunning, but the majority are also expensive to renovate. You must make the trade-off between owning a piece of history and costs of having to rebuild in an accepted way.
You’ll find most of Kent’s cottages in its rural spaces. Kent is bounded to the north by the Thames Estuary and the North Sea, and to the south by the Straits of Dover and the English Channel. France is 34 kilometers (21 miles) across the Strait of Gibraltar.
The River Medway, Kent’s main river, begins near East Grinstead in Sussex and runs east to Maidstone. It then heads north, passing through the North Downs at Rochester before joining the Thames estuary near Sheerness. The Medway is 112 kilometers (70 miles) long.
If you want something closer to town, Kent does have some semi-urban areas but no major cities. Canterbury and Maidenstone are your best bets if you want something with more of a connection to urban society.
Derelict Smallholdings in Kent FAQ
Q: How do I access government schemes for flipping empty houses?
Kent County Council provides loans to help with property rehabilitation. Loans are provided to help owners/developers renovate or convert abandoned homes or commercial buildings into high-quality residential dwellings.
Upon completion, the property must be offered for sale or rent. Because the loan fund is a revolving fund, when loans are returned, the money is re-lent to support new activities. Loans start at £25K per unit, with a maximum loan amount of £175K per application, and are secured as a first or second charge with a maximum LTV of 90%. (a loan based on value)
In most cases, a property must meet certain criteria in order to qualify as unoccupied, most notably that it has been vacant for at least five years. There is frequently a subsequent limitation on how you use the unoccupied property, most notably that you rent it to those who qualify for social housing.
Q: How much do Smallholdings cost in Kent?
Kent is an expensive property market. If you’re looking to just buy empty land, then prices vary wildly from a few thousand pounds for 1,000 square meters to £100,000 for 5 acres to £3 million for 200 acres of farmland.
Once houses or cottages are built on Kentish soil, prices skyrocket. The cheapest properties are £500,000 and most of the larger properties are around £3 million. These expensive properties are called “equestrian estates” and are basically rural, landed mansions.
For the most part, the Kentish property market is for experienced investors who have built up a large reserve of capital and are ready to make a major, long-term investment.
Q: How do I find smallholdings in Kent?
It’s a good idea to start with a specialized realtor. The housing market in Kent is very competitive, so it can be a challenge to start as an amateur. Most of the smallholdings are very sought after.
It’s also a good idea to look at local auctions. This is where you are more likely to find distressed smallholdings that you may be able to snap up at a discount price.
