Buying, selling, or managing rural property has unique opportunities and challenges that often require specialist legal expertise. Whether you own farmland, smallholdings, equestrian facilities, or are involved in rural development projects, our rural property solicitors can guide you through every stage of the process.
At Clifton Ingram, we provide clear, practical, and commercially focused advice tailored to the distinct requirements of rural property transactions. From ensuring that agricultural tenancies are compliant to handling complex rights of way and environmental issues, our team will help you protect your investment and achieve your objectives.
For immediate support, contact our team or explore our FAQs to learn more about rural property law in the UK.
Our rural property services
- Freehold sale and purchase and tenancies of farms
- Smallholdings
- Land development
- Equine and other agri-businesses
- Advising these businesses on commercial agreements, employment law, and resolving disputes
Contact our rural property solicitors in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham today
Our team work from offices in in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham, advising clients across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and further afield. Whether you are an individual landowner, an agricultural business, or a developer, we can provide the right legal support for your needs.
Speak to one of our rural property solicitors today by calling 0118 978 0099 or using the contact form at the bottom of the page. We also offer broader residential conveyancing services.
Our experience with rural property law
Our expert rural property team have substantial experience completing various complex cases, including:
- Acting for the buyer of a 30-acre agricultural field acquired for £1 million, with an overage agreement.
- Acting for the buyer of a 218-acre arable farm purchased for over £2 million, with an option agreement to purchase additional land in the future.
- Acting for the buyer of a 106-acre sustainably farmed property, combining environmental stewardship with commercial opportunity. Property worth over £1 million.
- Acting for the Tenant of a Farm Business Tenancy to reduce the size of the holding and implement a rent review.
Our rural property services
Freehold Sale and Purchase and Tenancies of Farms
Buying or selling farmland requires careful legal handling to ensure the transaction is secure, compliant, and tailored to your future plans for the land. Whether you are acquiring your first farm or selling a long-held family asset, we will guide you through the process with clarity and precision.
Our rural property solicitors will carry out all necessary due diligence, from checking title documents and land boundaries to advising on subsidies, agricultural tenancies, and any relevant planning restrictions.
Smallholdings
Smallholdings present unique considerations, often involving mixed-use land, residential elements, and agricultural activities. We provide practical advice on purchasing, leasing, or selling smallholdings, ensuring that all aspects are addressed. We aim to protect your investment and help you make the most of your rural property.
Land Development
From converting agricultural buildings to creating new housing or commercial premises, rural land development requires navigating a complex web of planning laws, environmental regulations, and local authority policies.
Our land solicitors can help you prepare applications, negotiate with stakeholders, and ensure your development complies with all legal requirements while safeguarding your commercial goals. We also assist with wider commercial property endeavours.
Equine and Other Agri-Businesses
Equestrian centres, livery yards, and other agri-businesses require specific legal expertise to cover property use, commercial agreements, and licensing requirements. We can advise on leases, sales, purchases, and employment law to ensure your business operates smoothly and legally.
Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding an existing one, our team offers the specialist insight you need. Rest assured that with Clifton Ingram, your agri-business is in safe hands, no matter how niche it may be.
Advising on Commercial Agreements, Employment Law, and Resolving Disputes
Rural businesses often require more than property advice. We assist with drafting and reviewing commercial agreements, advising on employment law matters, and representing you in disputes – whether they involve suppliers, contractors, or neighbouring landowners.
By providing a complete legal service for rural enterprises, we help protect both your property and your livelihood. We offer comprehensive dispute resolution services for businesses that always prioritise your endeavours.
Learn more about rural property law:
How does buying or selling rural property or land differ legally from urban property and land in the UK?
Rural property transactions often involve additional legal considerations, such as agricultural tenancies, farm business structures, rights of way, and environmental regulations. Land may be subject to restrictive covenants, planning controls, or protected status, which require careful legal review before purchase or sale.
How do solicitors handle rights of way and easements on rural UK properties?
Solicitors will investigate any existing rights of way or easements during the conveyancing process. They will ensure these are correctly recorded in the title documents and advise on their impact.
Where necessary, they can negotiate amendments, formalise rights, or help resolve disputes with neighbouring landowners. At Clifton Ingram, our team will shoulder the complexities, so you’re free to focus on your rural livelihood and commercial endeavours.
What planning permission issues are unique to rural properties in the UK, and how can a solicitor help?
Rural properties may be subject to agricultural occupancy conditions, green belt restrictions, or special planning controls for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A solicitor can help assess the planning status of the property, guide you through applications, and advise on compliance to avoid enforcement action. Our team can ensure you’re fully compliant throughout your rural planning process.
What are the common legal issues associated with owning rural property in the UK?
Common issues include boundary disputes, public access rights, environmental obligations, and agricultural tenancy compliance. Rural property owners may also face challenges relating to diversification projects, such as converting buildings for tourism or commercial use.
Our rural property fees
Rural property and agricultural commerce can be extremely costly and stressful for those with large investments riding on the outcome of cases. We understand that clarity over costs is essential and provide a practical, direct approach that truly puts you first.
At Clifton Ingram, we provide transparent, upfront fee estimates for all rural property matters. Our costs are tailored to the complexity of your transaction or dispute, and we aim to provide accurate estimates from the outset so you can make informed decisions.
Why trust Clifton Ingram for rural property matters?
As one of the leading rural property solicitors in the Thames Valley and M3 Corridor, we have extensive experience handling legal matters for agricultural, equestrian, and other rural businesses. Our team is skilled in both transactional and dispute resolution work, ensuring a complete service for our clients across Farnham, Reading and Wokingham.
Our expert rural property solicitors advise on all manner of cases, including on agricultural law, rural conveyancing, rights of way, contractual issues and planning permission. We aim to deliver personable, clear service that will help at a moment’s notice. Our years of success and vast portfolio of happy clients prove our enduring success in this field.
Contact our rural property solicitors in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham today
Our team work from offices in in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham, advising clients across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and further afield. Whether you are an individual landowner, an agricultural business, or a developer, we can provide the right legal support for your needs.
Speak to one of our rural property solicitors today by calling 0118 978 0099 or using the contact form at the bottom of the page.