How to Choose the Right Equestrian Property

Is buying an equestrian property one of your biggest dreams? If so, now is the right time to buy an equestrian property as their prices are dropping. However, no matter how tempting that may be, you still need to ‘hold your horses’. Whether you plan on buying a small equestrian property for your personal pleasure or a large one for business purposes, it is important to emphasize what a big investment that is.

Besides looking at the farmhouse, the stalls, and the pastures, you also need to think about location, acreage, zoning, geography, plant life, and upkeep as well. No, it is not going to be easy nor cheap, but once you find that perfect property, you will see that it was all worth it. Here is how to choose the right equestrian property.

Hire a Proper Equestrian Real Estate Agent

If you decide to get away from concrete jungles and move somewhere really far away to pursue your dreams, you will need all the help you can get. You will be going into the unknown – often even a different state – and maybe even doing some things for the first time. Because of that, you need the right kind of assistance when you make your decision. For moving, that assistance comes in the form of a professional moving agency. For choosing the right equestrian property, that assistance comes in the form of a professional equestrian real estate agent.

However, do not mistake the ‘general’ real estate agent with an equestrian one! The first one will not be of much use to you. You need a proper, equestrian real estate agent! One that understands the ideas behind a horse property and all the pros and cons that come with it. Only with that kind of an agent will you be able to find a property of your dreams that suits all your (and your horses’) needs and budget. Be sure that they will help you choose the right equestrian property!

Location, Location, Location!

Well, you do not need a real estate agent to tell you that the location is the most important factor to consider. This is not just true when buying an equestrian property, but when buying any property at all. So, it goes without saying that the actual location is one of the most important things people usually look for when buying an equestrian property.

Now, your biggest concern won’t be commuting to work. Rather, it will be whether your new farmhouse and horse property provide accessibility and proximity to nearby towns. If you are moving with your entire family, you must also consider its proximity to schools, supermarkets, hospitals, banks, and any other amenities one modern family requires nowadays. Only after these conditions are met should you start thinking about the farmhouse, the land, the pastures, plants, and of course, your horse’s needs.

Know How Many Acres You Need

Even if you think you found the right equestrian property for you, your family, and your horses, wait before calling gibraltarvanlines.com and relocating until you have re-evaluated your decision. First, think about how many acres you actually need. According to equestrian laws and regulations, you need 2.5 acres per horse. How many horses do you have? Does the property you found have enough acres for all your horses?

Make sure you have answers to these questions before you decide whether a certain equestrian property is right for you. In this case, you must put your horses’ needs first. If the property is not suitable and big enough, they will not be able to roam freely and feed well, which is definitely something that will affect their health.

Familiarize Yourself with Zoning Laws

Another thing to keep in mind when buying an equestrian property are the zoning laws and regulations. Depending on your needs, you will have to decide whether your horses are classified as livestock or as companions. Each comes with different sets of rules, laws, and regulations. And, of course, everything will depend on the state or city you plan on moving to. Thus, do your research carefully before buying a property.

Do not forget to check whether an area around your farmhouse and property is ‘Environmentally Protected’ as well. This kind of land cannot be touched. You cannot put a fence on it, nor get wood from it, and your horses cannot eat from it. Many people only learn about this once it is too late.

Consider the Upkeep and the Additional Work

When it comes to buying the right equestrian property, bigger is better. With more land, your horses will have more freedom, a better variety of foods, and you as an owner will have to ability to grow and expand.

That is why all people are looking to buy a property that is as big as their budget allows it (and sometimes even bigger). But let us warn you. If you opt for a big property, you will not only buy more acres but also more work. You may buy something you are not ready for yet or something that may ruin your purchase or business by draining its budget completely. So, together with your real estate agent, check all the pastures and fences first. Then, move onto the stalls, barns, and sheds – check piping and electricity. Do not forget to inspect the roofs and the floors as well. Finally, if everything else seems in order, check the farmhouse and its condition.