When you are buying or selling a farm or agricultural land, engaging specialist legal assistance will provide you with that all-important peace of mind that all bases are covered.
Here at Pickering & Butters, our agricultural and rural experts are equipped with the specialised knowledge and extensive sector experience and insight you need to ensure a smooth and efficient transaction, and to make sure your best interests are fully protected.
Farm Sales
If you are selling the whole of your farm and including Basic Payment Scheme Entitlements, we can advise you on the form of contract and your obligations with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). If on the other hand you are selling part of your holding, we will advise you on the possible reservations of rights of way, services and, if required, sporting and mineral rights over the land that is sold.
It may be you decide to retain Basic Payment Scheme Entitlements or you may opt to include your rights and payments under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and the Entry Level Scheme. Whatever route you wish to take, our experts are on hand to advise of the best way on protecting you, your property and the entitlements that you currently enjoy.
Farm Purchases
When you are buying a farm or rural land, you can entrust our specialists to take care of everything.
Conducting the right searches is essential and we’ll be able to advise you on which ones are necessary in your particular situation. These will almost certainly include searches, which we will order, manage and analyse on your behalf, using our experience to identify any potential issues which we will then bring to your attention.
We will also closely peruse the seller’s contract and consider any restrictions on the sale, such as clawback provisions. You will be fully advised on whether such provisions are fair and if not, you’ll have our full support should contract negotiations become necessary.
Countryside Stewardship Scheme
If your seller is to include Basic Payment Scheme Entitlements or obligations under a Countryside Stewardship Scheme, we will advise you on this. You can be assured that any necessary rights that you require over retained land will be secured to benefit your property.
Stamp Duty & Land Tax
We will deal with your mortgage provider and if applicable deal with any conditions imposed as part of your lending and following completion, deal with any issues relating to Stamp Duty Land Tax as well as registering you as the owner at the Land Registry.
As you can see, the service we provide is fully comprehensive and designed to ensure you are thoroughly taken care of in all respects so that your interests are preserved long into the future.
For tailored legal advice on a farm sale or purchase, please get in touch with our Staffordshire solicitors in Stafford and Rugeley.
