cost of an acre of land?

[meltoadhall]

i'm looking to buy an acre of the field next to my house to mainly to reclaim the garden from my chickens and extend the veggie plot.
i live in a very rural area and the farmer mostly grows wheat. i asked him last year if he would sell and he said make me an offer, now i dont how much to offer him - too low and it'll insult him, too high and he'll be laughing all the way to the bank.
its not for building on ever, just for me and the pets and children
anyone got any ideas?

[Ethel]

Depends very much on location.

Employ a professional for guidance. He could save you thousands of pounds.

Alternatively, phone a local estate agent - say you are looking to buy an acre of land, what has he got and how much?


This should give you a figure to go on. If you opt for the estate agent quote, knock around 20% off as your opening offer.

[buildersmate]

Agree with the above, apart from phoning a local LAND agent - in rural areas these are often the same old-established companies that run the monthly auctions. Sharp-suited youngsters in the local estate agencies are unlikley to have a clue about land prices - not something they deal with.
Suggest trying something along the lines of: - I have heard that good agricultural land sells for around �3k per acre, and see what he says to that .
Beware that the Planning Department may get onto your back if you try and consolidate any newly-acquired agri land into your GARDEN. You can have it as paddock, but flowers and veggies might cause an issue.

[EBsonicBoom]

It may not be as simple as being a price per acre (between �3k at the lower end and maybe �10k at the higher). It may also involve marriage value. How much will the value of your property increase due to the inclusion of this land? If it increases significantly, you will be a 'special purchaser' and could pay upto half the increase in value!

You will need specialist advice, especially if the farmer is a wily as most.

[meltoadhall]

i read if i put my chickens on it can still be classed as agriculture.
its an ex council house in a group of 5 in the middle of nowhere in south lincs.
so its phone calls then, thanks

[buildersmate]

I know that, SonicBoom, but that isn't something to say to the farmer. The man asked the question - how do I approach this issue without getting ripped off or offending.

[buildersmate]

PS. Chickens are OK

[meltoadhall]

thanks buildersmate
PS woman :)