Property Case Studies

Bandominie Farm, Glasgow

Bandominie Farm, Glasgow

Multi-service approach achieves record price for farmer.

Brief

Located on the edge of the very buoyant Glasgow market, 380-acre Bandominie Farm consisted of a farmhouse with outbuildings, a modern bungalow and a large area of forestry land.

The owner, who had lived there all his life, occupied the modern bungalow with his own family, while his elderly parents remained in the original farmhouse, which was in need of considerable modernisation and renovation.

To achieve the best possible price for our client, we advised that breaking the farm into separate parts would be the most lucrative way forward.

Process

The first step in this process was to map the property and our in-house GIS Mapping Department was tasked with providing three mapped areas of land – 275 acres for forestry planting, 19 acres to go with the old farmhouse and its outbuildings, and a further 2.5 acres of paddock to be sold with the bungalow.

Bell Ingram’s Planning Department then made an application to have the Section 75 removed from the farm which allowed us to sell the residential properties separately. 

The two residential properties were listed at £200k for the farmhouse, outbuildings and 19 acres, while the modern bungalow was put to the market at £250k with the paddocks and two small stables. 

Outcome

The attractive sales price, coupled with the lack of available stock in the Glasgow area, generated just short of 200 enquiries which resulted in 121 viewings being arranged in only six working days. A closing date saw both properties sold to the same buyer, achieving almost 25% above their asking price.

However, it was the Forestry element of the sale which ultimately generated the best outcome. Bell Ingram’s Forestry Department approached their private clients offering the 275 acres for an asking price in the region of £450,000 to £650,000, and our client was rather overwhelmed when a closing date achieved significantly above the asking price!

Our people

Carl Warden

Carl Warden

Partner
Estate Agency
Tel: 01738 621 121

About: Carl heads up the Residential Estate Agency division for the company and has a proven track record within the Scottish property sector. He has been marketing property in the Perth and Kinross area for over 35 years and has vast and detailed practical experience and knowledge of selling prime residential property: from period homes to contemporary developments. Carl is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. His wider role involves looking after and supporting our Agency teams and colleagues in Oban, Beauly, Ayr and Forfar. Interests: Estate Agency, Market Valuation, Negotiation.

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    Our people

    Moira Webley

    Moira Webley

    Associate, MNAEA
    Estate Agency
    Tel: 01738 621 121

    About: Moira assists Carl Warden in the day to day running of Bell Ingram’s residential business in the Perth office. She has developed excellent relationships with clients, visiting sellers in their properties all over Perthshire and nurturing prospective buyers. Moira came into property sales in 2006, changing focus after many years in the conveyancing department of a legal firm. Interests: Moira is also a member of the Compliance and Audit teams and assists with the day to day management of the Quality Assurance, Health & Safety and Environmental Management systems within the organisation. She also holds her Level 6 Award in Sale of Residential Property (Scotland).

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      Our people

      Johanna Wiseman

      Johanna Wiseman

      Negotiator
      Estate Agency
      Tel: 01738 621 121

      About: Johanna is a highly experienced Sales and Lettings Negotiator with extensive local knowledge who always strives to deliver the best customer service experience possible. Having worked within the estate agency sector for 15 years, she joined our Perth Estate Agency team in 2014 where she assists Carl Warden and Moira Webley in providing a bespoke service for those looking to buy, sell or rent. Johanna holds an ARLA Level 6 qualification in Residential Letting and Property Management. Interests: Estate Agency, Lettings.

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        Article posted on 21/12/2021

        Renewables Case Studies

        Major Windfarm in the Scottish Highlands

        Major Windfarm in the Scottish Highlands

        Engaged by landowner to agree terms with SSE

        Brief

        Bell Ingram were asked by the owner of Stronelairg Estate, near Fort Augustus, to act on his behalf in agreeing terms with SSE for a major windfarm on the Estate. In addition, we were asked by the neighbouring Glendoe Estate to agree terms for the rights of access for the wind farm with SSE on their behalf.

        Process

        Working closely with the clients, Bell Ingram agreed Heads of Terms with SSE for a 66 turbine wind farm on Stronelairg Estate and rights of access across Glendoe Estate, assisting the clients’ solicitors with agreeing the Lease Terms. These terms included loss of sporting on Stronelairg due to the proposed construction of a large sub station in the middle of a grouse moor. In addition, we negotiated terms for a 3.5 km grid connection for the site.

        Outcome

        The wind farm was constructed between 2017 and 2018 and during construction Bell Ingram assisted clients over issues rising during the construction phase, including measuring quantities of stone and sand extracted from over 10 borrow pits and dealing with other construction matters. The windfarm of over 220MW capacity, successfully started exporting electricity in March 2018.

        Article posted on 26/10/2021

        Renewables Case Studies

        Kinnaird Hydro Scheme, Pitlochry

        Kinnaird Hydro Scheme, Pitlochry

        Negotiation is key to securing water rights and installations for a hydro scheme

        Brief

        Bell Ingram were instructed by a landowning client to assist in developing a 250kw hydro scheme on his estate. The hydro scheme, which would take water from Kinnaird Burn (located on the boundary of the estate), required the negotiation with adjoining estate owners over water rights and for the installation of an intake. In addition other parties had rights to water from the burn and their agreement was required for the abstraction of water from the burn.

        Process

        Initially a cashflow was prepared by Bell Ingram and the levels of rent to be offered to the third parties was agreed with the client. Negotiations were then held with the adjoining estate owners and their agents for the terms for the leases for both water rights and the installation of an intake. Negotiations were also held with two other interested parties over securing their agreement to grant rights to abstract water for the scheme. Having reached agreement on Heads of Terms with adjoining landowners, these were incorporated into draft leases which Bell Ingram assisted the client’s lawyers in preparing and agreeing with all the interested parties.

        Outcome

        Assistance was also given to the client in the planning application and in negotiations with SEPA and with a number of other objectors to the scheme, which included the local Fisheries Board and Angling Club. The scheme was subsequently built in late 2008 and has been operational ever since, with leases and agreements in place with the adjoining landowners. Bell Ingram now manage the accounts for the hydro scheme, including sale of electricity and securing ROC and other payments.

        Article posted on 26/10/2021

        Design Case Studies, Our Services Page, Residential, Residential Page

        Glen Moy Bothy | Angus Glens

        Full Design Service Renovation Project

        Derelict agricultural building transformed into a stylish holiday home which compliments the landscape and makes the most of the stunning views across Glen Clova and Glen Moy.

        Brief

        Bell Ingram Design (BID) were asked to convert and extend a derelict bothy into a modern, three-bedroom holiday home. The property is located on an Angus estate and the client had immediately seen the potential of its stunning views across to Glen Moy and Glen Glova.

        This was a full design service brief which involved securing planning and building warrant approval, managing the tender process, and delivering full project management on site.

         

        Process

        An open plan living space was created in the main bothy section with existing and new openings used to maintain the agricultural appearance. A Siberian larch-clad extension was added to the north side of the property to house a bedroom, utility room, bathroom and sunroom with a large picture window opening onto a glazed veranda to take advantage of the views all year round. 

        Outcome

        This once derelict bothy is now an attractive, modern, three-bedroom dwelling house, which has been designed to take advantage of the beautiful surrounding countryside. The traditional stone bothy has been complemented by the use of natural materials on the contemporary extension. Internally the layout has been designed to provide a functional and comfortable environment. Our client was extremely happy with the finished building and regularly visit throughout the year with their friends and family.

        Our people

        Glen Moy Bothy | Angus Glens

        Get in touch

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          Our people

          Glen Moy Bothy | Angus Glens

          Get in touch

          We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

            Article posted on 23/09/2020

            Land Management Case Studies

            Desktop and Virtual Assessments During Lockdown

            Desktop and Virtual Assessments

            The key is getting a clear brief agreed at the outset to suit the particular circumstances.

            Brief

            A client approached Bell Ingram requesting an urgent probate valuation following the death of their father. Since an internal inspection was impossible given the coronavirus restrictions – and the property was occupied by a 90-year-old gentleman who was shielding – we conducted a desktop assessment instead.

            Process

            We provided our client with normal terms and conditions for valuation work, but made it clear that the valuation could only be based on the information supplied, such as photographs and what could be obtained online. The client provided external photography – including drone photography – which was cross checked by obtaining Google Earth images and with other sites, such as SGRPID online portal. The date of death predated the Coronavirus lockdown which made it possible to secure comparable evidence.

            Outcome

            Bell Ingram has an excellent IT resource which made it possible to obtain comparable evidence from our estate agency team which was then cross referenced. The report was compiled and emailed to the client. The result was a happy client, a valuation report completed to RICS standards and everyone kept safe in the process.

            Our people

            Mark Mitchell

            Mark Mitchell

            Managing Partner, FRICS
            Rural Land Management, Valuations
            Tel: 01738 646 584

            About: Mark is responsible for the strategic direction and overall performance of the firm. He specialises in all aspects of Estate and Facilities Management for private, corporate and public sector clients. He is experienced in the acquisition, disposal and management of estates and farms, rental negotiation and management of residential property. Interests: Estate Agency, Private Estate Management, Rural Land Management, FRICS Registered Valuer.

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              Article posted on 25/05/2020

              Utilities Case Studies

              Teeside to Saltend Ethylene Pipeline – BP Chemicals

              Teeside to Saltend Ethylene Pipeline

              Providing full land agency services to BP Chemicals on a 150km gas pipeline

              Brief

              Bell Ingram were initially approached by BP Chemicals to assist in routing a proposed 150km gas pipeline between Teesside and Humberside in the North East of England. Bell Ingram undertook an initial routing study before working with BP’s pipeline engineers to refine and finalise the route.

              Process

              Bell Ingram referenced the pipeline route and then prepared consent documents and plans for each landowner and occupier along the route. We then negotiated the landowners’ consents, including obtaining agreement to the acquisition of block valve sites and CP Installations. Bell Ingram also assisted in compulsory rights orders cases and acted as expert witness. Our land agents further assisted BP’s consultants in obtaining access to the pipeline route for site investigation and environmental surveys and prior to construction and we prepared a full record of condition of the whole pipeline corridor.

              Outcome

              The pipeline was constructed over two years between 1999 and 2000 and affected nearly 300 landowners and tenants throughout the length of this route. Bell Ingram worked closely with BP and their contractors and shared offices during the construction phase, providing land liaison and land drainage consultancy services. On completion of the pipeline construction, Bell Ingram negotiated compensation claims for crop losses and disturbance. The pipeline was successfully constructed on programme and within budget. Bell Ingram continues to work with the new pipeline owner Ineos, to provide crop loss claim and drainage services during the operation of the pipeline.

              Article posted on 13/12/2019

              Forestry Case Studies

              Timber Harvesting – Cairngorms National Park

              Cairngorms National Park

              Balancing commercial timber harvesting with environmental constraints.

              Brief

              Bell Ingram has been managing a commercial woodland on the Cairngorms National Park, near Grantown-on-Spey, since 2011. Although timber production is the main objective, all harvesting operations have to take account of the rare flora and fauna species (specifically Twin Flower and Pine Hoverfly) within the woodland, as thinning intensity and coup sizes may have a dramatic effect on their survival. Forest managers have also been tasked with reinstating paths through the woodland after harvesting and installing new signage, gates and path network route information.

              Process

              Balancing commercial timber harvesting with environmental constraints can throw up unique challenges for forest managers who are operating on sites contained within national park boundaries. In this instance, close consultation with SNH, RSPB, Plantlife Scotland and the Cairngorms National Park continues to be paramount in co-ordinating management and harvesting techniques and timing of operations.

              Outcome

              The forest has won a number of plaudits including a Scotland’s Finest Woods Award. The site also hosted a seminar attended by representatives from the forest industry and environmental agencies to demonstrate good harvesting practices in relation to biodiversity. Going forward, close collaboration with local and national government agencies is the key to growing and harvesting good quality timber on this especially sensitive woodland site.

              Our people

              Timber Harvesting – Cairngorms National Park

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                Article posted on 02/12/2019

                Forestry Case Studies

                Turning Deer Forest into Profitable Commercial Unit

                Turning Deer Forest into a Profitable Commercial Unit

                Road building project and negotiating access over the third party land.

                Brief

                Our client presented Bell Ingram Forestry with the challenge of turning a deer forest into a profitable commercial unit. The only access to the woodland was over third party ground which presented significant problems for timber extraction.

                Process

                Our expert forest managers were able to negotiate access over the third party land to access timber. This was not the only access issue, with over 4km of roads having to be installed over the property, created with 3500 tonnes of stone drilled from the site. Furthermore two 5m span bridges were installed allowing the site to reach its commercial potential. Our professional staff were able to manage other issues as they arose on behalf of the client including management of diffuse pollution, resolution of a plant health notice and implementing necessary measures to address wildlife presence in the woodland.

                Outcome

                A fantastic result was achieved for the client with a substantive increase in the value of the site and through the investment in infrastructure were able to sell over 60% of the standing timber.

                Article posted on 29/11/2019

                Utilities Case Studies

                Disposal of Redundant Assets for Scottish Water

                Disposal of Redundant Assets

                Surveying services for Scottish Water

                Brief

                Bell Ingram were instructed in 2006 by Scottish Water to provide surveying services for the disposal of redundant assets and sites throughout Scotland and the Outer Isles. At the time Scottish Water held several thousand sites on their redundant asset register and over the years additional sites have been added on a regular basis.

                Process

                Bell Ingram’s remit was to undertake site inspections of each asset and prepare detailed site reports including highlighting H&S risks. We work with Scottish Water’s solicitors in undertaking Title searches for each site and where Scottish Water hold valid Title, assist Scottish Water in preparing sites for disposal, usually by auction or on the open market. Where Scottish Water do not hold Title to a site, Bell Ingram will negotiate with the adjoining landowners to obtain a legal discharge of Scottish Water’s obligations and liabilities.

                Outcome

                Bell Ingram manage a redundant asset database, which by 2019 had reduced to under a thousand assets, with many assets and sites having been removed from the redundant asset register as a result of sales through auction and the transfer of the assets to landowners. Some sites have been identified as having development potential and our planning consultants assist Scottish Water in obtaining planning consent and those sites are being put to the open market through our Estate Agency team.

                Article posted on 01/01/2019