Press Release Archive News

Quality of life drives Argyll & Bute property market

Quality of life drives Argyll & Bute property market

Bell Ingram Oban began the year with a healthy crop of prime residential listings across Argyll & Bute. Ranging from lifestyle opportunities, coastal cottages, farmhouses, lodges and villas, the quality of the portfolio indicates that the appetite for quality rural property remains strong in this area.

Andrew Fuller, who leads the Bell Ingram’s agency team in Oban, says: “We are coming off the back of a successful year in 2022 which saw 58 properties sold with the majority achieving the asking price or more, including two notable sales of over £1 million.

“Argyll & Bute is not immune from the scarcity of supply affecting other parts of the country, but our stock levels remain good at present, and I remain positive that we will see a steady increase in activity as the year progresses and the weather improves allowing viewings in the more remote island locations.

“Oban is already seeing an encouraging number of requests for market appraisals and I’m hopeful these will convert into instructions. Despite the economic uncertainty, properties in this region are attracting a good deal of interest and selling reasonably quickly.”

Coastal living has always held a powerful attraction for city dwellers looking for a change of pace, a sense of community and a chance to carve out their own patch of paradise.

Andrew continues: “If you think that life in rural Scotland means enduring basic facilities and terrible weather, then it’s time to think again. As a resident of Mull myself, I can confirm that modern islanders enjoy excellent primary and secondary schools, reliable public transport and state-of-the-art medical centres. World class music and arts festivals regularly attract international names, and thanks to our incredible natural larder there is a tempting range of dining, drinking and shopping opportunities.”

Currently for sale through Bell Ingram Oban are:

Ardnamurchan Tearoom, Acharacle, o/o £495,000 – Thriving tearoom, visitor centre and a charming, detached two-bedroom owners’ residence.

Achavaich, Connel, guide price £495,000 – Traditional farmhouse with converted barn, enefitting from far reaching views across the local countryside.

Hawthorn House, Lismore, o/o £440,000 – Charming detached three-bedroom cottage, situated in a picturesque, rural setting on the Isle of Lismore.

Harbour Vista, Tarbert, o/o £435,000 – Modern five-bedroom detached property sitting in an elevated position within the picturesque coastal village of Tarbert.

Stirling Lodge (+ 3 others) Dalmally, o/o £395,000 – Beautifully presented wooden chalet, a popular property with views across Loch Awe.

The Tassie, Tarbert, o/o £390,000 – Substantial detached five-bedroom villa, situated in a prominent seafront location.

Tirlaggan House, Lismore, o/o £375,000 – Two-bedroom detached home with detached studio, set in a peaceful, rural location on the Isle of Lismore.

Ash Cottage, Lismore, o/o £325,000 – Two-bedroom detached home on the Isle of Lismore, benefitting from open views across Loch Linnhe.

 

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Bell Ingram In The Community News, Press Release Archive News

Scottish Hockey partnership goes from strength to strength

Scottish Hockey partnership goes from strength to strength

As proud property partners of Scottish Hockey, Bell Ingram’s Estate Agency team has been sponsoring the national women’s squad since 2022.

Our agents were delighted to be invited to the National Hockey Centre on Glasgow Green to see the new strips featuring the company logo on the collar and meet players across the age groups.

Joanne Stennett, head of Estate Agency at Bell Ingram’s Highland office, says: “There’s a real family atmosphere within the Scottish hockey community and that really appealed to us at Bell Ingram as we are a company which has a very similar ethos.

“Our partnership is a natural progression as we already have a close association with the sport through colleagues and family members playing hockey at various levels.

“It’s important to support women’s sport and our relationship with Scottish Hockey allows us to do this both at a national and grassroots level.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with Scottish Hockey and other partners on a number of exciting initiatives over the next few months so watch this space.”

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Article posted on 12/09/2022

Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page

Beware of Revised Non-Domestic Rate for Sporting and Renewables

Beware of Revised Non-Domestic Rate for Sporting and Renewables

Landowners and occupiers have begun to receive letters regarding the draft rateable values for non-domestic rates as a result of the next round of revaluations.

Commenting on non-domestic rates, Partner and Head of Valuations at Bell Ingram, Sarah Tyson says: “Non-domestic rates in Scotland are being reviewed from spring 2023 and landowners/ occupiers will be getting letters giving them the draft revised rateable values for sporting and fishing rights, plus renewable energy installations like hydro schemes, on farms, estates, and forestry properties.

“Unless basic facts are wrong, when one should contact the local Scottish Assessor’s office to update them as soon as possible, there is no further action required by owners/occupiers at present. Details of how to formally appeal any proposed changes in rateable values will be confirmed when final letters are sent out in March/April 2023 and Bell Ingram will be delighted to assist at that point.

“It is likely that small business rates relief thresholds will be reduced from 1st April and the appeal system changed, so it will be even more important to get professional advice the year to avoid being stuck with high rates bill.”

For more information on Bell Ingram’s Land Management services click here or contact Sarah Tyson on 01738 621121 or email sarah.tyson@bellingram.co.uk

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Article posted on 12/09/2022

Press Release Archive News, Uncategorized

Substantial detached farmhouse, equestrian facilities including stables, an arena and eight acres

Substantial detached farmhouse, equestrian facilities including stables, an arena and eight acres

Bell Ingram is delighted to bring South Balnoon Farmhouse to the market at offers over £400,000.

Located in a small hamlet of farm cottages and newly constructed homes, South Balnoon farmhouse dates from the early 1800s and is a substantial, detached, stone-built property with a slate roof. The eight acres comprise enclosed garden grounds, three fenced paddocks, stabling for 11 horses including a tack room, feed room and a wash bay. The adjacent equestrian arena is bounded by fencing and hedging.

Separately available are additional land, which has Planning Consent for four holiday pods, and a large modern outbuilding.

The farmhouse itself is very well presented and has a good balance of reception rooms and bedrooms laid out over two storeys. The kitchen is the heart of any house and at South Balnoon there is ample room for a large dining table and chairs. The two public rooms have open fires and both rooms are cosy and bright. There is a conveniently located home office on the ground floor.

In addition to four comfortable double bedrooms there is a family bathroom and a large wet room with a shower.

Surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, South Balnoon is located on the edge of the village of Forgue and close to the historic Glen Dronach Distillery founded in 1826 and still using the soft Highland waters of the Balnoon hills.  

Primary schooling is available at Forgue with further primary and secondary schooling at Huntly. The village of Forgue is situated around 10 miles from Huntly, an historic town which prospered during the 18th century through the expanding linen industry. Today, there is a swimming pool, sports grounds, golf course, play park and river walks as well as shopping facilities, including two supermarkets, a Health Centre and a hospital.

Commenting on the property, Estate Agent, Carl Warden says: “South Balnoon has excellent equestrian facilities and offers the opportunity to add a business element to this comfortable farmhouse.”

For more information, or to arrange a viewing contact Carl Warden on 01738 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk. 

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Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page, Uncategorized

Bell Ingram offers one stop shop for farmers looking to diversify

Bell Ingram offers one stop shop for farmers looking to diversify

Scottish Agritourism is becoming a global brand, and the industry body has set itself a goal to have 1000 Scottish farming and crofting enterprises offering an agritourism experience, with at least 50% providing a food and drink element by 2030.

Farmers and landowners looking for alternative revenue streams have embraced the opportunity to not only maximise their assets, but future proof their businesses for the next generation.

With so much to consider, from funding, to planning and design, it is easy to see how the task at hand can seem overwhelming for those looking to diversify. Bell Ingram’s inhouse team of Valuers, AMC Agents, Planners and Architects can make this a smooth process by offering a one stop shop for professional advice.  

Often the first barrier farmers face when looking to diversify their enterprise is understanding planning requirements. With the development or change of use process in Scotland becoming increasingly complex, navigating the guidance successfully can be a headache and time consuming. Bell Ingram’s experts in planning and development are on hand to provide practical advice on the requirements for a specific project application, saving businesses time and money in the long run.

Our team can prepare and submit planning applications with supporting statements, negotiate and liaise with the local authority and prepare EIA screening requests on a client’s behalf. Recent projects include mountain bike tracks, a wedding venue, glamping pods, visitor centre & café and farm shops.

Once planning and any other consents are in place, the final piece of the puzzle is funding. With LEADER Grant Funding now come to an end, Government investment in agritourism in Scotland is scarce. That said, there remain other routes to finance, and Bell Ingram’s valuations and AMC team has been successful in securing funding for a range of interesting farm diversification projects recently, including holiday cottages, EV charging hubs and Christmas tree farms.

Working closely with lenders, our agents offer expert advice on how to make funding applications as strong as possible. Sarah Tyson, experienced valuer and AMC Agent at Bell Ingram said: “Key considerations are the strength of the business case, ensuring realistic projections and assumptions on profit turnover; the health of the current farming business through availability of historic accounts and the experience of the owners or managers involved.

“As the stages to receiving funding progress, our agents often work with clients and their lawyers to help solve any potential problems, including access or title issues, thus helping to unlock the cash required to get the real work started.”

If you are looking for support at any stage of your farm diversification venture, contact your local Bell Ingram office.

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Article posted on 12/09/2022

Press Release Archive News

The year in Land Management

The year in Rural Land Management

As 2022 draws to a close, it feels right to take time to reflect on the year that has gone and look forward to 2023. I can’t remember which philosopher said that: “you need to know where you have come from to know where you are going”, but I suspect he could not have foreseen such a rollercoaster of a year that we have just endured.

From the highs of the spring and the early months of 2022, the residential property market was as buoyant as we have seen it for many years. At the same time the world of forestry planting land, carbon credits and investment in land by fund managers bore no relation to traditional land values.

It only took a change in personnel in No.10 and No.11 Downing Street, and a mini budget, to send investors into retreat and the housing market to all but disappear. That is everywhere but the west coast of Scotland and the Islands where the market seems to be bucking the trend.

There is no escaping the issue that land management and investment in 2023 faces a number of challenges. That said, where there is uncertainty, there are opportunities for those who are willing to take a calculated risk and who are well advised in the rewards that investing in land, property and forestry can bring.

Interest rates may be rising and the cost of money for the lending institutions is increasing, but there is no shortage of individuals looking to purchase good quality farm land. This year saw a dearth of good quality farms coming to the market but with the increase in the cost of inputs, and the rise in interest rates, it is inevitable that more farms will come to the market in 2023.

The Scottish Government is standing by its targets for forestry planting, but we have seen a cooling in the market for planting land. Good land will sell well, but the poorer land with access and future extraction issues is definitely diminishing.

The Government has published its consultation on the future of agriculture and it is questionable whether they will achieve their aims in this parliament. Muirburn and the licensing of grouse moors are all under scrutiny for 2023, which in effect raises serious questions for the future of rural Scotland and the future of sporting and upland management.

2023 is going to prove a challenging year in terms of land and property management in the United Kingdom. The staff at Bell Ingram are on hand to advise how best to navigate the way through these difficult times. There will be opportunities in 2023 for investing and diversification in land and property. The old adage that “he who hesitates is lost!” might be the maxim for 2023.

For more information on our Rural Land Management services visit: bellingram.co.uk/land-management/rural-land-management/

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Article posted on 17/08/2022

Press Release Archive News

Forest Manager Stuart McArtney shares his top tips on buying Scottish woodland

Forest Manager Stuart McArtney shares his top tips on buying Scottish woodland

Stuart McArtney, Forestry Management expert at Bell Ingram, explains that buying your own section of Scottish woodland can be made much easier by having the correct professional guidance.

He said: “Buying your own Scottish woodland is clearly not as common a practice as someone buying a home, therefore it’s crucial that you have the right expert advice in your corner.

“Our team of Chartered Foresters provide management services and investment guidance for every type of woodland owner or potential buyer.

“These can be everyone from corporate clients to rural estate owners or individuals wishing to add forestry to their investment portfolio or pension fund. Our Forestry Managers provide a bespoke woodland management service that’s tailored to meet the client’s unique requirements.”

Bell Ingram provide a range of services including woodland budget management, valuations of woodland areas and digital mapping.

Stuart continued: “We have a vast experience and knowledge of different issues regarding woodland ownership and are well placed to help guide buyers through the challenges of today’s forestry industry.

“We are able to take clients through the process of buying Scottish woodland step-by-step and ensure you get the most appropriate advice and are able to take advantage of every opportunity.”

To find out more about buying Scottish woodland or to view any areas currently for sale, visit www.bellingram.co.uk

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Article posted on 15/12/2022

Press Release Archive News

Coastal cottage with sea view for sale is one of oldest houses on ‘magical Scottish island’

Coastal cottage with sea view for sale is one of oldest houses on ‘magical Scottish island’

A charming, three-bedroom end-terrace cottage offers an exceptionally rare opportunity to buy on the magical Scottish island of Iona.

Presented for sale by Bell Ingram at offers over £375,000, Taigh Benedict is thought to be one of the oldest properties on the island.

Commenting on the sale, Andrew Fuller from Bell Ingram’s Oban Office, says: “Taigh Benedict offers buyers the chance to acquire a cottage with detached bothy, the perfect home for those looking to relocate to this magical Inner Hebrides island.

“Iona holds a special place in the hearts of people from around the world and properties are seldom listed for sale in the open market. With far reaching views across the Sound of Iona to the Isle of Mull, Taigh Benedict is thought to be one of the oldest properties on the island.”

Home to the world-famous Iona Abbey, one of the oldest Christian religious centres, the Isle of Iona is full of history with many visitors following in the footsteps of St Columba. Nearby is St Oran’s Chapel and Reilig Odhrain which is reputed to be the burial place of Macbeth and 47 other kings of Scotland.

The property is entered from the front garden through a vestibule into a central hallway. To the right, the lounge is warmed through by an open grate fire. To the left of the hall, a sitting room is positioned to the front of the house, offering alternative use as a home office, study or additional bedroom.

The family kitchen is at the rear of the property, enjoying open views out to the garden. A stylish AGA sits within the kitchen, offering warmth and comfort in equal measure. There is also a boot room, utility room and a ground floor bedroom, along with a family shower room.

Two further bedrooms upstairs enjoy open views out to the front and rear. The largest of the two bedrooms benefits from an en-suite shower room.

Located to the rear of the main house, a bothy provides overflow accommodation as required. The layout comprises entrance vestibule, galley kitchen, living room and two double bedrooms, one of with an en-suite bathroom.

Andrew Fuller adds: “Taigh Benedict is the perfect island home filled with charm and presents a great opportunity for buyers looking to enjoy an idyllic rural lifestyle.

“The island is inhabited by around 130 people and has a traditional community feeling to it. On top of that the number of vehicles on Iona is restricted by permit and with no crime to speak of, it makes a wonderfully safe environment for children and adults alike.

“For outdoor enthusiasts, Iona boasts first-rate walking opportunities, a variety of wildlife and beautiful, white sandy beaches.

“Iona, accessed via a regular ferry service from the Isle of Mull, is fully equipped with a well-stocked general store as well as a number of other amenities and businesses catering to the needs of locals and tourists alike.”

For more information about Taigh Benedict or to request a viewing, please contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 567 791 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 18/11/2022

Press Release Archive News

Private land businesses must have their say on Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation

Private land businesses must have their say on Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation

Senior Partner Malcolm Taylor is urging land-based business across rural Scotland to respond to the Scottish Government’s public consultation on their new Land Reform Bill.

This new piece of legislation will be the third bill of its type since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened in 1999 and the deadline for responses is looming large on 30th October.

Malcolm Taylor, who heads up Bell Ingram’s Forfar office, said: “As rural land managers for over a century, we understand the key role our farm and estate businesses play in supporting a thriving rural economy. It is our hope that the government recognises the part that our clients can play in delivering modern and diverse land use.”

“Land reform is an extremely complex issue, and it is of vital importance that private land businesses have their say. If you have never responded to a consultation before, now is the time to do so, or instruct your land manager to do so on your behalf.”

The consultation document can be viewed online at Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation – Scottish Government – Citizen Space (consult.gov.scot)

Click here more information on our Rural Land Management services.

Article posted on 14/09/2022