Bell Ingram In The Community News, The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

OnFARM Podcast: Braemar Castle community restoration project

OnFARM Podcast: Braemar Castle Community Restoration Project

Braemar Castle in Royal Deeside has been under scaffolding for many months – as it is being lovingly restored by a team led by the local community, with architecture support from specialists at Bell Ingram. In this episode – the first of two recorded at Braemar Castle – Monty meets vice chair of Braemar Community Ltd. Doreen Wood, director of stonemasonry at Harper and Allen masonry Steven Harper, and Iain Cram, senior architect and partner at Bell Ingram.

 

[staff_member id=’3247′]
Rural Land Management Page, The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Meet the Land Agent: Louise Finnie

Meet the Land Agent

Life as a Bell Ingram Land Agent is hugely varied and no two days are the same. We find out more about what the job entails, and routes into the profession from our Perth based Assistant Land Agent, Louise Finnie.

What is your background?

I come from a rural background, my family own a small beef farm alongside a residential and commercial property letting business. From a young age I had ponies and spent my time at my local pony club, making lifelong friends and enjoying all the activities that go along with that. When I changed school, extra-curricular activities meant that I no longer had the time required to continue with this but hope to return to the horse world in the future. Around this time, I also joined Young Farmers and continue to enjoy all the fun and friendship of the wider Association. I am currently Secretary of my club, East Fife, and on the committee for the Fife and Kinross District.

What qualifications did you need to become a Land Agent?

I hold a BA (Hons) degree in Rural Business Management awarded by Glasgow University in conjunction with SRUC.

Why did you decide to go into surveying?

I wanted a degree that would encompass both agriculture and property in order to build and expand my knowledge in both areas. Knowing this would give me a mix of both field and office-based work appealed greatly, while at the same time the great variety of work involved would mean that no two days would be the same. Being supported by a team with a diverse pool of knowledge such as is available within Bell Ingram was an important factor when looking for a graduate position.

Did you always want to do rural work?

Yes, finding something that fitted with my rural interests was important. I think if you do something you enjoy, then it no longer feels like work. I do not believe I could derive so much enjoyment from any other area of employment.

When are you hoping to pass your APC?

On completion of my four-year degree course, I have gone on to study for a further two years in order to complete my APC. Part of achieving this is the requirement to keep a two-year diary, logging in detail all my competencies. During the summer, I have to submit my chosen case study. In the autumn following that submission, I will be invited to an interview where I will carry out a presentation on my case study to the board of examiners who in turn will ask questions on both my case study and my competencies. I feel I am prepared and hope to achieve gaining my APC this autumn.

What do you enjoy about the job?

I particularly enjoy meeting with and speaking to clients which brings with it a perfect balance between field and office work. Rural surveying covers a vast range of topics so having two years to trial most of the areas is a great way to rule out, or in, which areas suit you best. Although I have covered a variety of different areas, so far, on completion of my APC I feel I would like to specialise in Valuation.

However, due to the changes taking place in the world, Renewables is an area I have not covered extensively but may investigate in the future. Next year I hope to continue my studies and work towards my CAAV exams, knowing once again I can depend on and will be ably assisted by the Bell Ingram team. Being made feel like a valued member of, and being extensively supported by, the Bell Ingram ‘family’ throughout every aspect of my training has undoubtedly given me a strong foundation and broadened my skill set, ideally setting me up for the future.

Bell Ingram is hiring Land Agents across our business and locations. Find out more about the positions available and life at Bell Ingram at bellingram.co.uk/Work-with-us.

[staff_member id=’3262′]
Farm & Estate Sales Page, The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Optimism Returns to Farm Sales Market

Optimism Returns to Farm Sales Market

Our Head of Farm Sales, Malcolm Taylor looks at the current landscape and the opportunities to be had in this year’s farm sales market.

Snapshot of the market

As we look forward to the 2023 farm sales market it seems only right to take time to reflect on the year that has gone. We all remember the highs of the spring and early months of 2022, which seen interest from new buyers looking for forestry and natural capital opportunities pushing land way beyond traditional values and some exceptional outcomes for our clients.

In 2023 the landscape looks different again. Stock levels remain low as rising interest rates, and the cost of money from the lending institutions increasing both act as deterrents. But there is no shortage of individuals looking to purchase good quality farmland.

Following the disastrous minibudget, we are starting to see confidence from investors return, particularly from down south. This is fuelled by growing awareness around how precious land is as a resource, be it for food production, natural capital solutions, renewable energy sources and the contribution to the wellbeing economy. 

An increase in the cost of inputs continues to impact the viability of some farming businesses and with a lack of any detail around Government grant schemes both sides of the border, it is inevitable that more farms will come to the market in 2023.  

What can you expect for your farmland?

Average arable land and the best pasture-land values have been relatively steady but there is still limited supply and continuing demand, especially where neighbours have the chance to buy. Private transactions remain popular particularly where speed and privacy are key, or if there’s likely to be a limited market.

The value of grazing and hill land, which has been fuelled by unprecedented demand from investors looking for commercial tree planting is perhaps steadying a little but is further bolstered by interest in natural capital, including peatland restoration and rewilding projects, although values are very site specific making it difficult to apply averages.

Price Per Acre

Best Arable £8,000 – £15,000

Commercial planting £5,000 – £8,000

If you are thinking of putting your farmland on the market, our Head of Farm Sales, Malcolm Taylor will be pleased to discuss your requirement. Email malcol.taylor@bellingram.co.uk or call 01307 462516.

[staff_member id=’3372′]
The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Reasons to be Cheerful in Perth & Kinross

Reasons to be cheerful

While the Scottish residential housing market continues to be affected by a scarcity of stock, new data released by the online property portals give sellers some reasons to be cheerful.

While buyer demand is down by a third compared to last year’s buoyant market, it’s up 4% on this time in 2019. Plus, there’s been a bigger than usual New Year bounce-back in activity, making a much more encouraging start to the year than many anticipated.

Although average asking prices are still £8,720 lower than their peak in October 2022, after two months of falls, they have increased by 0.9% (+£3,301) this month. This is the biggest increase at this time of year since 2020.

January 5th saw the number of people sending a request to an estate agent to value their home – the third largest on record. In total the first week of 2023 was the busiest for home valuation requests since August 2022.

Carl Warden, Head of Estate Agency at Bell Ingram reports: “These national figures just released mirror the picture I’m seeing across Perth & Kinross. Although the supply of stock remains well below what I would have historically expected to see at this time of year, there’s no shortage of enquiries from potential sellers looking for market appraisals.

“Looking ahead I see no reason for house values to decrease in any significant way, but I think we are unlikely to see the big offers over the asking price that characterised the market in 2022. Instead, I predict the market will recalibrate and we’ll see a more realistically priced market emerging.

“Despite uncertainty over mortgage rates, inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, people are still looking to move, and if you get the price and presentation correct then there’s no reason why your property won’t sell.

“And for buyers, it is not always the ones with the deepest pockets who are coming out on top. Those who have all their ducks in a row, and who are chain-free, are often more successful than the highest bidder in securing their dream home.

“If you are looking to sell, then there is no time like the present. Using a prestigious agency such as Bell Ingram, with our property teams embedded in communities throughout the country, means we know the suitable buyers for your property and can secure a premium private deal if you so choose.

“Because we ask our buyers the right questions, we always secure the best outcome for our clients. We would therefore recommend that anyone who is thinking of buying or selling their rural property waste no time to get in touch with our agents to discuss your needs.”

If you are considering selling you home, farm or estate, our dedicated team is on hand to provide professional advice and expert guidance. Contact Carl Warden on 01738 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk

[staff_member id=’3397′]
The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

The property market is still moving, are you?

The property market is still moving, are you?

The decision to sell is never easy, so let our local property experts help. Bell Ingram’s free market appraisal service will give you the confidence that we can achieve the best result for your property’s sale or purchase.

Drawing on over 120 years’ experience, we offer an extensive database which provides relevant, comparable evidence for market appraisals when marketing properties and matching buyers to suitable homes.

Take advantage of the strong market in your area. Book your free market appraisal online now at bellingram.co.uk

Our Team

Based in key locations across Scotland our agents have an in-depth understanding of the regional and national markets.

Carl Warden, Perth

With over 30 years’ experience in the prime residential rural sector, Carl runs Bell Ingram’s Estate Agency service. He works from our Perth office and manages Agency teams in Perth, Beauly, Oban, Forfar, Ayr and Aberdeen. From period homes to contemporary developments, he has a wealth of experience selling high value property as well as plots, cottages, farmhouses and farmland.

Carl is supported in Perth by Moira Webley and Johanna Wiseman. Well known in the local area, this expert team has developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers and is able to offer a comprehensive and professional service.

Andrew Fuller, Oban

Andrew joined Bell Ingram following almost 15 years managing high-level private and commercial development projects in the United Arab Emirates. He brings a wealth of property management and investment experience to his role as Senior Associate Estate Agent managing Bell Ingram’s Oban office.

He is supported by a dynamic team consisting of Laura MacCallum and Mairi Kennedy, and between them they cover Argyll and The Isles and the Morvern Peninsula, focusing on the sale of premium, rural properties.

Joanne Stennett, Highland

Joanne manages Bell Ingram’s Highland estate agency service from our Beauly office. She offers professional advice and expert guidance to sellers and buyers across the region and the Outer isles where she has strong connections with the local communities.

Highly experienced in the assessment and sale of prime residential and other rural property, Joanne  is supported by Fiona Adam and Julie Connor preparing properties for sale and overseeing the marketing from launch to offer and negotiating property transactions.

 

[staff_member id=’3397′], [staff_member id=’3266′], [staff_member id=’3364′]
The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Demand for luxury energy efficient homes stronger than ever

Demand for luxury energy efficient homes stronger than ever

By Carl Warden, Head of Estate Agency

Set against the backdrop of soaring energy prices and a cost-of-living crisis, how to make our homes more energy and cost efficient is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

For many, a move to a new build property is the answer as thanks to regulation for homebuilders, new build homes must meet strict thermal efficiency guidelines.

Over the years Bell Ingram has partnered with prestigious bespoke housebuilders, who have been building energy efficient homes for many years. But as prices go up across the board, and building costs soar, this must be transferred to customers. So, are buyers still willing to pay a premium for energy efficiency?  

In short, yes. At Bell Ingram we see green and thermal efficiency as the main driver for new build homes which is a market which remains hugely popular and is bucking the trend of regular housing.

Working closely with buyers, our property teams recognise two key factors when it comes to energy in their home. One is thermal efficiency, or the home’s ability to retain and distribute heat from a heat source. The other consideration is the green credentials associated with generating the heat.

For example, some buyers don’t mind if their main heat source is gas or oil, as long as the home performs well in maintaining and distributing the warmth. For others, the green credential of the energy is important, as renewable sources can drastically reduce costs.

Bell Ingram has seen huge demand for our recent development in the Grange of Errol built by The Good House Company, as all homes available, priced from £539,000, were reserved in the first week.

The Good House Company was founded in 2006 and is renowned for producing homes that are A-rated for energy efficiency, vital to compensate for the ever-increasing cost of fuel bills. They are super insulated and are heated by low-carbon technology. Their future aim is to build homes that are carbon-neutral and they are passionate about not sacrificing quality of finishes in order to be an ‘eco’ home – you can have both.

4 Grange Of Errol, Perthshire, PH2 7SZ | Bell Ingram

It is not only new build homes which have to comply with strict regulations, conversions must also reach minimum energy efficiency requirements. Bell Ingram is marketing the superb Milton Muir Farmhouse near Anstruther in Fife for offers over £650,000. The property benefits from air source heating.

Milton Muir Farmhouse, Anstruther, Fife, KY10 3JD | Bell Ingram

Finally, currently under construction, is 2 Castle View in Rumbling Bridge, Kinross-shire which also has air source heating and great thermal efficiency. This family home is within a small development in a semi-rural location, with uninterrupted views, for offers over £650,000.

2 Castle Hill View, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross-Shire, KY13 0PX | Bell Ingram

For more information on our Estate Agency services, or to browse our properties for sale click here.

[staff_member id=’3397′]

Article posted on 12/09/2022

The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News, Uncategorized

Keeping History Alive: Scottish Lime Centre Trust is Preserving Our Traditional Buildings

Keeping History Alive: Scottish Lime Centre is Preserving Our Traditional Buildings 

As head of Bell Ingram Design, architect Iain Cram wears a number of different hats, but none so interesting as his role as a Trustee of the Scottish Lime Centre Trust.

The Scottish Lime Centre Trust (SLCT) was established in 1994 in response to the growing concern over a skills’ shortage in the field of traditional building technology.

And over the last three decades, this not-for-profit organisation has promoted the appropriate repair of traditional buildings, and the conservation and development of associated building traditions, crafts and skills through training and education.

The importance of preserving traditional building skills came into sharp focus recently for Bell Ingram Design who are key members of the team tasked with the restoration of A-Listed Braemar Castle in Aberdeenshire.

Iain explains: “Braemar Castle is a perfect example of how vision and craftmanship can give a rundown landmark a new lease of life as a visitor attraction and community resource.

“By using the traditional lime mortar process in the conservation process we are recognising the importance of Scotland’s older built environment, not just because of its heritage and cultural value, but because of the need for environmental and economic sustainability.”

Through their work on other buildings of high significance – including the Marshall Monument in Perth and the Brechin Townscape Initiative – Iain and his BID team have built up a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face these places as our needs and expectations evolve through time.

Iain continues: “I believe that architects accredited in conservation have an essential part to play in safeguarding our built heritage and organisations like SLCT are an essential support to integrating heritage skills in to ‘mainstream’ construction training.”

Based in Charlestown in Fife, the catalyst for the creation of the Scottish Lime Centre was rising concern over the effects of using ordinary Portland cement on historic masonry buildings.

Rosamond Artis MRICS IHBC RICS, Director of the Scottish Lime Centre Trust, explains: “Over the past 150 years or so, since the introduction of cement, the lime industry in the UK has dwindled and the cement industry boomed with cement technology developing to produce harder and stronger material. Don’t get us wrong, we think modern cement is a great product, it should just never go anywhere near a historic masonry structure!

“The increased use of cement in the construction industry resulted in the loss of knowledge and skills required to correctly and appropriately specify and use lime mortars. Through the later part of last century we increasingly saw the damage that was being caused by overly hard cement mortars, but the products, knowledge and skills were not available to transition back to the use of lime mortars, and this is where we come in.

“In 1994 our organisation was established to bridge this gap and to bring back the understanding and skill required to successfully use lime mortars. Our remit has developed over the years and still specialists in lime mortar use and technology, we have a broader scope of providing advice, guidance and training relating to all aspects of traditional building technology.”

The Scottish Lime Centre Trust runs practical courses aimed at all levels covering a wide range of traditional materials and techniques, designed to enhance craft skills and awareness. These are aimed at tradespeople and craftspeople; building supervisors and site agents; architects, engineers and surveyors; conservation officers; homeowners; students; voluntary conservation groups; estate managers; and those who just want to learn new skills.

The organisation also promotes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through lectures, seminars, demonstrations and practical courses for architects, surveyors, conservation officers and students.

Its building advisory service offers professional and technical consultancy and advice provided directly to building owners or their appointed architect/surveyor.

The organisation even offers a Materials Analysis Service and a Sands & Aggregates Database which holds records of currently available sands and aggregates enabling the appropriate specification for use in lime mortars and ability to match both the appearance and physical properties of a historic mortar.

More information online at www.scotlime.org

[staff_member id=’3247′]

Article posted on 12/09/2022

The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News, Uncategorized

Highlands and Islands property market defies the headlines

Highlands and Islands property market defies the headlines

The property market in the Scottish Highlands and Islands has been booming for some years and despite signs of a slowing market elsewhere, prices remain strong in the North and West of the country.

With mortgage rates rising and rumours of house prices stagnating, you could be fooled into believing the Scottish property market is about to crash. But our experts in Oban and Beauly are seeing no let up, with predictions that growth is to slow yet to be seen in practice.

In fact, Andrew Fuller, Bell Ingram’s Estate Agent in Oban, recently secured a sale for a home achieving 100% over the asking price, which put paid to the fact that buyers are no longer willing to offer such large sums over the home report value as we have seen post pandemic. Most recently Andrew and his team also secured two notable sales of over £1million for homes in some challenging conditions.

This is just one example, but it would appear to be backed up by the latest figures from Registers of Scotland that show the price of a detached home is up by 13% to £349,000 on average with the biggest increases seen in the council areas of Argyll, Highland and the Islands.

Similarly, Joanne Stennett, our Estate Agent based in Beauly in the Scottish Highlands, is still experiencing huge demand in the region with houses regularly going to closing dates and achieving in excess of 10% over the asking price.

Interest in both the Highlands and Islands remains strong with a constant stream of enquiries from buyers south of the border, and increasingly from the Central Belt. This demand for houses in the regions has remained strong since the pandemic and off market deals are becoming common place as buyers vie for properties before they reach the open market, such is the competition for stock.

Despite a recent uptick in house prices in the regions, they continue to be favourable to those further south and Joanne believes this will only continue as mortgage rates squeeze buyers out of already expensive property markets.

There is one thing Andrew and Joanne do not have on their side while working in some of Scotland’s most regions is and that is the weather. As we look towards the end of this year and early 2023, it will be the only thing holding them back.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this strong market speak to your nearest Bell Ingram office about our free market appraisal service.

[staff_member id=’3266′]  [staff_member id=’3364′]

Article posted on 12/09/2022

The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Bell Ingram can help you achieve your agritourism dream

Bell Ingram Can Help You Achieve Your Agritourism Dream

The UK’s staycation market has never had it so good! Already gaining popularity before the pandemic, there’s no doubt that coronavirus has significantly accelerated the demand for holidaying at home.

Farmers and landowners looking for alternative revenue streams have embraced the opportunity to maximise their assets, and the high quality of many of these enterprises is giving foreign holiday destinations a run for their money.

Why bother with the hassle of flying abroad when you have luxury holiday lets and glamping experiences on your doorstep? Or the convenience of soaking up our beautiful scenery from the comfort of your motorhome.

The push to develop the sector is well underway in Scotland with the industry goal to have 1,000 Scottish farming and crofting enterprises offering an agritourism experience, with at least 50% providing a food and drink element by 2030.

If successful, this could be worth £250m to the economy, potentially supporting 10,000 full-time jobs by the end of the decade according to the first Scottish Agritourism Growth Tracker report which was compiled by VisitScotland on behalf of industry body Scottish Agritourism.

Agritourism is definitely becoming a growing travel trend and at Bell Ingram we are working with many clients who have already dipped their toes in this lucrative market.

However, if you are considering renovating farm buildings into holiday lets, creating a glamping facility or simply allowing motorhomes to access to your fields, there are a lot of things you must consider first … and Bell Ingram’s multi-disciplinary team of rural land and property experts can help you get started:

Valuations – Our RICS registered valuers can provide valuations for all types of rural property, including holiday letting and rural tourism. Our team of professionals provide valuations for a wide range of rural property types and we routinely work for private, corporate and public sector clients, as well as banks and other lenders.

Landlord/Tenant – Tenants must gain the permission of their landlord proceeding with any new business development opportunity. If there are projects you would like to pursue, our experts can advise tenants how to approach this in the best possible way.

Architectural Services – Whether it’s renovating an existing farm building to create a holiday let or preparing a 3D visualisation of a visitor centre, BID’s architects and technologists have s strong track record of working on agritourism projects of all sizes. BID also works with clients to identify sites for potential projects.

Planning – Working closely with Land Agents and Architects, our Planning Consultant can provide clients with expert advice to turn your ambitions into reality. Using a professional planning consultant takes the guesswork out of the process, ensures work proceeds smoothly which could save you money in the long run.

Microgeneration & Renewables – Bell Ingram have been providing independent and un-biased advice to private clients on all aspects of small-scale renewable energy schemes for almost 25 years. Our expertise ensures optimum payback on hydro, wind, heat pump, biomass heating, solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV), energy storage, community heating, and combined heat & power (CHP).

AMC – The first key component is how you plan to finance your agritourism enterprise. Bell Ingram’s highly experienced network of AMC agents can organise loans for clients looking to raise fund to get their project off the ground.

*Bell Ingram is a member of Scottish Agritourism Network and our staff will be attending the upcoming Scottish Agritourism Conference at Perth Concert Hall on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th November. Look out for our distinctive blue gilets and stop us for a chat!

[staff_member id=’2670′]

Article posted on 12/09/2022