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Rhydtre, originally a period cottage with later additions, now has an attached annex as well as outbuildings, kennelling and pony box

SPRING is in the air and Rural Scene report that already the market in Wales is beginning to wake up. While there has been much talk of gloom and doom in the press, in the real world there is still a good demand for properties with land which, historically, has always held its value much better in troubled times than purely residential property.

Rural Scene's website (www.ruralscene.co.uk) shows a wide range of properties with land throughout Britain. Two smallholdings in Wales that catch the eye are Blaenffynnon, near Crymych, with 6 acres, outbuildings and a lovely two-bedroom cottage completely secluded with no near neighbours, and Rhydtre, originally a period cottage with later additions now having an attached annexe as well as outbuildings, kennelling, pony box, paddocks, mature trees and attractive pond. Looking at the website, prices range from well under £250,000 for a two and a half acre property with riding access to up to £850,000 for a holiday cottage business with many properties falling between the £325,000 to £425,000 mark.

For full details or to discuss any properties on Rural Scene's portfolio please telephone 01264 850700.

Bob Jones - Prytherch & Co (BJP) will again be at the RWAS Smallholder and Garden Festival Weekend on May 17/18 where they will not only have an exhibition in the Glamorgan Hall but also have experts on hand to advise on local matters. Prior to the event I spoke to them about the state of the Welsh property market and like Rural Scene, they confirmed that the widely publicised downturn in property prices was not affecting properties with land in the way it was the rest of the housing market. However, Welsh properties still represent good value for money and they told me that recently there has been a trend towards younger families moving to Wales.

Selling their properties in the higher priced southern areas of Britain, they can get a good property with land and still have money over to invest in private education for the children Indeed independent schools in Wales have reported an increase in students coming in from outside Wales. The quieter pace of life and relative lack of crime is also a factor as is the space that having land gives a family.

Other people buy farmhouses that have traditional buildings with a view to converting to holiday lets but BJP do warn that it is important to be sure of planning permission and the need for such accommodation before making the move. They remark that it is specialist holiday lets that do the best such as those catering for corporate activities or hen and stag nights and that there is an increasing demand from families for re-unions. This type of holiday customer will require considerable accommodation plus camping or caravanning space and a list of family activities in the area. It may not be enough just to offer a pleasant holiday cottage but to think harder about the customer and cater to their needs, be it horse riders, ramblers or peace seekers!

Often the situation of the property will suggest what avenue in holiday lets the new owner should take.

Other people who benefit from moving to Wales are horse owners. Livery is topping £120 plus in some areas of Britain and the money spent on livery can go into a mortgage to give the owner the pleasure of having their horse at home. Remember if hacking is your dream, be sure to check that the routes ridden by riders in the area are proper bridleways or byways as otherwise they may be withdrawn.

Finally, say BJP, many people are now turning to owning some land so they can grow their own vegetables and keep some chickens. Conservation too concerns newcomers with many buying plots separately to plant and tend for wildlife. There's many reasons for moving to Wales but its true to say that if you choose your property wisely, make sure you have been really realistic with your finances and that the whole family is enthusiastic, then your new life will be an enjoyable challenge where you can grow your own food and live your dreams. www.bjpco or 01558 822468 to discuss your ideas.

3:14pm Tuesday 10th June 2008

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