Looking for a suitable smallholding can be an adventure in itself. Smallholdings all differ; from the number of bedrooms in the house, to the amount of land they have, what outbuildings there are and exactly where it is in the country, all play a part in what you get for your money. Broadly speaking, though, your cash should go further in the north than it does in the south, pretty much the same as house buying in general.

If you go for a run-down property or land with planning permission to build your own house and put up outbuildings, you will generally be looking at a cheaper purchase price. However, both options will incur building and renovation costs, which, if you aren't good at DIY, may make things more expensive in the long run.

Where to look Most people today use the internet to search for their next home, smallholdings included, and most estate agents, including those that sell smallholdings, use Zoopla, Rightmove or Prime Location to get their properties seen by as many potential buyers as possible.

These are probably the best-known property websites in the UK and are a good place to start if you are using the internet to peruse smallholdings. Simply key your requirements into their search bar and see what comes up. You can save these searches and be alerted via email when suitable property comes to the market.

You can also take a look at individual estate agents websites; there are several that specialise in smallholdings, equestrian property and country homes with land. You can log your details and requirements with them too.

Rural Scene www.ruralscene.co.uk covers the whole of the UK. Others are regional such as The Smallholding Centre www.smallholdingcentre.co.uk.

National smallholding and farming magazines generally have a section for farms and/or smallholdings for sale, and can often be worth a look. Local weekly newspapers in your preferred area would also be a useful place to look, as well as giving you a feel for the area.

Consider auction houses too. Property auctions may seem a little daunting but I'm reliably led to believe you can sometimes pick up a bargain at auction. Be aware that different rules of purchase sometimes apply so speak to auction house staff in advance of sale day to ensure you know how things work.

Property auctions are advertised nationally and locally.

Around the country Taking a look at what's currently on the market (August 2014) throws up some interesting comparisons and shows the current value of smallholdings and what you can get for your money in the different parts of the country.

White Cottage at Thornton Le Fen in Lincolnshire marketed by Rural Scene is a three-bedroom home with an acre of land, several loose boxes, poultry and store sheds and a Christmas tree plantation all for a fixed price of £250,000.

The same estate agents are also advertising The Barn at Launceston in Cornwall.

A four-bedroom barn conversion, with an acre split into two main fields bordered by a small stream; guide price £325,000.

Compare that to The Old Woollen Mill at Cribyn, Lampeter in south Wales, currently on the market with The Smallholding Centre. This property has a main residence along with two holiday cottages; perfect for those seeking to make additional income. It has two and half acres and outbuildings with further land available by separate negotiation; guide price £495,000.

TW Gaze at Wymondham in Norfolk offer a barn conversion for sale at Attleborough, Norfolk. Set in just over an acre, the three-bedroomed property has a rural outlook along with a separate barn; guide price £475,000.

At the other end of the country on the Isle of Skye, The Skye Property Centre at Portree is offering a croft tenancy at 7 North Clachan with approximately seven and half acres on which planning permission has been granted for a single-storey thatched dwelling.

Common grazings are also included though new tenants would be required to be approved by the Crofting Commission. Offers over £65,000 are invited.

H & H Land and Property at Borderway, Rosehill, Carlisle are offering Rosgill Hall Farm, 12 miles from Penrith. A four-bedroom farmhouse in need of renovation, the property has eight acres, fishing rights on the river Lowther and traditional and modern outbuildings; guide price £495,000.

Rural Scene is also advertising Easter Loanburn Croft near Fraserburgh, North East Scotland. A 13-acre smallholding with a good range of outbuildings and far-reaching views, a polytunnel, steading stables and poultry sheds for a fixed price of £270,000.

Foel Fach Farm at Llangynwyd, Bridgend is a secluded, two-bedroom farmhouse with outbuildings and eight and half acres, comprising pig cotts, workshop and barns.

Guide price £345,000.

How to make a purchase It pays to do your homework regarding what you will get for your money. Factor in solicitor's fees and moving costs. Get quotes and don't be afraid to haggle. Guide prices for property are also open to negotiation so don't be afraid to discuss the price. We are notoriously bad at this in the UK, but maybe it's something we should learn to do more.

Look out for property that has been on the market for some time; this is often reduced in price if the vendor is looking for a faster sale.

If you have cash in your pocket or a mortgage agreement already set up you may be in a better position to buy than most. If you look attractive to the seller and his estate agent it may make all the difference when you put your offer in.

Buying a smallholding need not be fraught with disaster and disappointment. Take on board advice from those who have done it before you, learn from any mistakes they may have made and above all enjoy the smallholding life.