What do I need to check once I’ve found a potential farm for sale?
- Check the farm’s fences, sheds, water pumps, dams, drains, bores, irrigation, water supply, tanks and any other key infrastructure for any damage or signs of wear and tear. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, get help from an experienced farmer or farming infrastructure expert.
- If buying a dairy farm, thoroughly check the milking shed, milking equipment and tanker access roads. These items will come in for regular heavy use, and they can be costly to replace or upgrade.
- Ask to see the most recent soil nutrient and water test results. Water tests should cover both irrigation sheds and dairy sheds. The results of these tests will indicate whether the farm has been well managed by its current owners or needs investment to improve soil and water quality.
- Check that effective pest controls are in place, and that regular work has been undertaken to control rabbits, possums, ducks, geese, and noxious weeds. You should also check nearby farm properties, access roads, and adjoining land and water sources for any potential pest trouble spots. You may wish to employ the services of an agricultural specialist to assist you with this.
- Make sure the farm house and general farm infrastructure meets your own personal living needs. If not, check that the property has appropriate council approvals and council zoning for any future development.
- Check that phone lines and electricity lines are in place, and their condition. If these utilities are not connected, investigate the accessibility of these services to your location, should you wish to install them in future.
- Check for flood plains and areas with access problems or water shortage.
- If there are any easements or rights of way through your property, check their condition, and ensure that they are correctly noted on your property Certificate of Title. Even if these paths or roads have not been used for some time, usage by others may affect your ability to fully enjoy the land you purchased.