Nearly living the dream but just need to get the right property?

John Sones discusses what to consider before purchase

- John Sones

Understandably attracted by the lifestyle, you are hoping to be a smallholder one day. It all seems straightforward. Just find a bit of land with ideally a habitable home, get some birds and animals and start growing crops. But are you really ready for your change of circumstances?

Some preparation and discussion within the family will help you to make the right choice for you.

Assuming you have owned a home before, you will have some experience of what that entails including the costs and maintenance involved. Owning land and animals for the first time will be very different so do as much preparation as you can so you know what you are taking on. A good starting point is to join a local group in the area where plan to move. You'll find a list of smallholding clubs on The Country Smallholder Website. This will enable you to make contact with other like-minded people and give you access to local knowledge even possibly including what might be for sale. Training may also be offered and if not, look around for advertised courses. You've already made a good start by reading The Country Smallholder magazine!