Donald Towsey, Senior Solicitor in our Rural - Land & Business team shares five things to be aware of when buying rural property in Scotland
People all over the world hanker for a rural retreat in Scotland. If you’re one of them, it’s useful to verify a few issues when househunting in the countryside.
1. Private water supply:
Many rural properties get their water supply from a borehole, stream or springs, rather than the mains. This entails various legal obligations relating to registration, testing and water quality, and it’s important that the current owners have complied with them.
2. Sewerage:
Rural homes often discharge their wastewater into private septic tanks, rather than public sewers. This requires a consent from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), so check this is in place.
3. Access:
It’s essential to understand if the access road leading to the property is adopted (i.e. maintained) by the council, or the responsibility of you and/or your neighbours. This upkeep can be a major expense, as well as a common cause of disputes.
4. Renewables:
Checks here range from the ownership of any wind turbines or solar panels on the property, to whether any major renewables developments are planned for the local area.
5. Boundaries:
Check that the boundaries shown on the title deeds correspond to those on the ground, and also that those on the ground are clearly defined. This can help to avoid future disputes.
While none of these issues need stop you buying a property, you will certainly want conveyancing solicitors and surveyors who understand them.
