Things You Must Look Out for When Buying Rural Property

As of 2016, only 10 per cent of Australians lived in rural areas, as per the World Bank Data. That is quite understandable that as you go far away, the employment opportunities, infrastructure and other factors start to get worse but if you want peace and serenity, buying a rural property or land in Victoria will prove to be perfect for you.

If you have decided and you want to take the plunge to go rural, there will be lifestyle changes involved. Here are some of the most common ones below that you must be aware of. Let us see.

Water Supply and Sewerage

Do not assume that any rural property will be connected to a central sewage system or a town water supply. Many may even rely on septic tanks or other water systems.

If you are going to buy a block with a home already built, it is important for you to understand the sewage system, or at least know if any has been installed or not.

Not just this, you should also check whether it has council consent, what does its’ maintenance entail?

Land Covenants

Rural land which has been subdivided and developed will often be subject to a number of land covenants, who impose certain rules about the way the land can be used. The council or the developer usually set rules either to limit the impact of development on neighbours or to keep the standards of the area high.

It is also important for you to check with the seller and always go through the fine print as the land covenants can affect the use of the land. They may even restrict some types of farming or may even require you to develop your land in a certain manner.

Before buying a rural property, you must fully understand your neighbours and the surrounding areas.

Farms As Neighbours

Country life can be great but it can also be smelly and messy, especially if your property borders are farming areas. Effluent or fertilizers may spread to your land, you might even have to wake up early in the morning because of different sounds that accompany the farm land.

Before buying rural acreage, you must fully understand whom you have in your surroundings and what activities go around the borders of your property. This point may seem quite small but it is significant because noisy surroundings can affect your peace of mind, and enjoyment. Also, make sure you check the zoning rules with your local councils and understand the activities that go on next door on a daily basis.

The Economy

It is always best to buy property in an area that has a thriving economy because it will hold value in the near future.

At the same time, you should also be wary of buying in an area that is supported by industries such as agriculture or mining. For instance, the rural areas around small cities such as Toowoomba in Queensland can be a great option. Here, the economy is supported by a university, rising financial services industry and a strong agricultural sector.

It is still quite small and rural, but it is also at the same time diverse and has solid prospects for future growth.

Pests and Diseases

If you have any plans to grow, produce or raise farm animals on your rural land, you should be fully aware of pests and diseases. Pesky fruit flies and diseased grass, for instance, can make farming activities quite a challenge.

There are some areas in the country which are designated as disease and pest management areas, so make sure you always check with your conveyancer or local council before buying rural property.

Take note of other common pest concerns in the area and also inspect vegetation on the property to see if it is affected by them or not. In case you are not sure about the quality of soil, pest inspections, then better to take note of these points and then decide.

Take Community into Consideration

All rural areas are unique. Some may have thriving community centers, busy town centers and bustling pubs. While others might be peaceful, sleepy and isolated. It is on you to consider what you really want.

If possible, you can even talk to the neighboring land owners or you can even spend some time in the area before buying rural land in Victoria.

Buying a rural property can be a challenge, especially if you have never lived outside the city before. In such a case, you will have to reach out to a trusted real estate agent. For that, you do not have to go anywhere, just contact the real estate professionals at Raine and Horne and just get to the good part.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

Life in the country is different to life in a city. For instance, life in rural Alberta will be much closer to nature, and will be full of peace and tranquility.

But you must also know that the natural environment has a direct impact on your property. If you understand how urban and rural property makes a difference, you will make an informed decision. You will be clear about what you expect from your rural property and what sort of issues one must consider.

Life on a Rural Land

Rural areas bring in many unique responsibilities. As a landowner, you will be held responsible for securing safe drinking water, maintaining roads that have private access, maintaining a septic system, garbage disposable system, pest management and some aspects of flood and fire risk management.

Municipal Rules and Regulations

Your ability to modify and manage your property will greatly be affected by zoning, easements and the municipal corporation regulations.

Federal and provincial regulations, policies, bylaws may also affect your property.

Environmental and Municipal Reserves

When a part of land is initially subdivided, the municipality might want the developer to create an environmental reserve on the land which is swampy and has a natural drainage system. The environmental reserves help in protecting unstable land from pollution and degradation.

Above are some of the most important factors that you must look into when buying a rural property in Victoria. For any help, contact Raine and Horne professionals.