Farm & finance · News & views

23 March 2021 marks one year since the UK's first lockdown.

We look at the effects the pandemic has had, and is having, on UK farms and rural businesses looking for finance – and how you can create a successful mortgage application.

You’ve found the perfect property, but when you get into the detail you find the property has an agricultural tie.

What is an agricultural tie, how will it affect your chances of getting a mortgage and how can you get a mortgage?

Coronavirus and Government-backed loan schemes have brought into focus the number and diversity of lenders. 

With tighter lending policies and reduced access to bank managers too, Rob Lister looks at what will be important for farms and rural businesses looking for finance.

Graham Sanders looks at how weather and disease has affected the key farming sectors this year.

He also looks at what action farmers and diversified businesses should take now to prepare for cashflow pressures.

If you’re thinking about moving to the countryside to start a business, there may never be a better time.

We show you what to consider and where to look for finance to help turn your dreams into reality.

Many farms are looking to build new homes for succession planning, separation, divorce or other reasons.

Funding such a build, particularly as the property may have an agricultural tie, comes with challenges that many see as unsurmountable. But they needn’t be if approached correctly.

To help you navigate the financial implications of the Coronavirus pandemic, we’re keeping this page updated with sources of financial support for farms and rural businesses.

It includes Government support schemes and bank, farming and charity support.

We know you’re busy but that some of you will be worried about the potential financial challenges that COVID-19 may bring, so we wanted to write a quick message to offer our support during these difficult times.

Please know that we are here to help.

An agricultural or rural mortgage can take from 4 weeks to 4 months to complete, or longer in some cases. Such deals often present a challenge in terms of ‘ticking the right boxes’ for lenders which causes delays and could put your plans at risk. 

Here are 5 tips to ensure your mortgage process runs as smoothly as possible.

Farms and rural businesses are finding it increasingly hard to raise finance. But, if it’s of any reassurance, it’s not just restricted to the farming industry.

Uncertainty over Brexit, low confidence in global and domestic economies and global banking regulations are making banks cautious of lending. What can you do to overcome it?

The April 2018 changes to permitted development rights for agricultural buildings have led to an increased number of clients looking for finance to convert agricultural buildings to residential and commercial uses.

But what factors need to be considered to achieve finance and a completed project?

Tourism and leisure activities are some of the most important sectors in the rural economy. What are the prospects and what should farm and rural businesses do to invest and prepare for a profitable future?