Property perfection

TEXT: GEORGIE ROBERTS AND ANDRE LE CONTE PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

TOP TIPS WHEN BUYING AN EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY

Have you been daydreaming about looking out your kitchen window and seeing your four-legged best friend outside? LWP Properties equestrian specialist and international dressage rider Andre le Conte shares his tips for finding that perfect property and streamlining the stressful search-and-conquer process!

Having our horses at home is a dream come true for every equestrian. Personally, as a professional rider, I find I have a far stronger relationship with my horses, as well as more time to fit in riding, life, and everything in between with having our horses at home. Having lived on (and trained at) a multitude of equestrian properties across South Africa and the world, I am here to help answer the tough questions and challenges that come with match-making people with their - and their horses’! - dream homes.

I’ve worked with great realtors, and I’ve worked with poor ones, and much like choosing a trainer, the wrong choice can have massive and costly knock-on effects forever. But you don’t have to learn the hard way! I already did that for you and have infinite insights to share.

Training horses prepares us for so much in life - so to avoid some of the most common pitfalls when purchasing an equestrian property, here are some familiar concepts that will help get you on your way in both the arena and realty.

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL TO HELP YOU

You wouldn’t choose a jumping coach if you wanted to do dressage - likewise, most people don’t realise that some real estate agents specialise in the equestrian market. That being said, the equestrian specialist agents must also be supported by a solid holistic agency with area-specific expertise and support, from administration to legal. This is likely to be the biggest investment of your life, and yet so often, people never properly discuss things with their agent, like: • Is your agent of choice a horse person? • Do they specialise in equestrian properties? • Do they understand the requirements of your discipline? • Do they have horses of their own?

• Do they have and run their own horse property? • Do they understand the particular restrictions of each suburb or estate? • Do they know if your expectations are realistic, and can they find what you are looking for based on expertise and relationships?

Finding the perfect horse property (and horse) takes time, but it takes longer alone. If you do your homework, you will not only find an agent who will serve you well but become a great resource long after the property closes. After choosing the right agent and company, everything else falls into place!

2. KNOW THE RULES AND REGULATIONS

Once you and your agent have identified a property that seems like a good fit, take the time to investigate the scalability and scope of your property within local zoning and estate laws - you need to know upfront if your property can grow with your dreams!

Your permit department can answer most of your questions regarding the allowed use of the property and identify any future “red flags” for building barns or arenas.

Bear in mind that councils will most likely not give you a completely clear answer on building viability; they likely will say you will need to apply for the proper studies and the permits before they commit, and you can’t do that until you own the property. However, they should be able to explain the zoning and use permitted for the property.

SOME THINGS TO CHECK INCLUDE

• if there are any critical areas or wetland areas identified on the property • if there is a borehole and/or septic tank on the property • what building regulations there are in estates • if existing structures are approved and planned • if there is a service entrance for big vehicles and deliveries

3. SECURE FINANCIAL BACKING

You know what they say about people who made a small fortune in horses? They started with a large one. Luckily, investing in a home is a lot more solid, but you should still understand that not all lenders are created equal! A mortgage broker’s job is to shop for your needs and find you the loan product that best suits you and the type of property you want, as they have access to many loan products, whereas a bank will only have its own loan products.

The unique offerings and inclusions of equestrian properties can pose a challenge for conventional loans, so ask your agent to recommend a lender who has a variety of loan products to address these potential obstacles.

BENEFITS OF USING A REALTOR

1. A competent and professional real estate agent will listen to your needs and interpret them to identify your ideal wishlist. 2. A real estate agent can provide you with a list of properties that you cannot find on your own. 3. A competent real estate agent will use their expertise and knowledge to find the horse property that suits your needs and budget. 4. A realtor will know what questions to ask to get all the information you need to make the best possible decision. 5. Your realtor should throw in a complimentary dressage lesson when you move… but maybe that’s just me!

4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT HORSE - AND PROPERTY - FOR YOUR NEEDS

If you want to look towards hosting a few - or many - liveries, you need help to ascertain what facilities this could require, such as a clubhouse, showers, and location relative to show venues or bridle trails. Of course, you don’t need to offer these things, but it will affect your value offering and, therefore, your livery prices, so have a good discussion about what your ultimate plan or potential plans for the property could include.

5. LIKE WITH RIDING, IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCE

In many properties, we find balance issues: they either have great horse amenities and a tragically mediocre living space, or the home is exceptional, but the equestrian facilities are lacking. Keep in mind that if the property is even close to balancing out, you may need to put a little work into it to achieve perfect balance - much like investing in a gorgeous horse that needs a bit of schooling. So, if it looks achievable and within your budget, then - pardon the pun - jump on it! Equestrian spaces, particularly within Gauteng and Kyalami, are in high demand; as the quote says, “Invest in land - they’re not making it anymore”, so identifying a potentially perfect property and planning towards it achieving your goals is both realistic and likely necessary.

6. LOOK UP THE TRAINING SCALE TO THE BIG PICTURE

When you are purchasing any property, you should think long-term. Your needs might change over time, so you need to be entirely sure your horse property is the perfect decision. Sample questions I like to ask people are: 1. What do you want to do in five or ten years? 2. If you’re starting a family, is there room for an eighth pony and a gymkhana track? 3. Is the area a good investment, close to amenities, and with good security? 4. What will you do with the property if you come to your senses and retire early? 5. Are there other income abilities on the property, like a cottage? 6. If you need renovations, how does this factor into your budget?

Keep in mind all these questions when you are buying the right property, and remember: just like we might not like each other’s spouse or horse, that doesn’t mean it’s not perfect for them. Identify what is right for YOU and then match that big picture ideal to what you are considering buying!

7. LIKE WITH LATERAL WORK, POSITION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

There is no property conversation without the three most important considerations - “location, location, location”. Commuting to work, school, shows, and your favourite tack store (or Sorbet) take a lot of time and a lot of energy, so you need to identify what area would suit you best so that you can have more time to spend with your horses. I mean, your children. Or partner. You get it.

8. LOOK THAT HORSE IN THE MOUTH

By the way, you should ALWAYS look a gift horse in the mouth because no one gifts nice horses! Likewise, thoroughly inspect that property before purchase. Not because you won’t buy it if it fails the vetting, but so you know what work you are in for.

Make sure that your potential horse property is in the appropriate shape for the price you are paying, and if there is work to be done be conscious of the effort and cost around that. Your budget should cover the potential risks, problems and maintenance.

Here are some things you should think about when you visit your potential property that you might overlook: • Drainage systems • Plumbing and electricity to stables • How well-maintained and safe the structures are overall • Arena base • Exterior fencing as well as paddocks • Staff accommodation • Grass and horsebox storage sheds

9. VET YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

When buying any property, you should check the neighbours, but with horse properties, this is even more relevant as you want the options of sharing staff, hacks, and a bottle of bubbly after a good (or bad) show if need be! It can be hard to meet them, but your property agent probably knows everyone (wink wink). It can give you great insight to hear what they experience in the area or estate and a chance to set a good grounding for a long and happy relationship, however casual or connected you may choose to be.

10. GO LOOK AT A FEW BEFORE COMMITTING

As true as it is for horses and men, you should always see a few properties before taking the plunge! To make the best decision, you should compare different equestrian properties in respective areas and estates. Make sure to know your budget and consider what that will get you with respect to size and facilities in different areas.