Buying land to rent out as grass livery

Some very good investments in the equestrian world are right next door to you. If you don't spot them, we're here to open your eyes. One option is to buy a plot of land and rent it out as grass livery. To get a clearer idea of the benefits, here are a few points.

No work involved

The work involved in renting out grass livery stops the moment the purchase goes through. The one condition the owner has to meet is finding the right location. This kind of land can't be too far from riders and their horses. On the contrary, it needs to be close to them. If it is, given the sheer number of enquiries, the land is likely to stay full all year round. Even with the land completely full of horses, the owner only needs to come by to look after his own horse among those turned out there.

A profitable investment

As long as there is demand to be met, and the land is accessible and usable, the investment pays off. The owner buys the land and puts in the bare minimum needed to keep horses there. That mainly means sorting out a water supply and fencing the boundaries. From that point on, the investment will bring in at least something each month. If the rent is set with tax and social security contributions in mind, the owner should end up with a modest income stream in a field he's passionate about, without spending an extra penny.

The return on this kind of investment is also about connections. If you're keen on riding, this investment should allow you to build a personal network of professionals and enthusiasts in the sector. They're the ones who will point you in the right direction to meet their needs. By listening to them, you'll do good business now and in the future.

A visible, usable investment

Unlike online investments and any other purchase of virtual or bank-held assets, investing in land to rent out as grass livery is visible. The owner knows exactly where his asset is and can go and see how things stand. He can even mark it out by putting up signs and boards bearing his name.

The advantage of assets like these is that they pay off at any point in time. First, you use them straight away. In the medium term, the owner can turn the site into a properly equipped riding centre by investing further. In the long term, the land gains value as a well-situated property. Depending on how attractive the area is, the added value after five years is often considerable. Selling then becomes an option worth considering if you move away or travel for an indefinite period. You also have the option of putting up a building on it and making use of it. That could be a proper rental property or your own home, depending on what you need at the time.