Buyer's guide

The buying and selling process is similar to that for a house, with an average of four to six months between marketing and completion. Woodlands are traded on the freehold market at all ages/stages of growth, with prices starting from as low as £10,000. Woodlands are easy to own, requiring as little or as much upkeep as you choose.

Follow our simple step-by-step guide to becoming a woodland owner.

Determine your objectives and decide how much you can afford or wish to invest.
Take professional advice; are your objectives realistic?
Choose your woodland and assess its value - you may need the services of a forestry adviser for this.
Hire a solicitor.
Make an offer. This may be by negotiation or via a closing date.
Buyer's solicitor will write to you with a draft contract and a plan of your chosen woodland.
Your solicitor will send off for local searches and pre-contract enquiries for the chosen woodland.
Seller replies to your solicitor's enquires.
When all parties are in agreement, the contract is signed.
A 'transfer' document is sent to the seller, signed and returned.
Both parties exchange contracts.
Congratulations you're a woodland owner!