Buy or Sell Farmsteads and Remaining Farm PropertiesIdentify and take advantage of a wide range of opportunities!
A farmstead or farm complex offers space for a wide variety of projects and is therefore an attractive option for purchase. You can raise animals there, pursue creative projects, set up vacation rentals, or simply use the farm as a private retreat.
Greif & Meyer has been brokering farms and smallholdings since 1997, bringing not only in-depth market knowledge but also a deep passion for the diversity of these properties. We provide personalized advice, assess the farm’s location, potential, and condition, and guide you through the process from selection to closing. This way, you’ll find the place that fits your plans.
Total area: 7,625 m², of which approximately 998 m² is residential land within the inner area and approximately 6,627 m² is grassland....
Total area: 8,024 m², of which approximately 800 m² is residential land within the property, approximately 778 m² is courtyard/building area, and...
The farmstead, which is in need of some renovation, consists of a residential building with a granny flat and basement garage, a...
Originally built in the middle of the 19th century, it is a remaining farmstead with a stable/garage building and...
Total area: 2,225 m², of which approximately 850 m² is residential land within the property boundaries, and approximately 1,267 m² is courtyard and...
For sale is a well-maintained square-shaped farmstead in a quiet, rural residential area, consisting of a two-family home and...
Built in the early 19th century, this historic, listed quarry stone farm complex includes a residence and an inn,...
The well-maintained farmstead consists of a residential building and various barns and other farm buildings. A...
The farmstead, which is partly in need of renovation, consists of a residential house with an adjoining stable building, a...
This is a very well-kept farmstead of a former agricultural business with extensive facilities.
For reasons of discretion, we only present an excerpt from our extensive portfolio on our website. For a direct consultation, please get in touch with a contact person from our specialized division - click here to contact us. Click here to get in touch.
What is a farmstead—and what is a farm complex?
A "Resthof " is a former farm that is no longer in operation. The residence and farm buildings have been preserved, while the land has usually been sold off. A " Hofanlage," on the other hand, refers to the entire complex consisting of a residence, stables, and barns, which often includes land as well. Depending on its layout, such a complex is also called a "Vierkanthof," "Dreiseithof," or "Streuhof."
Here's how rural homesteads are used today
Most commonly
Animal and Horse Care with Living Quarters
The residential building is occupied, while the outbuildings are used for keeping horses or other animals.
Frequently
Commercial and Residential Use
In addition to the living area, a workshop, a studio, a storage space, or even vacation rentals can be built here. In most cases, this is only possible if the property is located within an “inner zone” under building regulations and in a designated mixed-use or commercial zone, since commercial use is rarely permitted in “outer zones” (more on special exemptions).
Less common
Pure Living
The farm's main residence becomes a home offering space and tranquility, while the outbuildings serve as a garage, workshop, or guest house.
How much does a farmstead cost?
The range of farmsteads for sale extends from building complexes in need of renovation to fully renovated farmsteads with land. As a result, there is no uniform market price, but there are factors that can drive the price up or down.
That drives up the price
- Own arable and grassland areas that are directly adjacent to the farm
- A location that is easy to reach in a sought-after region or near a city
- A residential house and outbuilding that have already been renovated and can continue to be used
- Approved uses and flexibility for expansions, such as in a location within an "inner area" under building regulations
- Existing stables, pastures, a riding arena, and fences for livestock
That drives the price down
- The need for repairs to the roof, heating system, or windows, as well as damp walls
- Lack of land of their own, so they have to lease additional land
- An outdoor location with no special privileges, where permits for renovations and commercial use are difficult to obtain (more on this)
- Registered third-party rights, such as rights of way or utility rights, as well as existing historic preservation status
- Inadequate infrastructure, such as a lack of sewer service or an insufficient power supply
Without its land, a farm loses a significant amount of value.
Sell a Farmstead
The most common mistake made when selling a farm is to sell the agricultural land separately beforehand. Since farms with land are in much higher demand, selling the entire property as a package usually fetches a better price. Depending on the location and amenities, the sale takes six to twelve months—or even less in favorable circumstances.
If you'd like to sell your farmstead, we'll provide a realistic appraisal, discreetly approach suitable buyers, and guide you through the process until the appointment with the notary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Remnant Farms and Farmsteads
Here, we answer the questions we're asked most often. If you'd like to know more, please call us or send us a message.
A former farm is a farm where farming is no longer practiced. The residential house and outbuildings are still standing on this type of property, but the land has usually been sold off. Most buyers live on the farm and keep animals or horses there. Others also run a business there or use it exclusively as a home.
The price depends on the location, condition, and building rights, but above all on the size of the property. A farmstead in need of renovation without any land costs significantly less than a fully developed farmstead with pastures or farmland. Our current listings give you an idea of the price range.
You are allowed to keep horses and other animals on most remaining farms. However, running a business in addition to living there is generally only permitted if the farm is located within an “inner area” under building regulations and in a designated mixed-use or commercial zone, as such use is rarely approved in “outer areas.”
We determine the value of your farmstead with precision and in line with market conditions, professionally prepare a property brochure for marketing, and confidentially present it to suitable buyers. Depending on the location and amenities, the sale of a farmstead typically takes six to twelve months.
Greif & Meyer brokers the sale of farmsteads and farm properties nationwide. Our focus is on North Rhine-Westphalia and neighboring regions, such as the Rhineland, the Eifel, and the Bergisches Land. If you’re interested in purchasing a farmstead, we recommend submitting your search profile to us; we’ll be happy to send you suitable listings as soon as we’re commissioned to do so.
Buying a Farmstead: What to Look For
When purchasing a farmstead or a remnant farm, it is essential to inspect the property. Numerous criteria determine whether the property is suitable for your plans, such as private residential use, animal husbandry, or commercial use. Together with you, we will review the following points, among others:
- Structural Condition and Development Potential of the Existing Buildings
- Connections for water, electricity, and sewer service, as well as access to transportation routes
- Existing building rights and possibilities for expansions or changes in use, depending on whether the property is located in an inner area (Section 34 of the BauGB) or an outer area (Section 35 of the BauGB)
- Rights and encumbrances, such as easements for utility lines or right-of-ways recorded in the land registry
- Possible uses for your land, such as converting it into residential space, raising animals, or commercial use
The results of our review provide you with a reliable basis for your purchasing decision.
Space for individual projects
On a farmstead or a smallholding, you’ll find a retreat where you can do many things that a typical house simply doesn’t have room for. For example, you can set up a workshop or a studio for art, crafts, or music in the outbuildings. You can usually keep horses and other animals on the grounds and in the stables. If you want to be self-sufficient, you’ll also find space to grow your own fruits and vegetables.
Both converting the property into private residential space and using it for agricultural purposes require a thorough understanding of the farm’s structural and legal circumstances. With our expertise, we’ll guide you through the process of successfully implementing your plans.
Experts for courtyard systems
Developing a farmstead or a remnant farmstead requires the collaboration of several disciplines. To this end, Greif & Meyer has been working with appraisers, architects, surveyors, and other partners for many years.
This ensures you have the right people to turn to at every stage of your project, from the initial idea to implementation. Because these partners work closely together, processes can be streamlined and potential risks identified before they cost time and money.
Future projects on remaining farms
Many farmsteads and abandoned farms have a long history, often spanning centuries. Their atmosphere makes them just as appealing as retreats as they are as investment properties. Furthermore, repurposing these properties preserves the existing buildings, which also makes ecological sense.
Possible options include a home in the countryside, a vacation home, a commercial property, or an event venue. Greif & Meyer develops usage concepts tailored to each property and your plans, drawing on its experience in project development.
Confidence for complex projects
Projects on farmsteads and abandoned farms require expertise and a delicate touch. We treat your matter confidentially, keep you fully informed at every step, and make your needs our top priority. This way, you can invest in your future with peace of mind.
Your partner for sustainable success
For your project on a farmstead, a former farm, or an agricultural property, we’ll support you with our many years of experience and develop new ideas for its use. We begin with an analysis of the site, which we use as the basis for developing a suitable strategy. We then assist you with the permitting process and site development. We also support you in legal and contractual matters and, if necessary, bring in specialist attorneys from our network. Even after the project is completed, we remain your long-term point of contact.
We will be happy to help you!
Do you have any questions about your property or would you like a market value assessment? We are here for you! Greif & Meyer provides you with professional support for the sale and all matters relating to your property. Use our contact form or get in touch with us directly - we look forward to hearing from you!