Seeling with Agricultural tie.

The rigorousness with which agricultural ties are policed depends very much on the particular council, but certainly there is no requirement for the EA to directly involve the council in the marketing. I expect you have chosen an EA who wishes to apply a 'waste of time filter.' Most of them would print an appropriate warning in the advert and direct those interested to consult the council about their plans, but I don't think many would act as a 'go-between.'

Ironically, about the only people who buy ag-tied properties these days are those who can purchase outright, and ultimately it's up to them whether they consult the local authority, or not. The parish council and local busybodies are more likely to flag up non-compliance than some visiting official from county hall, but in places where it's common, such information may fall on largely deaf ears. Frankly, in those areas, the council would rather not know, as they haven't the money, time and staff to enforce every breach.

Because they tend to represent particularly good value, ag-tied properties create good interest, much of it from people who need mortgages. If these are very restricted, or only available to them at punitive rates, sales then fall through. There are also dreamers who think they'll keep a few chickens and a pig by way of compliance and then discover that plan is flawed, so they bottle-out.

By attempting to filter interested parties, your agent may simply be trying to save you a lot of aggro and frustration. I would clarify what, exactly, they mean by "satisfying the local council." When we bought our ag-tied property, the agent asked us to speak with the appropriate bod on the council, but there was no compulsion, introduction or reporting-back on the outcome.

beefster wrote: »

We have had one offer already and lots of views since going on sale a week ago. One viewer was blatantly on first name terms and knows the agent who came with him to visit. No mention of the tie etc then but when the agent has come with others it’s really thrust into conversation. Do agents generally come to viewings when the vendor is there anyway?

Feel like he is putting some interested parties off but can understand points above as to why.

There are no hard & fast rules, but smallholding viewings tend to be owner-led because of the questions that are likely to be asked about the land etc and the time it takes to walk it all. Sometimes, the agent will accompany for the house and then leave, rather than get their shoes dirty.

Agents will know locals on the look-out for a smallholding or a re-development property, not necessarily ag-tied. I have been subject to a couple of unsophisticated attempts to put me off a property. Sometimes, however, it's the owner who is behind this, if their intention is to market and 'prove' there's no interest, with the idea of having the tie removed. I experienced that once.

Why not get a friend or friends to ring and enquire about your property and see what the agent's response is?

beefster wrote: »

We signed the contract 11 days ago. It has a 14 day opt out I believe! Seriously considering doing just that.

What you have discovered certainly sounds worrying.

You may well find your contract with the agent requires you to give 2 weeks notice to them in writing, but that will be after the expiry of whatever minimum term the contract runs for. That is always negotiable, but typically not less than 8 weeks.