A Specialist Guide for Buyers of Stables, Paddocks & Land
Cambridgeshire is home to some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK, making it a prime location for equestrian enthusiasts looking to purchase properties with stables, paddocks, and land. But securing a mortgage for an equestrian property isn’t quite the same as buying a standard home—and knowing what lenders are looking for can make all the difference.
In this guide, we break down the key considerations, common challenges, and how to approach the mortgage process if you’re planning to buy an equestrian property in Cambridgeshire or beyond.
What Counts as an Equestrian Property?
Equestrian properties come in all shapes and sizes. Some are traditional homes with a couple of acres and a stable or two, while others are working equestrian businesses with extensive facilities.
They typically include:
- Stables
- Grazing land or paddocks
- Outbuildings such as tack rooms, barns, or menages
- Rural or edge-of-village settings
What you’re buying—and how you intend to use it—will influence what kind of mortgage you need.
Residential or Commercial? Why It Matters
One of the first questions a lender will ask is: Is this for private use or business use?
🏡 Private Equestrian Use
If you’re buying a home with equestrian facilities for your own horses, many residential lenders will consider your application—especially if the equestrian elements are incidental to the main property.
🏢 Commercial Equestrian Use
Running a livery yard, riding school, or training centre? This crosses into commercial territory, and you’ll likely need a commercial mortgage. These come with different criteria and often require a business plan and higher deposit.
Key Considerations for Equestrian Mortgages
1. Land Size
Most residential lenders are comfortable with properties under 10 acres. If the land exceeds this, or is the primary feature of the property, you may need a specialist lender.
2. Outbuildings and Facilities
Stables, arenas, and barns can affect mortgageability depending on their size and use. Lenders may want to know if they add to the value of the property—or if they could be seen as a business asset.
3. Access and Services
Is there good vehicle access for horseboxes or deliveries? Are utilities (water, electricity) connected to the stables and yard? These practical aspects matter not just for your day-to-day use, but for valuation too.
4. Planning Permission
Have the stables or menage been added legally with the correct planning consent? Unauthorised developments can hold up mortgage approvals and even risk enforcement issues.
What Lenders Are Looking For
Lenders will typically assess:
- Your income and affordability
- The proportion of land to house (residential use must be dominant)
- Use of the land and outbuildings (private or commercial?)
- Valuation reports and planning status
It’s important to present your application clearly to show how the property fits within residential mortgage criteria—or to work with a broker who can access specialist lenders if needed.
Deposits and Loan-to-Value (LTV)
- For residential equestrian properties, most lenders offer up to 85% LTV, depending on circumstances.
- For commercial or mixed-use properties, you may need a 25–40% deposit.
- A larger deposit often opens up more mortgage options and better rates.
At Path Mortgages, we understand the quirks of rural and equestrian lending. We work with both mainstream and specialist lenders to find mortgage solutions tailored to you—whether you’re looking for a quiet home with room for a few horses, or you’re investing in a full-scale equestrian facility.
*Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage*
