Farm sales to first time buyers bring hope to Whanganui and Rangitkei

This Onga Rd farm in Hunterville was knocked down to first-time farmers for just over $1million.

Two recent autumn sales have realised first-time farm ownership opportunities in the Whanganui and Rangitkei districts.

Both properties generated widespread interest.

Sold on May 20 at auction in the Hunterville Rugby Clubrooms, the 152ha hill country farm at 582 Ongo Rd in Hunterville realised $1,070,000. The farm was sold to a local couple, although interest came from far and wide including the South Island.

This O'Leary Rd property in Fordell had at least six potential buyers do due diligence.

The farm runs about 1100 stock units and although primarily a breeding farm, close to 80 per cent of the lamb crop was finished straight to the works.

This farm features good facilities particularly for its size, is well tracked and featured a recently renovated five bedroom home. Part of the appeal from interested customers was its handy location to Hunterville, being barely a 10 minute drive into the township, and that it is on the local primary school bus run.

The second property, sold by tender, was the 80ha finishing farm at 146 O'Leary Rd in Fordell. This popular property attracted a high level of interest with 14 genuine inquiries and at least six customers doing extra due diligence.

The property eventually sold to a couple investing in their first farm and they will initially lease it out. Of the many features on offer was the quality soil types and large area of contiguous flat contoured land. Being handy to town was a key attraction.

"There are a number of customers out there looking for these types of farms, so it was particularly satisfying being involved in the process and helping these young couples realise their ambitions," Property Brokers rural consultant Richard White said.