Set within the magnificent parkland of the Badminton Estate in the South Cotswolds, the event is one of the most prestigious in the equestrian calendar. It consistently draws the sport’s elite – and this year Olympic medallists, world and European champions, five-star winners and 15 of the world’s top 20 ranked riders lead the charge, with competitors from 12 nations expected to take part.

With the eventing world taking centre stage, we take a look at how the UK market for equestrian property is performing.

Who is buying?

Equestrian property is a niche and highly exclusive market, with only a handful of best-in-class estates coming up for sale each year – these are often marketed privately.

The UK remains one of the most desirable places to live for equestrians, with property here considered a strong investment.

At the top end, prices are robust, supported by growing interest from international buyers, while the mid-range has softened slightly in line with the wider residential property market.

Specialist properties, such as stud farms and racing yards, continue to generate interest. While they can take longer to sell due to very specific requirements, they typically achieve full value when presented well.

WHAT ARE EQUESTRIAN BUYERS LOOKING FOR?

International buyers from equestrian professions have become increasingly active in the UK over the last couple of years.

The most desirable features typically include high-quality stables, a floodlit manège with a good surface, hot water wash bays with a solarium, post and rail-fenced paddocks, generous storage facilities, and good HGV access. Beyond these essentials, requirements vary significantly depending on the discipline.

For racehorse training, buyers will either need close access to established local gallops or, if located outside major centres such as Newmarket and Lambourn, their own private gallops. In the latter case, buyers will assess the standard of the gallops carefully considering their condition and maintenance regime, the topography (with inclines being vital for building horses’ fitness), and the quality, age, and drainage capability of the surface.

For polo buyers, a full-size, laser-levelled and irrigated polo pitch is typically at the top of the wish list, providing the essential infrastructure for both training and competitive play.

For breeding enterprises, larger foaling boxes are critical, along with dedicated waiting-up rooms where staff can remain onsite during foaling periods to ensure 24-hour surveillance and immediate response in an emergency.

For professionals competing at venues around the country, access to the road network will be key, while breeders and trainers will look to be close to relevant facilities, such as veterinary care.

Trainers are increasingly taking out dual licences or consolidating their operations, rather than running separate yards. This is driving demand for larger, multi-functional properties with high-quality gallops, ample stabling, and good ground conditions that work for year-round training. It also means that properties with strong rental potential – for example, yards where there are blocks of stables surplus to existing requirements may be let to third parties to draw in additional income.

Professional buyers are often more inclined to consider properties with potential for equestrian use, and indeed, where budget allows, many prefer to create their own bespoke set-up, tailored to their specific requirements.

Where are the hotspots?

For racehorse training, Newmarket and Lambourn serve as the primary hubs, offering unrivalled access to high-quality training grounds and a wide variety of well-maintained gallops.

For polo, proximity to Windsor is essential for many, providing convenient access to Guards Polo Club, as well as excellent connectivity to Heathrow Airport for teams travelling to the UK from overseas. Other hotspots are Cowdray and Cirencester.

Surrey and West Sussex are two of the popular areas for showjumpers, while eventers tend to be more geographically spread, with clusters in and around Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the wider Burghley area – all of which are very accessible and have a good selection of British eventing fixtures.

What about lifestyle buyers?

A lifestyle buyer is likely to be more drawn to the house and might well be happy with stables and paddocks which are well-fenced and have a water supply. An all-weather arena would be a bonus but possibly not a ‘must have’.

Good hacking facilities will be a focus, along with connectivity to bridlepaths and quiet lanes. The increase in construction costs over the last 18 months means that buyers are valuing ready-to-use set-ups this year.

Advice for sellers

There are some very active and motivated buyers in this market seeking both professional equestrian yards and lifestyle equestrian homes. If you are considering selling your property, it is well worth seeking advice from a specialist agent. For those planning a sale, the main thing is to ensure your facilities are up to scratch before launch.

For inspiration, view our selection of equestrian homes for sale now across the UK. 

Further information

Contact Millie Mason or Rosie Rickett

Buying or Selling Equestrian Property

View more equestrian properties for sale