Rural life in the New Forest is idyllic — but different. Before you fall for a cottage in Burley, Beaulieu, Sway or Boldre, build a due-diligence checklist around services, access and legalities.
Drainage: septic tanks & treatment plants
Confirm whether the property uses a septic tank or a package treatment plant, and whether it complies with current General Binding Rules. Ask for service records, discharge locations and any upgrades post-2020. Budget for emptying, maintenance and eventual replacement.
Private roads & shared drives
Who owns the lane? Who maintains it? Your solicitor should obtain title plans, maintenance agreements and evidence of rights of way. Private lanes can affect mortgageability and insurance; contributions should be clear and equitable.
Boundaries, verges and commoning
Unfenced frontages and Crown-managed verges are common. Clarify boundary responsibilities, livestock-friendly gates and parking arrangements that don’t encroach on the verge. Ponies have priority; expect to adapt!
Services & resilience
- Oil/LPG: Check tank age, bunding, siting and delivery access.
- Power: Remote areas can experience outages—consider surge protection or backup options.
- Water: Private supplies require testing; look for filters/UV treatment history.
Surveys that matter
Commission a full building survey with a surveyor who knows Forest construction: thatch, cob, timber, shallow footings and ventilation. Add drainage/soakaway tests where appropriate, and consider tree reports for root impact.
Insurance
Premiums may reflect thatch, isolation or flood proximity. Obtain quotes early — particularly near rivers or coastal margins around Lymington or Keyhaven.
Want a rural buyer’s pack for a specific lane or hamlet? We’ll assemble the right specialists and checks so you buy with confidence.