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, so 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.