Hobby Farms For Sale: Guide To Finding Your Dream Property

How To Find The Best Hobby Farms For Sale Australia

If you’re looking to escape the crowded cities and take advantage of the remote working opportunities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, buying a hobby farm for sale may be just right for you.

According to the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, there are more than 60,000 ‘small lifestyle farms’ operating across Australia, occupying around 20 per cent of agricultural land, and this percentage is only growing.

There are many options to consider during the planning stages of buying a hobby farm for sale.

The commitment required to look after a lifestyle block or hobby farm with some chickens, a goat and a few horses is very different from a farmlet or small farm that you hope will provide a primary or secondary income stream.

Above: Hobby farms for sale Australia - you need to be clear on your objectives before looking at properties to buy

What Is A Hobby Farm?

Hobby farms are blocks of land primarily used for residential purposes and are generally less than 50 acres (approximately 20 hectares).

Farming may occur on the blocks but is usually conducted on a small scale, more as a recreation activity than for serious commercial gain.

With rural property, the majority of financial institutions consider anything over 50 acres as ‘commercial’. Commercial loans can come with higher interest rates and a higher capital input from the purchaser.

For instance, you might be required to raise 30 per cent of the value of the loan (LVR), so a $500,000 property could require you to have $150,000 (30 per cent) injection to a 70 per cent LVR.

Above: Hobby farms are defined as blocks of land primarily used for residential purposes and generally less than 50 acres

From a tax perspective, the ATO says a hobby farm becomes a “business” – with associated tax liabilities and concessions – when at least one of the following four criteria has been met:

• Produce assessable income of at least $20,000 during the year;
• Make a profit in three of the past five years (including the current year);
• Use land and buildings (“real” property) valued at $500,000 or more; or
• Use other assets (tractor, machinery, but not cars) valued at $100,000 or more.

What To Look For When Buying A Hobby Farm?

First, you need to be clear on your objectives. Is your choice to buy a farm based on lifestyle or income generation?

If it’s lifestyle or hobby, then you’ll be looking at a smaller block of land - perhaps only a few acres.

Consider what farming pursuits will be fulfilling for you. Keeping chickens to get free-range eggs, raising bees for honey, or growing your own fruit and vegetables can be satisfying.

If it’s the income, you’ll need to consider purchasing a larger block of land - a farmlet, or even a small farm.

Above: Hobby farms for sale Australia - keeping chickens, raising bees, or growing your own fruit and veges can be satisfying

If so, do you have ways to supplement your income as you’re getting your farm on its feet, and even afterwards to serve as another revenue stream?

Your budget, the location and the climate will be important to consider when buying a small farm or hobby farm, especially if you’re considering having livestock or growing crops.

If you have decided on livestock, there are many types to consider, including cattle, sheep, goats, and alpacas. You should also bear in mind you may need to invest in infrastructure such as fencing, yards, barns and loading ramps.

If crops are your preferred option, soil, irrigation, and machinery are must all be considered.

What To Look For When Inspecting A Hobby Farm?

Whatever your plans are, you need to do a due diligence process.

Knowing your property’s distance from the nearest town or city will be very important if you’ll be undertaking part-time employment, and also for daily tasks like shopping or taking the kids to school.

You also need to be aware of the quality of the local infrastructure like communications and roads.

The Rural Living Handbook, produced by NSW government agency Local Land Services, provides a useful guide to purchasing a farm. It advises asking yourself the following questions before you buy.

Above: Hobby farms for sale Australia - you need to be aware of quality of infrastructure like communications and roads

• Are you buying the property more for lifestyle reasons? Or do you plan to improve the property and receive an income from it? If so, have you done a cost‑benefit analysis? For instance, how many stock do you need to carry in order to be viable and can the property support that?
• Will you be living on the property? If not, how often do you plan to be there? Have you thought about how quickly you could attend to situations that might arise?
• Do you know what the land is zoned and what agency or local government is responsible for activities such as native vegetation management in that zoning? Does the zoning of the land allow your proposed use, or will you need to apply for a change of land use or any other permit?
• Is the activity you plan for the property suited to the landscape and capability of the land? Is there enough water of suitable quality to sustain the activity that you have in mind? Is the soil fertile and the pH appropriate for growing pasture, crops, and any other produce that you want to grow?

Above: Hobby farms for sale Australia - good quality pastures and shade and water for stock are crucial for livestock

• Are there any existing conservation agreements or covenants, vegetation management plans or conditions of consent over part/s of the property?
• Are there good quality pastures? Are they dominated by native or introduced species? Is there enough shade and water for stock?
• Do you know the history of the property? What stock did the previous owner have? Did they sow pastures and use fertilisers? Are there any contaminated sites on the property such as cattle dips or rubbish dumps needing remediation?
• Are there any structures on the property and if so, what condition are they in? Are the fences in good repair and suitable for confining stock if that is part of your plan?

Above: Hobby farms for sale Australia - are there any structures on the property and if so, what condition are they in?

• Are there pest animals (eg rabbits, foxes) on the property? Are there threatened species of flora and fauna on or near the property?
• Are there existing or proposed adjacent land uses that will affect your enjoyment of the property?
• Are all required services provided to the property (ie phone, gas, water, sewer, internet and electricity)? If not, can they be provided economically?
• Does the zoning of the land allow your proposed use, or will you need to apply for a change of land use or any other permit? If there is no existing dwelling and you want one, does the land have a dwelling entitlement?

Above: Hobby farms for sale Australia - is there enough water of suitable quality to sustain the activity that you have in mind?

• Are there any development applications current for the nearby area? Are there any restrictions on obtaining approval to build a house or other buildings on your block, or to develop certain desired land uses?
• Is the land prone to flood or bushfire? Will you need to undertake any management activities to minimise these impacts? It may be more expensive to build and get insurance on flood or fire-prone land.
• Are there any rights-of-carriageway or other easements on the property which need to be maintained and/or which may allow neighbours access?
• After considering all these questions, will the property provide the rural lifestyle that you are looking for?

Above: Hobby farms for sale Australia - will the property provide the rural lifestyle that you are looking for?

How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Hobby Farm?

The cost of buying a hobby farm of 10-50 acres depends on location as well as other variables such as improvements to the property and related infrastructure.

Prices range from as little as $375,000-$395,000 for this 7.36-hectare (18.19-acre) hobby farm for sale at Red Cliffs in Victoria to as much as $7.9 million for this magnificent 8.08-hectare (19.96-acre) hobby farm for sale at Balmoral Ridge in Queensland.

Where To Find Hobby Farms For Sale?

When you’ve begun looking, remember that hobby farms for sale can be categorised under various names.

Many agents and vendors categorise these properties as lifestyle farm or farmlet, so be sure to include these categories in your searches.

There’s no better place to check out hobby farms for sale than fambuy.com, which currently has almost 400 hobby farms for sale between 10-50 acres (four-20 hectares). Below are five of our favourite hobby farms for sale Australia to help you get started!

Hobby Farms For Sale Australia: 302 Clarefield Dungay Creek Road, Marlo Merrican, New South Wales ($1.2-$1.3 million)

Located on Marlo Merrican Creek, this 16.6-hectare (41-acre) hobby farm for sale boasts a comfortable homestead, large machinery shed, steel cattle yards and lush creek flats presenting as a great example of mid north coast lifestyle just 44km to the regional centre of Port Macquarie.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia boasts a comfortable homestead, large machinery shed, steel cattle yards and lush creek flats

The timber homestead is light filled and features timber flooring, split-system air-conditioning, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, three toilets, fireplace and large wrap-around veranda.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia features a timber homestead with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and wrap-around veranda

There is plenty of undercover storage with a large machinery shed complete with office spaces, bathroom, and partial cement flooring. The machinery shed also provides abundant rainwater to the homestead (150,000 litres).

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia includes a large machinery shed with office spaces, bathroom, and partial cement flooring

Steel cattle yards are included in the sale of the property making it a breeze to stock the property. What’s more, the hobby farm also comes with greenhouse and chicken shed plus mandarin, lemon and orange trees.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia offers steel cattle yards making it a breeze to stock the property with livestock

Undulating hilltops offer excellent views over the farm all the way down to the lush creek flats complete with Marlo Merrican Creek frontage. The large dam is picturesque with a timber jetty and lily pads making it a great spot to swim on summer days.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia features a large dam with timber jetty plus Marlo Merrican Creek frontage

Click on the following link for more information on this hobby farm for sale Australia at 302 Clarefield Dungay Creek Road, Marlo Merrican, New South Wales.

To view more hobby farms for sale Victoria click here.

Hobby Farms For Sale Australia: 1472 Murphys Creek Road, Murphys Creek, Queensland ($889,000+)

Known as ‘Kleindorf’, this hobby farm for sale offers a little more than six hectares (15 acres) of peacefulness just 15 minutes north of Toowoomba city. Situated on one freehold title, the lifestyle property is split into three grazing paddocks plus an expansive house yard and has an estimated carrying capacity of three-four horses.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia is split into three grazing paddocks plus an expansive house yard

The hobby farm is flanked by the spring-fed Murphys Creek on the northern boundary and provides an unlimited irrigation licence for four hectares (9.88 acres) which allows greater capacity for grazing.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia is flanked by the spring-fed Murphys Creek on the northern boundary

Quality infrastructure includes a three-bay machinery shed with floodlights plus tack room, double garage with workshop, Olympic-size riding arena and four day yards. Three-phase power is connected to all buildings plus there’s a 5kva solar power system; and three 22,000-litre and one 18,000-litre rainwater storage tanks plumbed to the residence.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia includes a machinery shed plus tack room, workshop, riding arena and four day yards

The lifestyle property also boasts an established orchard with lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime, kaffir lime, macadamia and plum trees; and a secure steel chook/duck pen and two dog pens.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia boasts an orchard with lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime, kaffir lime, macadamia and plum trees

Complementing the impressive farm infrastructure is a three-bedroom home set amongst established gardens and with a fully fenced house yard and in-ground swimming pool.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia offers a three-bedroom home set amongst established gardens with a fenced house yard

The home offers three bedrooms with built-in cupboards, two bathrooms, and a spacious office or optional fourth bedroom/kids zone.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia includes a three-bedroom home with two bathrooms and an office/fourth bedroom

An open-plan lounge and dining zone with large wood fireplace is serviced by a kitchen with Euro Kera induction stove and servery to the 10.2m x 4.2m deck capturing views to north, east and south.

Above: The home on this hobby farm for sale Australia features an open-plan lounge and dining zone with large wood fireplace

‘Kleindorf’ provides the opportunity to obtain a beautiful acreage property with the convenience of Toowoomba city just 15 minutes away.

Click on the highlighted link for more information on this hobby farm for sale Australia at 1472 Murphys Creek Road, Murphys Creek, Queensland.

To view more hobby farms for sale Queensland click here.

Hobby Farms For Sale Australia: 209 Rangeview Drive Wanerie, Gingin, Western Australia (POA)

Discover a magnificent lifestyle property that is not only a retreat but also a gateway to a thriving business venture. With 19.14 hectares (47.3 acres) of pristine land and exceptional infrastructure, this hobby farm offers endless possibilities for entrepreneurial success.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia includes a thriving citrus orchard and market garden with 12 hectares of land under irrigation

The property includes a thriving citrus orchard and market garden with 12 hectares of productive land under irrigation, including specialty vegetables as well as beautiful mandarins and limes.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia include an expansive packing/machinery shed and workshop adjacent to the homestead

The farm is serviced by versatile sheds and abundant water supply, including an expansive packing/machinery shed and workshop adjacent to the homestead. The shed features concrete floors, ample space, and three-phase power.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia is serviced by abundant water supply including an irrigation dam and production bores

Access to a generous 157,000 kilolitres of water supply, including an irrigation dam and production bores, ensures the resources needed to support activities.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia offers a homestead boasting spacious bedrooms, games/theatre room, and open-plan living spaces

What’s more, the lifestyle property offers a luxurious homestead boasting spacious bedrooms, a separate games/theatre room, and open-plan living spaces, all with breathtaking views of the farm and surrounding vista from the wrap-around verandas.

Above: The home on this hobby farm for sale Australia offers breathtaking views of the farm and surrounding vista

This is an exceptional opportunity to realie your business-oriented farm dream.

Click on the following link for more information on this hobby farm for sale Australia at 209 Rangeview Drive Wanerie, Gingin, Western Australia.

To view more hobby farms for sale Western Australia click here.

Hobby Farms For Sale Australia: 1 Merricks Beach Road, Merricks Beach, Victoria (POA)

This is an exceedingly rare opportunity to secure 8.09 hectares (20 acres) of picturesque farm land where the country meets the coast. This pristine lifestyle property, moments to Merricks Beach, delivers refined rural living with a sophisticated family farmhouse and pastures perfect for cattle and/or horses.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia offers a sophisticated family farmhouse and pastures perfect for cattle and/or horses

Beyond a long circular driveway and 100-year-old oak, the modern four-bedroom-plus-study residence is imbued with an old-world ambience.

Above: The four-bedroom-plus-study residence on this hobby farm for sale Australia is entered via a long circular driveway 

Multiple living areas encircle a large gourmet kitchen with Westinghouse stainless-steel oven, glass-ceramic cooktop, and dishwasher, along with a servery window to the octagonal formal dining room.

Above: The home on this hobby farm for sale Australia features a large gourmet kitchen connecting to a formal dining room

Parents are indulged in the master suite of the residence with a charming bedroom, dressing room, bathroom, and a private lounge, while a sun-drenched family room, lounge-come-rumpus and home office through French doors cater to every comfort and convenience.

Above: The home on this hobby farm for sale Australia boasts a master suite with dressing room, bathroom, and private lounge

A second bathroom in the junior wing, zoned ducted heating and cooling, a toasty enclosed fireplace and double garage are among a fleet of extras that come with the home, which spills out through sliding glass doors to an expansive north-facing alfresco area with sun deck and high pergola with bistro blinds to entertain in the open air backdropped by coastal breezes.

Above: The home on this hobby farm for sale Australia comes with a sun-drenched family room and lounge-come-rumpus

The manageable holding is well suited to small-scale grazing or equestrian pursuits, with the property offering six main paddocks, stable, tack and feed room, horse shelters and quality fencing, a round yard and wash down area, large machinery shed with three-phase power, 70,000 litres of rainwater storage, and additional shedding for hay or machinery.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia is well suited to small-scale grazing or equestrian pursuits

The property is located moments from calm beaches, surf breaks, yachting facilities and wineries, just four-minutes’ drive from Balnarring village and an hour from Melbourne.

Click on the following link for more information on this hobby farm for sale Australia at 1 Merricks Beach Road, Merricks Beach, Victoria.

To view more hobby farms for sale Victoria click here.

Hobby Farms For Sale Australia: 12 Powers Road, Underwood, Tasmania ($950,000+)

Once in a lifetime, an opportunity arises to become the new custodian of a beautiful centurion character homestead (circa 1900). Privately located on 19.18 hectares (47.7 acres) of pristine farm land, with a beautiful microclimate rain forest and its own mountain creek, the lifestyle property is located only 20 minutes from Launceston CBD and four minutes from all the amenities of the Lilydale township.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia is privately located on 19.18 hectares of pristine farm land 20 minutes from Launceston

The hobby farm is entered via the meandering driveway, with Liquid Amber trees lining one side and the creek running alongside the other as you’re greeted by hundred-year-old Spruce trees as you arrive home.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia is entered via a driveway with trees lining one side and the creek running alongside the other

The spacious and recently renovated four-bedroom home is centred around a large, sunlit living room and kitchen. Three-metre-high ceilings and a northerly aspect allow natural light and warmth to flow through all year long, enhancing the picturesque country garden views.

Above: The home on this hobby farm for sale Australia boasts a northerly aspect allowing natural light to flow through all year long

The homestead's light-filled kitchen area features a statement picture window and Smeg and Bosch appliances, and captures views out to the property's orchard.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia features a spacious four-bedroom home centred around a large, sunlit living room and kitchen

Four large bedrooms are serviced by a luxurious bathroom with double vanity, walk-in shower, and free-standing bath. The home is kept cool by insulated roof and heated by a free-standing wood heater and Nobo electric wall heaters throughout.

Above: The home on this hobby farm for sale Australia boasts four large bedrooms serviced by a luxurious bathroom 

Outside, the beautifully landscaped gardens offer an established orchard, a chicken run, and large covered veggie patch, as well as an undercover pergola and entertaining area with original wood-fire BBQ. Established fruit trees and berry canes alongside an array of bulbed and wildflowers make this property a sight to behold come Spring.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia features landscaped gardens and an undercover pergola and entertaining area

Around 10 hectares (24.7 acres) of the land holding is useable for a mixture of pasture, rough pasture and bush, which can be used for stock, pets etc.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia offers an established orchard, a chicken run, and a large covered veggie patch

Just over nine hectares (22.7 acres) has been under a private protective nature covenant since 2002. This is to ensure the natural habitat remains to native animals as well as some endangered flora and fauna including the spotted quoll, Mt Arthur Burrowing Crayfish and Giant Freshwater Crayfish.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia includes 10ha of land useable for a mixture of pasture, rough pasture and bush

The property is serviced by multiple storage dwellings including a garage, beautiful old timber sheds, and greenhouse all in working order.

Above: This hobby farm for sale Australia is serviced by multiple storage dwellings including a garage, old timber sheds, and greenhouse

Water sourced from a rainwater tank and pristine mountain creek flow year-round. Creek water is also gravity fed to all taps throughout the gardens and pasture water troughs.

Click on the following link for more information on this hobby farm for sale Australia at 12 Powers Road, Underwood, Tasmania.

To view more hobby farms for sale Tasmania click here.