Sporting estate property values recovering, according to new sector index

The value of sporting property assets in the UK has increased by 32% over the last 10 years, led by grouse moors, according to a new Sporting Property Index from Knight Frank.

The Index tracks the 10 year change in value of rivers, moors and deer forests and of all of them grouse moors have shown the greatest rise in capital value with an increase of 49% over the past decade. Salmon rivers increased by 29%, followed by deer forests at 29% and lastly trout chalk streams at 16%.

Clive Hopkins, head of Knight Frank Farms and Estates, explained that the recession tore the heart out of the market in 2008 and 2009. ‘The first thing that suffers during an economic crisis is this kind of very expensive and very discretionary purchase. The fact that growth is positive at all shows how resilient an asset a specialist sporting estate is,’ he pointed out.

To reflect their diverse nature and levels of desirability, each asset in the index is also split into three categories; primary, secondary and tertiary.

Primary rivers are those considered trophy purchases, such as the best stretches of the Test or Itchen for trout, and the Spey, Tweed, Tay or Dee for salmon, and  are often bought by ultra high net worth buyers.

Those in the secondary category, which for trout could include the Kennet and Lambourn, and the Findhorn and Oykel for salmon, still offer fantastic sport for the enthusiast, but don’t command as high a price premium. 

The index report points out that Tertiary rivers may not be the most fashionable or provide large catch numbers, but are sought after by individuals or syndicates looking for a cost effective way to enjoy their passion. Examples include the Piddle and Frome chalk streams and the Doon or Thurso salmon rivers in Scotland.