Barns, paddocks, and everything else on the land

Around the show grounds and polo fields, much of the land sits in the village's Equestrian Preserve Area, where zoning is written around horses and equestrian uses. Barns, stalls, run-in sheds, arenas, and grooms' quarters are often added over many years and by several owners, and not every one of them was permitted or received a final inspection.

We review those structures and their permit history along with fencing, drainage, access, and the house itself. If you no longer ride or compete, you can leave behind jumps, tack room fixtures, and any equipment you don't want.

Plumbing, windows, and roofs in 1980s homes

Outside the equestrian areas, much of Wellington was built from the late 1970s through the 1990s, in HOA neighborhoods laid out around lakes, canals, and golf courses. Many of those homes still have original features that buyers and insurers now question.

Plumbing is a common one. Homes built from roughly 1978 to the mid-1990s sometimes have polybutylene supply lines, a gray plastic pipe known for failing without warning, and many insurers won't write a policy until it is replaced. Original windows, older electrical panels, and roofs past the age insurers accept are also typical. We buy with all of these in place and factor the work into our number.

The village, your HOA, and the tax bill

Wellington incorporated as a village in 1995, and the village handles permits and code enforcement inside its limits. Many neighborhoods also have an HOA with architectural review, so exterior changes such as roof material, paint color, and fencing may need association approval as well as a permit. An open architectural violation may be noted on the association's estoppel certificate at closing.

It also pays to read your property tax bill closely. Beyond the regular tax, it may list non-ad valorem assessments, such as charges for drainage and water control, that are separate from HOA dues. The title company confirms whether any are unpaid, and we include them when we run our numbers.

Who tends to sell to us here

  • Riders and trainers who have stepped back from the show circuit
  • Owners who rent to riders for the winter season and no longer want to manage it
  • Families relocating out of South Florida
  • Heirs to a home in one of the older lakeside neighborhoods
  • Owners facing an HOA violation over deferred exterior maintenance

Frequently asked questions

Do you buy horse farms and barn properties in Wellington?

Yes. We evaluate the land, the house, and the equestrian structures together, including any that lack permits.

Can we close after the winter season or a seasonal lease ends?

Yes. You set the closing date, so it can fall after the season or after a seasonal tenant moves out.

Will you buy a house with polybutylene pipes?

Yes. We account for replumbing in our offer, so you don't need to replace anything first.

Do you buy in the areas around Wellington?

Yes, including Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee Groves, The Acreage, and the rest of Palm Beach County.