Interest in purchasing large rural estates has not been dented by the prospect of Scottish independence or further land reform, according to a property consultancy.

There has been no compelling evidence that the referendum on September 18 is having a negative effect, with some indication that people are buying now in case prices rise afterwards, CKD Galbraith said.

Prospective buyers are emerging from London, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Middle East as well as Scotland.

Land reform, including the possibility of giving tenant farmers the absolute right to buy, will have a direct impact on estate owners but interest "remains relatively healthy".

Partner John Bound said: "The question on most people's minds this year is what possible affects the impending referendum will have on the demand and supply of Scottish estates.

"To date, there is no compelling evidence that the referendum has had a significant negative effect on the estate market.

"Indeed, there is some evidence, in the form of recent estate sales in the Borders and Argyll, that some prudent purchasers are keen to buy now and are taking the view that prices may well rise, post-referendum.

"However, as is generally the case in general election years, we anticipate that the uncertainty of the referendum may slow the estate market down in 2014.

"In keeping with the recovery in the general residential property market, we do however expect the estate market to show continued activity some time after the referendum.

"Given the unique nature of estate properties and the relatively few estates that are marketed every year, the market will, we believe, pick up again and continue growing once the dust has settled."

Highland estates come to the market on average only once every 16 years and around 20 are sold annually, he said.

There were 16 estates sold in 2012 and 2013, with a total sale value of about £60 million and £70 million in each respective year.

The details are contained in the firm's annual estates review.

It notes that opinion polls suggest a No vote in the referendum but that the large number of undecided voters could have a "significant bearing" on the result.