Farmland interest strong despite Brexit uncertainty

Farmland in the right location are in strong demand, according to new research by Strutt & Parker
Farmland in the right location are in strong demand, according to new research by Strutt & Parker

Farms marketed during the first three months of 2019 have met strong interest from potential buyers despite the economic and political uncertainty.

Brexit uncertainties have led to a more cautious market sentiment among vendors with less land marketed in Q1 than in the past two years.

Despite this, commercial farmland and residential estates in the right location are in strong demand, according to land specialists Strutt & Parker.

Michael Fiddes, head of estate and farm agency, said: “It has been a quiet start to the year in terms of the number of farms that have been launched on to the market, but tight supplies mean that demand remains strong for the right offering.

“We are seeing considerable interest in the 1,900 acres, spread over four farms and estates, that Strutt & Parker has brought to the market in England this quarter, particularly from buyers with rollover money to invest and private and institutional investors.

“A property in the north west that launched in mid-March had 15 viewings in the first couple of weeks alone.”

A key trend in the current farmland market is the level of interest from buyers funding their purchase with money generated from a source outside of farming.

These range from farmers who have rollover money after selling land for development, to high net worth individuals who want their own slice of the British countryside.

Mr Fiddes added: “This means that location, rather than the quality of the land, remains the main driver of demand.

“Many of these buyers are focused on factors such as privacy and the enjoyment that they will get from the land, rather than generating profits from farming activities.

“Others will be focused on the tax benefits and may be tied to a very specific location. Some will be focusing on the potential to add value with a diversified income stream.

“This is why we are seeing a wide range of values in the marketplace,” he said.

Strutt & Parker warned that the small number of sales which complete in Q1 mean that average prices should always be treated with caution.

According to their reseatch, the average price of arable land sold in Q1 was £9,100/acre, compared to a 2018 average of £9,300/acre.

However, prices ranged from £6,000/acre to close to £16,000/acre. The average value of pasture in Q1 was £7,000/acre.