Farmland values 'high by historic standards'

CONDITIONS in the farmland market are proving highly variable, with some exceptional prices still being paid for land, but average values softening.

- STAFF REPORTER

Farmland near Barnstaple, in Devon

(Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images)

Analysis of Strutt & Parker’s Farmland Database shows the average price of arable land in the first nine months of the year was £10,400 per acre, which is 8% down on the average for the whole of 2024 (£11,300/acre).

The average price of pasture land was £8,500/acre, which is 7% down on 2024 levels (£9,100/acre).

Sam Holt, head of estates and farm agency for Strutt & Parker, said: “It is proving to be a market of contrasts, with some farms attracting strong competition, while others are finding it hard to find a buyer because of a wide range of variables.

“Even within the same county, we are seeing land values ranging from £7,000 to £17,000/acre for comparable quality arable land.”

The average value of arable land has dropped because of an increase in the amount selling in the £8,000 to £10,000/acre band and a contraction in the amount selling for more than £12,000/acre.