Welcome to our 2025 Farms and Land Review. 

With the recent Budget now behind us, many might have expected a degree of uncertainty to dampen confidence in the farmland market. While fiscal change has traditionally encouraged caution among landowners and investors, 2025 is proving to be a year of resilience and opportunity. Greater clarity on tax and policy has done little to unsettle demand, and the farmland market continues to perform strongly, reinforcing the view that land remains a safe, resilient and highly attractive asset class. 

Accounting for 22% of all farmland marketed nationally this year, the South West continues to play a pivotal role within the wider land market, highlighting its importance as a region. The most consistent theme across the country remains a constrained supply of land, with availability in the South West 15% lower than the same period in 2024. This imbalance continues to underpin farmland values, particularly for high-quality arable land and well-located mixed farms. Competition from private investors, lifestyle purchasers, rollover buyers and established farming businesses seeking to expand is helping sustain price levels, even as the wider economic sentiment softens. 

Whilst the broader farmland market remains strong, the residentially led, lifestyle farm market has proved noticeably trickier than its commercial counterpart in recent months. While interest in rural living remains strong, many discretionary buyers have become more cautious, particularly where guide prices reflect lifestyle appeal rather than agricultural value. 

Higher borrowing costs and tighter affordability have also reduced competition for smaller amenity farms and converted holdings. By contrast, the commercial farm market, supported by established farming businesses, rollover funds, and long-term investors has held firm with several successful transactions completing throughout 2025, often exceeding guide prices. 

Our experienced South West team are optimistic heading into 2026 and remain committed to supporting clients at every stage of the sales process. If you are considering a sale or would like an up-to-date understanding of the value of your farm or land holding, please contact us for a free, confidential and no-obligation market appraisal. 

Review Farms and Land Review here.

Ben Hancock, Head of Farms and Land