Analysis of Strutt & Parker’s Farmland Database shows that during the first half of this year, more farms came to the open market in England than in any comparable period in almost 20 years.
However, the total acreage launched publicly remains relatively low at just under 58,500 acres, which is almost identical to the amount seen in 2025.
Sam Holt, head of estates & farm agency for Strutt & Parker, says: “It has been a mixed picture for the farmland market in England during the first six months of 2026, with pockets of real strength, alongside areas where buyers are being very selective. Overall, the market remains resilient, but there are inconsistencies, with significant variations in supply, demand and the prices being achieved depending on location and quality.”
“In total, 177 farms were publicly launched in the first six months of 2026, compared with 167 in the first half of 2025 – which is 16% above the five-year average. However, the picture varies across the country. While there has been an increase in the number of farms for sale in the South West and East of England, other regions – most notably in the North of England – have seen a slight drop in the number of farms and estates available.”
Sam said demand was also uneven, depending on location and type of farm. “We have seen renewed demand in some areas, with a notable increase in the number of deals struck over the past three weeks. The best-in-class farms and estates continue to attract strong interest and new buyers to the market and can attract multiple bids. We are seeing particularly strong interest from dairy and poultry specialists for well-equipped farms.
“This suggests growing confidence in certain quarters, although this is not yet being felt across the board. In some of the more sparsely populated arable areas, for example, the market is thinner than it used to be, reflecting the current squeeze on cereal growers’ incomes and 18 months of uncertainty around farming and taxation policy. Demand for larger estates can also be patchy, with some estates that failed to sell last year being relotted to attract a wider pool of buyers.”
Average values
According to the Farmland Database, the average value of arable land sold in the first half of 2026 was £10,500/acre. “There is only a limited amount of data available on sold prices in 2026, but what we have points to less arable land selling for more than £12,000/acre,” adds Sam.
“We have seen a 1% rise in the amount selling for £10-12,000/acre and a 10% increase in the amount selling for £8-10,000/acre. This means the average arable value for the first half of 2026 is 6% down on 2025 levels, although this gap may well reduce as more data becomes available. It is worth noting that this is still £1,500/acre more than pre-Covid levels, so remains high in historical terms. The average price paid for pasture land during the first half of 2026 is currently 3% lower than in 2025 at £8,600/acre.”
Sam said his expectation was that conditions in the farmland market will remain variable over the coming months. “The publication of the Farming Roadmap has provided greater clarity on the Government’s long-term direction of travel for agriculture, although questions remain around implementation and delivery.
“The more influential factor when it comes to sentiment is likely to be the resignation of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, which has introduced uncertainty to the market and some speculation about future taxation policy. However, most buyers intend to hold any new acquisitions for the long term and are prepared to take a view on short-term market fluctuations.”
