Published: 19/12/2025 By Gabriella Placidi
Market Trends and ActivityThe market experienced a notable increase in activity compared to 2024, particularly in April, which emerged as the most active month since 2016.
Despite a slow start that led to a lower number of acres being marketed in the first quarter, the availability of land for sale increased consistently throughout the year. However, the total supply of publicly listed lowland farms and land parcels larger than 50 acres was slightly lower than in 2024.
Our auctions have demonstrated to be a favoured sales method, facilitating immediate exchange upon the fall of the hammer. This process has enabled clients to swiftly dispose of assets, thereby freeing up capital.
Sellers were motivated by a variety of factors, including retirement, operational consolidation, or the need to adjust to a less favourable tax environment.
The market for smaller, residential farms has been tougher, but there now seems to be increased activity and more sales being agreed than in the spring. Good commercial farms are rare to the market in our patch, and we have a substantial number of cash buyers still looking for the right farm.
There was strong demand for high-quality commercial farms that came with existing infrastructure, with buyers from both the UK and international investors showing interest.
The land values in Wiltshire and Hampshire have generally remained stable; however, certain categories of land exhibited price sensitivity and the potential for value adjustments.
Considering this, with appropriate guidance and pricing, there were indeed opportunities for transactions. Notable successful deals in the South include Peggs Farm in Dorset, Somerton Court Farm in Somerset, 155 acres of arable land in Wiltshire, and Milton Park Wood in Dorset, along with numerous other land parcels, farms, and smallholdings being sold both privately and on the open market throughout Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire.
Key drivers and influencing factors
A variety of factors have impacted clients looking to sell their assets as well as the interest shown by prospective buyers. Below, we elaborate on the challenges, factors, and primary drivers that contribute to these trends.
It’s unavoidable to hide away from the recent changes in the inheritance tax (IHT) framework and naturally this has had an impact on market dynamics, prompting some sellers to capitalise on earlier opportunities.
This, coupled with the challenges within the current agricultural industry and the ongoing decline in farming profitability, is a significant concern, particularly for those facing rising input expenses. Whilst some have looked to diversify, others have shifted to environmental schemes and capitalised early on government funded initiatives. A limited window of opportunity has left some without option but to sell off lying land parcels to cover costs, raise capital or pay off outstanding agreements. This has pushed an increase in smaller land parcels being seen on the open market, and more specifically across the south of England.
With this in mind, the introduction of new incentives by the government, along with concepts that extend beyond conventional farming methods, has led to an increase in buyers interested in acquiring land for its intrinsic natural asset value, such as carbon or biodiversity credits. This creates fresh opportunities to evaluate land from an alternative perspective, focusing on its worth from an environmental standpoint, particularly regarding the fundamental soil in which it is situated.
Looking ahead to 2026
We are anticipating a busy market in the lead up to 2026 with early signs of increased movement leading up to the end of 2025.
Retirements, succession planning, and interest in land investments will affect the market's buoyancy, with expectations of larger land parcels and a probable increase in the number of farms entering the market.
The pricing strategy will be crucial in balancing market sensitivity and the anticipated increase in stock availability. High-quality land parcels situated in areas with robust neighbouring competition are still expected to generate a strong £/acre.
Farms with opportunities for diversification will persist in attracting buyers from both agricultural and non-agricultural investors.
Symonds & Sampson's dedicated farms and land agency team have unrivalled experience in the sale, purchase and letting of all types of rural property of all sizes from estates and large commercial farms to plots, paddocks and woodland throughout Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Cornwall and beyond. For further information, or to discuss the sale of purchase of land and property, please contact Gabriella Placidi on 01380 710535 or our experts in your nearest Symonds & Sampson office.
Peggs Farm, Dorset. 211.78-acre farm. Sold October 2025
Farms & Land For Sale
