First West Midland farm for 2012 market

A decent-sized block of ring-fenced land with buildings is set to provide a good early test of the 2012 West Midlands market.

Woodhall Farm at Wichenford, near Worcester, will appeal equally to commercial farmers and investors, said James Prewett, Knight Frank’s head of regional farm sales.

The farm has 132ha (325 acres) of grade 3, mainly arable land that suits combinable crops and would grow potatoes. There is some permanent pasture and a small area of woodland and ponds offer good sporting potential.

Farm buildings include modern grain storage and livestock housing. There is planning permission for an additional 12,000 sq ft of general-purpose buildings and to convert traditional buildings into four residential units.

A Grade 2 listed, 4,500 sq ft house is available by separate negotiation.

“We feel the land side of the market is very strong,” Mr Prewett said. “Woodhall Farm provides an excellent opportunity to buy a good block of level land without a big residential component. We think it will be well received.”

The farm is for sale as a whole for a guide price of £2.6m, valuing the land at current agricultural bare land values of £6,500-7,000/acre, Mr Prewett said. (Knight Frank 01905 723 438)

Kidderminster-based agent Roger Sadler, of Halls, is also anticipating keen interest for another West Midlands offering.

Prizeley Farm is a 105-acre beef and arable unit near Cleobury Mortimer on the Shropshire border.

It includes a four-bedroom farmhouse and traditional and modern farm buildings, the former with development potential. Soil is mainly grade 3.

Would-be buyers have time to consider the offering carefully – it is due to come under the hammer in Kidderminster in April and has a guide price of £1m-£1.5m. (Halls 01562 820 880)