England’s farmland market holds firm in 2026

Farmland prices remained resilient in the first nine months of 2026, with arable land averaging £10,600/acre and pasture £8,700/acre – both £200/acre higher than the same period in 2025.

The trend of fewer sales seen in 2025 continued into 2026, helping to support prices despite constrained supply, according to Strutt & Parker’s latest Farmland Database analysis.

See also: How farmland auctions are delivering results

Sam Holt, head of estates and farm agency at the firm, said farmland supply remained limited, while demand showed signs of stabilising. Both farmers and investors continued to see opportunities in buying land.

However, the area of publicly marketed land was 16% below the five-year average in the third quarter of 2026, down to 22,800 acres.

There was a small increase in the number of smaller arable farms (100-150 acres) coming to the market, but no evidence of a widespread increase in farmers leaving the sector. Farmers accounted for 62% of the purchases so far in 2026 – the highest proportion recorded for more than a decade.

“This suggests that, despite the pressures facing many farming businesses, there remains a strong appetite among some farmers to invest in land and continue farming over the long term.

“The gap between buyers’ and vendors’ price expectations has also narrowed, which has helped to facilitate some of these deals,” explained Mr Holt.

Overseas investors

Overall, the number of farms and estates acquired by overseas investors fell. However, Strutt & Parker continued to work with investors seeking opportunities with farmland.

“Of the country properties Strutt & Parker sold for over £5m in the last quarter, three sold to overseas purchasers,” said Mr Holt.

Ahead of the 28 October Budget, sales slowed further amid uncertainty over potential tax changes and speculation that the Treasury might reverse the inheritance tax reforms introduced earlier in the year.

“Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see the extent to which high fuel and fertiliser costs, low yields and difficulties accessing the Sustainable Farming Incentive continue to weigh on sentiment in the arable sector,” he added.