Farmland in your area 2025: South-east England

While the market for farmland in the south-east of England is undeniably cautious, land that is well presented and sensibly priced continues to find a buyer.

The acreage launched in 2025 was 16% down on the five-year average, but rural agents operating in the region report that the market generally enjoyed a steady level of activity.

See also: Farmland in your area 2025: East of England

Lotting has been a more common sales tactic as breaking up farms into manageable parcels has proved effective in broadening their appeal and maintaining momentum in a sale.

Liza Howden, associate director, South East estates and farm agency, Strutt & Parker

About 9,200 acres across 32 farms were publicly launched in the south-east of England in 2025, significantly lower than the acreage presented to the market in 2024.

Death, retirement and decisions by owners to downsize were the three most common reasons for sales, following a similar pattern as recent years.

Notably, given the pressures we have seen on farm profitability and the wider economy, there has been very little forced selling.

Demand has been mixed, with buyers increasingly selective.

Those taking longer to sell are farms that are heavily weighted towards residential and those requiring substantial capital investment.

In contrast, good-quality blocks of bare land of about 200-300 acres continue to attract strong interest, in the main from local farmers expanding their operations.

This pattern of activity has resulted in greater emphasis on lotting in the sales strategy.

Looking ahead to 2026, we expect a steady flow of farmland to come forward.

We are working with the owners of some attractive residential farms that we expect to launch in the spring.

Will Matthews, head of farms and estates, Knight Frank 

The past 12 months have seen fairly stagnant activity in the south-east of England farmland market with little real traction or churn to report.

That said, the region has largely performed better than many other areas of the UK and remains a high-priority location for wealthy investors.

While buyers are price-sensitive and prices have fallen slightly, land is still performing better than the housing market.

It remains a safe haven and a tangible asset for the wealthy.

We continue to see a divided marketplace, where buyers are either looking for simple bare land investments with limited other assets, or land with additional amenity benefits.

As we look ahead to 2026 and the performance of the farmland market, we are likely to see a continued lack of supply, but quality assets that are presented for sale will engage the interest of buyers if they are priced sensibly.

Despite the UK looking pretty unattractive and many people choosing to migrate to other countries, there is still a pool of buyers who remain wedded to the UK.

We must just hope that they feel the same as we move into 2026.

Farms for sale

Summertree Farm © Strutt & Parker

Summertree Farm at Heathfield, East Sussex, is a ring-fenced farm set in 249 acres with a listed principal house, other residential properties, equestrian facilities and buildings with potential for alternative uses.

It is being marketed by Strutt & Parker at a guide price of £5m.

Venthams Farm © Knight Frank

Knight Frank has Venthams Farm at Froxfield on the market. This 745-acre mixed farm sits in the heart of Hampshire.

It is being sold as a whole with a period house, commercial and agricultural buildings, natural capital and sporting potential and a guide of £12.5m.

What sold well in 2025?

Dunsborough Park © Strutt & Parker

Dunsborough Park, a residential farm at Ripley, Surrey, was offered for sale with a Grade II listed property, 108 acres, equestrian facilities and eight cottages.

It was launched by Strutt & Parker as a whole at a guide price of £12.5m and, although it sold at below that guide, there was no shortage of interested buyers.

Great Park Estate and Thorley Farm © Knight Frank

Great Park Estate and Thorley Farm at Newport, Isle of Wight, sold in November 2025, offered a rare opportunity to acquire a significant acreage on the island.

The sale, facilitated by Knight Frank, offered 1,478 acres, diverse landscapes, a listed house, cottages and farm buildings at a guide of £14.55m.