Land market: South-west England

Quality, sizeable commercial farms in the south-west of England saw greater demand than market availability throughout 2025.

Buyer interest was strongest among the lifestyle demographic with diversification or environmental ambitions, and from dairy farmers seeking to expand.

While competitive interest for well-located holdings augmented values, agents warn that secondary assets will need to be priced realistically to maintain sales.

See also: Farmland in your area 2025: South-east England

Demand for farmland in the past 12 months was very location specific, with competition and the sale prices often dictated by a number of progressive farmers or well-capitalised estate owners in the market for blocks of land.

Sophie Clotworthy, head of farm, rural and equestrian agency, Woolley & Wallis

The farmland market across the South West remained steady in 2025, with demand for large blocks of commercial land and farms continuing to outpace supply.

Ahead of the 2025 November Budget, some landowners had adopted a “wait-and-see” approach by delaying launches, while others were accelerating succession planning in anticipation of potential tax changes.

With the Budget delivered, the market has gained much-needed clarity going into 2026.

One area of particular attention is the upcoming change to agricultural property relief (APR), which has prompted some landowners to review ownership structures, accelerate transfers, or reassess long-term strategies.

Importantly, there are no signs of forced movement; market activity remains strategic rather than reactive.

Overall, while pre-Budget uncertainty slowed decision-making, conditions remain positive heading into 2026.

Landowners considering selling or restructuring in light of the APR reforms may see early 2026 as a timely window to take action.

George Alder, head of farm agency, Stags

The market for commercial farms and larger blocks of land has been active and robust and largely driven by active farmers, mainly dairy producers seeking expansion and farmers with rollover money.

Prices were stronger than anticipated – for example larger blocks of land over 25 acres ranged from £9,000/acre to £19,266/acre.

The market for residential farms was active up to the £1.5m mark but activity was more subdued above this, with buyers noticeably more cautious due to market conditions and ongoing tax concerns.

Changes to inheritance tax chargeable on farms brought a number of sales to the market earlier than expected, but purchaser sentiment did not appear dampened, the concessions announced can only be positive for the market heading into 2026.

We expect supply to remain tight, which should help maintain a stable market.

While easing commodity prices may limit the likelihood of record-breaking values, the overall outlook is positive.

With interest rates likely to be reduced and clarity around property tax, it could support a recovery at the higher end of the residential property market and ripple into the residential farm market.

For sale

Land at Court Farm © WoolleyWallis

Woolley & Wallis has launched a 110-acre block of mostly level pastureland at Court Farm, Corfe Mullen, near Wimborne, Dorset. The land, which runs along the River Stour, includes a parcel of woodland and has direct road access. The guide price is £1.025m.

Sold

Rolestone Barton © Stags

Rolestone Barton at Morchard Bishop in Devon generated keen competition and was sold by Stags for £3.1m, marginally below its £3.2m guide. The 215-acre dairy farm has a six-bedroom farmhouse with a flat, free-draining soils and a network of cow tracks.

Sold in 2026

Ball Farm © WoolleyWallis

A block of Grade 3 land on the outskirts of Pewsey, Wiltshire, exceeded its guide price of £750,000. The 37 acres with agricultural buildings at Ball Farm was sold by Woolley & Wallis in two lots, to a commercial farmer and to a lifestyle buyer.