Rural research sees land sales surge by 34%

Land availability has surged this year, according to property business Savills.

The firm’s latest rural research shows that to the end of May there was a 34% increase in land marketed across Great Britain.

Over 11,000ha (27,250 acres) were put up for sale during May alone.

Jessica Simpson of Savills’ farm sales team said:

“The volume of land for sale is back up to the levels seen in 2002.

The intervening years have been much thinner with potential sellers waiting until the outcome of the mid-term reform was known.”

However, the figures show clear variations across the country, she added.

Supply in Scotland is currently 60% up on last year, with the south and south-east of England even further ahead with growth of 107% and 203% respectively.

“There has been a considerable upsurge in Hampshire in recent months,” Mrs Simpson said.

But in the East and West Midlands volumes are down on last year by 45% and 27% respectively.

The north-east of England has also seen a sharp decline with fewer than 202ha (500 acres) publicly marketed.

Mark McAndrew of Strutt and Parker said:

“Marketed land has been fairly flat over the last five years, we are certainly seeing confidence returning to the market as landowners are clearly seeing the full impact of the CAP regime changes on their businesses.”