The average price of bare agricultural land in England and Wales has hit a new “all-time high” of £9,250/ac in the first quarter of 2024, according to property consultancy Knight Frank.
The firm’s latest Q1 Farmland Index revealed a 1% rise in farmland values over the previous quarter, taking the annual rate of price growth to 6%.
The report also showed that farmland values outperformed other major asset classes over the 12-month period, including the FTSE 100 (+4%), UK house prices (+1%) and prime central London residential properties (-2%).
Head of rural research Knight Frank, Andrew Shirley, said: “The farmland market has remained remarkably resilient amid economic headwinds.
“Our research highlights that low supply volumes combined with strong demand from a wide range of buyers, including those looking to participate in environmental schemes are supporting prices.”
Farmland values
The farmland index reveals a number of drivers helping to support farmland values in the first quarter of 2024.
These include increased government funding for environmental land management programmes.
Continued buying activity from those with rollover tax liabilities to mitigate is also applying upward pressure on prices, the report showed.
Supply remained constrained in Q1, with limited publicly marketed land for sale.
Additionally, the recent HMRC announcement that land enrolled in environmental schemes does in fact still qualify for Agricultural Property Relief on inheritance tax, has provided reassurance among landowners.
“Recent clarity from the government has certainly added some confidence. However, the market remains a little uncertain,” Shirley said.
“The loss of the Basic Payment Scheme may now be starting to bite, which could boost supply.
“Additionally, the anticipation of a general election may slow down market activity, as both vendors and buyers adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ approach until there is more clarity.”
Future prices
Knight Frank points out that the phasing out of EU farm subsidies and generally lower commodity prices could weigh on the market.
However, the fundamental supply demand imbalance is expected to keep prices within a narrow range.
Head of farms and estates at Knight Frank, Will Matthews, said: “Despite short-term challenges like subsidy reforms and fluctuating commodity prices, the underlying fundamentals driving demand for agricultural land remain very favourable.
“With limited supply, farmland continues to be an attractive asset class that can provide a hedge against inflation and exposure to the growing environmental marketplace.
“We anticipate ongoing investor interest in 2024, especially from those seeking to participate in biodiversity and climate initiatives on their land.”
