More farms came onto the open market in England during the first half of 2026 than in any comparable period for almost 20 years, although the total acreage available remained little changed.
Some 177 farms were publicly launched between January and June, according to Strutt & Parker. This was up from 167 a year earlier and 16% above the five-year average, but the 58,500 acres marketed was almost identical to the figure recorded in 2025.
The figures point to a market where supply is increasing in farm numbers rather than land area. Buyers remain active, but demand and prices vary sharply by region, farm type and quality, suggests Strutt & Parker’s Farmland Database.
“We have seen renewed demand in some areas, with a notable increase in the number of deals struck over the past three weeks,” said Sam Holt, head of estates & farm agency at Strutt & Parker. Overall, the market remains resilient, but there are inconsistencies, with significant variations in supply, demand and the prices being achieved depending on location and quality.”
The increase in farms for sale has been driven largely by the South West and East of England, while some northern regions have seen fewer farms and estates offered for sale.
Mr Holt said the strongest demand remained for high-quality holdings. “The best-in-class farms and estates continue to attract strong interest and new buyers to the market and can attract multiple bids.”
He highlighted strong competition from dairy and poultry businesses for well-equipped farms. International buyers also continue to target prime residential estates.
However, demand is weaker in some arable areas where lower cereal incomes and 18 months of uncertainty over farming and taxation policy have reduced buyer confidence. Some larger estates have been relotted after failing to sell last year.
Land values
Limited sales data suggests average arable land values eased to £10,500/acre during the first half of 2026, around 6% lower than a year earlier. Average pasture values slipped 3% to £8,600/acre.
That said, values remain well above pre-Covid levels despite fewer sales above £12,000/acre, and Mr Holt expects trading conditions to remain uneven.
“The publication of the Farming Roadmap has provided greater clarity on the Government’s long-term direction of travel for agriculture, although questions remain around implementation and delivery. The more influential factor when it comes to sentiment is likely to be the resignation of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, which has introduced uncertainty to the market and some speculation about future taxation policy. However, most buyers intend to hold any new acquisitions for the long term and are prepared to take a view on short-term market fluctuations.”