Strutt & Parker has announced that more farms came to market in England during the first half of 2026 than in any comparable period in almost 20 years. However, the total area was relatively low at just under 58,500ac.
177 farms came to market between January and June, compared to 167 in the same period last year. This also represents a 16% increase on the five-year average. The picture differs across the country, with more farms in the South West and the East coming up for sale, while the North saw a decrease.
Sam Holt, Head of Estates & Farm Agency, added that the average value was £10,500/ac. “We have seen a 1% rise in the amount selling for £10-12,000/acre and a 10% increase in the amount selling for £8-10,000/acre. This means the average arable value for the first half of 2026 is 6% down on 2025 levels, although this gap may well reduce as more data becomes available.
“It is worth noting that this is still £1,500/acre more than pre-Covid levels, so remains high in historical terms. The average price paid for pasture land during the first half of 2026 is currently 3% lower than in 2025 at £8,600/acre.”