Johnny Cordingley, partner at StephensonsRural, shares an update on Q1 market activity.

Following a successful 2024 in which StephensonsRural marketed over £26 million worth of property, 2025 has also got off to a bumper start. In the first quarter alone, nearly £8.5 million worth of rural property has been brought to market, ranging from small grass paddocks to substantial blocks of arable land.

Completions to date indicate that there is still demand for good-quality land in the right locations. While many farming families are taking stock and calculating their inheritance tax (IHT) liabilities, this doesn’t appear to have tempered the market for productive and versatile land.

Rollover buyers are still active, with significant savings still on offer. We are also continuing to see outside investment in farmland, particularly where strategic blocks may offer some potential for development in the near or distant future.

There was much talk of the IHT legislation dampening farmland values to more affordable levels. To date, we have not seen this, but we are still early in the process, with the new legislation not due to come into force until April 2026 (if it isn’t delayed).

On a national level, activity appears to be increasing compared to 2024, which may create opportunities for buyers in the months ahead.

Looking ahead more locally, StephensonsRural will soon be bringing to market:

• A 200-acre block of versatile arable land
• A 100-acre fully equipped farm with house and buildings

To be the first to hear about these and other upcoming listings, visit our sales page.