Farmers have accounted for 62% of purchases of farms in England so far this year, the highest proportion recorded for well over a decade, according to estate agents Strutt & Parker.

This suggests that despite the pressures facing many farming businesses, "there remains a strong appetite among some farmers to invest in land and continue farming over the long-term", the estate agent said.

The gap between buyers’ and vendors’ price expectations has also narrowed, which has helped to facilitate some of these deals.

According to Strutt & Parker’s latest Farmland Database, the average price achieved for arable land over the first nine months of the year was £10,600/ac while pasture averaged £8,700/ac.

The report noted that the trend that developed in 2025 of fewer sales happening in the higher price brackets per acre, for both arable and pasture, has continued into 2026.

The figures also showed that the number of acres being publicly marketed in the third quarter (Q3) of 2026 is 16% below the five-year average.

The number of acres advertised in the English market has gone from 33,800ac in Q3 2025 down to 22,800ac in Q3 2026.

Farm marketing

The report also found a small increase in the number of smaller (100-150ac) arable farms, however, there was no evidence of a widespread increase in farmers choosing to leave the sector.

Head of Estates and Farm Agency for Strutt & Parker, Sam Holt explained that 260 farms have been publicly marketed during Q3 2026, which is only six more than in the same period of 2025.

Holt added that demand is also showing signs of stabilisation.

He said: “While the proportion of farms and estates acquired by private and institutional investors has decreased this year, we continue to work with a number of investors actively seeking opportunities.

The combination of investment potential and lifestyle appeal also continues to support interest in the country estates market.

"Of the country properties that Strutt & Parker sold for over £5 million in the last quarter, three sold to overseas purchasers,” he added.

Budget 2027

According to Strutt & Parker, the upcoming budget remains an important factor for both buyers and sellers alike to consider

The uncertainty presented in terms of the future of taxation policy could make a huge impact to buying.

Reductions in properties on the market at this time of year also reflects  preferences in getting sales done before potential changes to the tax regime.

“Ahead of the Budget, there has been some speculation that the Treasury may be considering reversing the Inheritance Tax (IHT) reforms that came into effect earlier this year,” Holt said.

This change could potentially to increase the number of buyers.

The estate agent also highlighted that increasing financial pressures continue to weigh on sentiment in the arable sector and could prompt more farmers to rationalise their land holdings closer to the spring.