No time like the present, Carter Jonas advises farmland sellers in North East England

“Supply has been quiet so it’s a good time to consider selling,” Associate Partner Sam Johnson said. 

“Demand is very much still out there, particularly considering that the tax environment is settled at the moment. 

“We can foresee that changing when the budget arrives. So, our message to landowners is: why wait? Your asset will sell just as well now as it will in the spring.” 

While 2020 has been characterised by extremely limited supply, what has been marketed has seen good interest and sold well.

Demand is strongest for equipped units that offer diversified income streams such as holiday lets or renewable energy. 

The lifestyle market continues to strengthen as the pandemic has driven a requirement for property which offers a balance between lifestyle and connectivity.  

Close proximity to Newcastle, Darlington and York means excellent access to London, which is a significant benefit to many buyers.  

“The shift in agricultural policy towards public money for public goods has driven demand for property offering the ability to tap in to environmental credentials, highlighted by the strong sale of a 400 acre ‘eco-farm’ which progressed despite lockdown,” Sam said.  

Because of the nature of the land holdings in Yorkshire, the region has a limited supply of farmland for marketing as farms only tend to turnover every two to three generations.  

“There is still demand for arable land, although in this region it is dependent on where it is, who else is in the parish and whether or not they’re buying. 

“Certain locations will sell well, but you can go 20 miles down the road and find a completely different market, but with very similar land. 

“And property with lifestyle appeal will be much sought-after as people know they’re going to be working from home more so they are assessing what they have around them in terms of space and amenities.”  

*The header image shows 135-acre Home Farm near Catterick, which sold close to its £2,100,000 guide price with Carter Jonas.