Market Update
Summer 2025
Encouraging signs A prime residential market update
The prime property market is starting to gain momentum, and with it comes a wave of exceptional homes hitting the market. We caught up with Matthew Allen, Head of the National Country Agency Team (NCAT), to get the inside track on what’s happening in the prime residential and country house sector.
“There’s a real sense of intent ,” he said, “We’re seeing a significant increase in high-quality properties being offered for sale, and critically, buyer confidence is gradually returning.”
Fisher German’s National Country Agency Team have launched a range of superb properties in the prime country £2 million+ sector across all our offices. Interest in most of these properties has been very positive reflecting a broader trend Matthew has been tracking.
“We’re seeing a wave of long-term owners choosing now to make their move,” he explains. “Many have been waiting for the dust to settle after Brexit, the pandemic, and last year’s general election. With interest rates stabilising and the hope for a more optimistic global political and economic outlook, 2025 is shaping up to be a stronger year for the country house market.”
We are seeing this supply met by younger buyers who are perhaps making the big ‘leap to the country’ from
FOR SALE
Little Onn Hall
Little Onn, Staffordshire
Guide Price | £3,500,000
the larger cities such as London and Birmingham. The markets in these larger conurbations have rebounded fairly well in the first half of the year after being subdued for much of 2024 paving the way for a home move.
Those buyers are certainly looking for high quality homes, often in a more finished version than before due to costs of undertaking major works. Many of the buyers are reliant on higher levels of borrowing so modest adjustments in interest rates have also helped as they look to secure a forever home for them and their families.
The remainder of 2025 will be influenced by worldwide economic confidence, inflationary pressure and its impact on the base rate and subsequent movement in lending rates, but Matthew remains cautiously optimistic that 2025 could be a ‘good’ year for the prime country house market.
Farmland market 2025 A year of shifting dynamics
We spoke with Richard Gadd, Partner and Head of Farm Agency, for his take on how the farmland market is shaping up in 2025. From a slow start due to extreme weather to a mid-year surge in supply and evolving buyer behaviour, Richard shares his expert insight into the key trends influencing land values, vendor motivations, and what we can expect in the months ahead.
Here’s his latest commentary on the state of play across the English farmland market.
The English farmland market began 2025 with a cautious tone. A delayed start in Q1, largely due to the driest spring in over half a century, meant that many launches were postponed. Just 10,000 acres were publicly marketed in the first quarter, mirroring 2024 levels but falling short of expectations.
Momentum picked up significantly in Q2, with a notable rise in both public and private listings. By the end of the first half of the year, around 50,000 acres had been brought to market publicly, with supply continuing to build at a steady pace. Interestingly, the market has seen a greater number of modest-sized offerings (under 200 acres), while large-scale opportunities exceeding 1,000 acres have been relatively scarce.
Private sales remain a key feature of the market, accounting for an estimated 25% of total activity, though this varies widely by region. Many of these off-market deals are driven by farmers seeking to release capital, whether to diversify, invest elsewhere, or reduce debt.
Demand
On the demand side, the landscape is evolving. Farmer buyers have been more cautious in the first half of the year, influenced by uncertainty surrounding future environmental scheme funding and changes to agricultural and business property relief announced in late 2024. Those still active are focusing on highquality, productive land. While interest rates remain a barrier for some, there are signs that funding availability is improving.
Meanwhile, demand from corporate, institutional, and private investors remains strong, particularly for land with potential for conservation, carbon offsetting, and biodiversity net gain. Strategic land buyers, developers, and charities also continue to seek long-term opportunities, particularly where freehold ownership is available.
Vendors
Farmers remain the dominant vendor group, often motivated by retirement, financial pressures, or the phasing out of subsidies. Many are choosing to bring forward sales ahead of the April 2026 changes to Capital Gains Tax. Institutional and corporate vendors are also becoming more active, particularly where holdings are no longer operational or lack development potential.
Values
Land values have remained resilient. While the recent increase in supply has given buyers more choice and slightly reduced competition in some areas, average prices have held firm across the country. According to our research, arable land values across England now average around £10,900 per acre, with pastureland at approximately £8,700 per acre. However, regional variations remain significant.
Looking ahead
Demand is expected to remain strong for well-priced land, particularly from farmers seeking local opportunities and investors targeting larger bare land holdings for environmental schemes. With interest rates forecast to ease, borrowing conditions should improve, supporting further activity.
We also anticipate a rise in retirement-driven sales as more landowners look to exit ahead of tax changes and subsidy reductions. As in recent years, a significant proportion of transactions will continue to take place privately, reflecting the evolving nature of the market and the diverse motivations of both buyers and sellers.
For sale
Properties for sale
A small selection of some of the exceptional homes, farms and estates we currently have for sale. For more information on any of these, or help finding something to suit your needs, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the team.
Little Malvern Court Estate FOR SALE
Little Malvern, Worcestershire
A diverse rarely available country estate in a lovely setting in the lee of the Malvern Hills with about 809.51 acres.
Guide Price | £13,250,000
The Garthewin Estate
Abergele, Conwy
A charming 507 acre country estate in a tremendous setting above the Elwy River Valley, offering potential for diverse usage/income including equestrian, a country retreat, glamping, etc.
Guide Price | £4,500,000
Woodborough Park Farm FOR SALE
Woodborough, Nottinghamshire
An exceptionally well presented fully equipped mixed arable and grassland farm in Nottinghamshire. In all extending to about 604.56 acres (244.66 hectares).
Guide Price | £7,250,000
Baston Hall Estate FOR SALE
Alfrick, Worcestershire
Positioned within its own private valley, this picturesque country estate is surrounded by rolling meadows and mature woodland, offering a setting of natural beauty and tranquillity.
Guide Price | £4,250,000
The
Plumpton Manor FOR SALE
A beautiful rural Grade II* listed Manor house situated in unspoilt undulating South Northamptonshire countryside with an excellent range of useful outbuildings. Towcester, Northamptonshire
Guide Price | £3,500,000
Farnborough Grange FOR SALE
Farnborough, Oxon/Warwickshire
A stunning, light and spacious family home offering extensive, accommodation with exceptional gardens and grounds, including a tennis court, summer house and orchard. In all 3.27 acres
Guide Price | £2,500,000
Matthew Allen MRICS FAAV
Head of National Country Agency Team 07810 378190
matthew.allen@fishergerman.co.uk
Alasdair Dunne
Head of Rural and Residential Sales 07501 720412
alasdair.dunne@fishergerman.co.uk
Sandhole Farm FOR SALE
Knutsford, Cheshire
A meticulously restored country residence, sat within beautifully manicured gardens and grounds, complemented by extensive equestrian facilities.
Guide Price | £2,500,000
Charlton Farm FOR SALE
Hartlebury, Worcestershire
An exciting opportunity to purchase a highly productive arable farm with period farmhouse and range of farm buildings occupied under an Agricultural Holdings Act Tenancy.
Guide Price | £2,200,000
Richard Gadd MRICS FAAV
Head of Farm Agency 07966 481487
richard.gadd@fishergerman.co.uk
Stuart Flint MRICS
London and Country 07501 720422
stuart.flint@fishergerman.co.uk