Land prices for January 2008 show an increase of between 5.4% and 12.3%, when compared with July 2007 figures. Wales saw the smallest increase of 5.4% in the past 6 months taking average land prices from £11,527/hectare in July 2007 to £12,145/hectare in January 2008. The West Midlands saw the largest percentage increase of 12.3% from £9,016/hectare to £10,127/hectare.

On average land prices have increased 12.1% in the last 6 months and 17.4% in the last twelve months. Market commentators suggest the trend of rising land values seen in the early part of 2007 was continued in the second half of the year.  The same positive factors of strong overseas interest and demand from non-farmers remained features of the market. However, the rise in commodity prices has helped to drive the land market upwards and has particularly affected the outlook of farmer land buyers, who felt more positive about their business profitability than has been the case. For more information of farmer intentions click here.  

The table and graph give an indicator of land price trends and values for unequipped land, for information on equipped land (including Northern Ireland prices, and prices in acres) click here.

* Where there is no entry the land type is not typical within the area.

Source: VOA

Rent Levels

Rent levels have not fluctuated a great deal in the last 5 years, this could be partly due to long term contracts. However, there has been a small fall between 2004 and 2006, with Full Agricultural Tenancies (FAT's) falling 9.6% from £117.77 hectare in 2004, to £106.51 hectare for 2006. Farm Business Tenancies (FBT's) have fallen to a lesser extent, a fall of 2.3% between 2004 and 2006, with prices averaging £168.33 hectare.

Please note: Survey now conducted every two years.

Source: DEFRA
* Please note that figures are provisional and will be revised up at a later date.