We are delighted to publish our report on farmland values for the first quarter of 2012.

The information is taken from our Farmland Database, which has monitored all farmland sales of over 100 acres in England since 1996.

Summary

• Average English arable values up 1% to £6,999/acre
• 44% less land launched to the market in Q1 2012 compared to Q1 2011
• Farmers continue to dominate, buying 63% of land sold
• Stamp duty land tax changes will not affect the market significantly

Land values continue to increase

The increase in arable land values continued during the first quarter of 2012 albeit at a slower pace. Average arable land values stand at £6,999/acre an increase of
1% on the previous quarter. The value of an average acre of pasture is £5,411, an increase of 4% on the previous quarter.

This rise continues the upward trend seen during the second half of the last decade. During this time, land prices have doubled from an average of around £3,000/acre in 2005 to the current peak. This performance has led to many non-farming investors
starting to look at farmland as a serious investment. The serious demand from investors is one of the main reasons behind the increase in land values.

Read the full report: English Farmland Review Q1 2012