FARMLAND values are holding steady across England and Wales amid a changing economic landscape and global uncertainty.
Arable land averaged £9,494 per acre at the end of the first quarter of 2026, while pasture land stood at £7,778 per acre, according to the latest Farmland Market Update from Carter Jonas.
Sam Johnson, rural associate partner at Carter Jonas, said: “While the potential implications of geopolitical instability cannot be ignored, activity has continued, and a pipeline of new supply is emerging.”
Prime arable land values have fallen by 1.7 per cent over the quarter and by 3.7 per cent year-on-year, following a period of outperformance in the wider market.
This largely reflects a post-peak adjustment in some regions, with pressure on arable farm profitability and uncertainty around future policy direction leading buyers to adopt a more selective approach.
Pasture values have also eased, down 2.2 per cent since their record high in the first quarter of 2025.
Over the past decade, pasture has seen modest positive annualised growth of 0.5 per cent, compared with -0.3 per cent for arable land.
A “subdued start” to the year was attributed to wet weather delaying property launches, but activity began to pick up late in the quarter.
Mr Johnson said: “A realistic pricing strategy and ensuring property is presented in the best possible condition remains a vital consideration.”
Carter Jonas expects the spring season to be an important indicator of market sentiment.
Sophie Davidson, research associate at Carter Jonas, said: “Disruption to a key global shipping route for oil, gas and fertilisers has driven sharp increases in energy and fertiliser prices during the spring planting window.”
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She said the resulting volatility is affecting farm operations.
Ms Davidson said: “Cashflow and profitability is a key conversation on farms at the moment.”
