The 2024 property market has been slower across the board with little growth, largely driven by higher interest rates, poor weather, and a general election. Buyers have been more cautious, and some owners delayed sales to later this year, or even leaving it until 2025.
Despite these challenges, D&R have bucked this trend. Our proactive approach has delivered successful sales for our clients through careful positioning of their properties to suit the market, and drawing on our extensive network of in-market buyers and expertise in rural property marketing. Since Spring, D&R has seen a fivefold year-on-year increase in enquiries from sellers, and has sold, or has under offer, 90% of farms and land brought to market in the first 8 months of the year.
2024 is a year many will wish to see behind them due to the weather and general economic conditions. The outlook for 2025 is looking a little more optimistic but location and quality of asset along with realistic pricing will determine the success of any sale. We have farms and land that were held back in 2024 and are now prepared for a Spring launch. Lower interest rates, properties held over from this year, may result in additional properties entering the market.
Getting ready for selling your property in 2025 is crucial. It will be more important than ever, that sellers launching properties to market must focus on positioning and marketing their property:
Our advice is to choose an agent with rural expertise and a proven track record. Discuss how best to position your property to reach the right buyers and show its full potential. Agree how your property will be represented visually through professional photography & videography. Make sure you discuss how best to market your property and consider options such as off-market sale to meet your individual needs.
Think ahead and plan. Getting ahead of any issues that may slow down your sale like resolving any deed or boundary issues with a trusted solicitor, and review taxation implications with your accountant, will give clarity and save time later in the process.
The winter months are also a good time to keep up with maintenance. Taking time to tidy your property during winter will pay dividends when it looks its best in Spring. Take a tour of the property and review it as a potential buyer, noting attention needed to fences, gates, walls and troughs etc.
Budget impact
The budget changes to taxation have been well reported in the media and are likely to affect 70,000+ farms. It is worth noting that Inheritance Tax changes are to come into effect from April 2026 giving some time for farmers to plan ahead whilst Capital Gains Tax changes have been implemented with immediate affect.
What has become very clear, is the requirement for farmers and landowners to plan for the future and look at retirement and succession planning early on. Whether looking to plan ahead, looking to sell or buy, seeking professional advice from your wider team including accountant, solicitor and land agent will be imperative to moving forward and more crucial than ever. Our people are here to help support those who need it.
Thinking of selling? Contact Chris Edmunds, Director and Head of Agency, on 01900 268 633.
