Cotswolds Farmland Market Holds Firm Amid Shifting Demand
The Cotswolds farmland market proved resilient in 2025 despite a number of external pressures, according to Savills' annual farmland market report.
The amount of farmland publicly marketed across the region fell by 19%, from 18,685 acres in 2024 to 15,227 acres across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Even so, supply remained above the five-year average and in line with the pre-Brexit average for 2012 to 2016.
Values were stable overall but varied widely by land type. Arable land averaged £10,000 to £13,000 per acre, while pasture sold for £8,000 to £10,000 per acre.
The buyer base was notably varied, including roll-over buyers, farming businesses, lifestyle purchasers and environmental investors. Falling interest rates meant that, for the first time since 2022, some farms were bought with bank finance, although cash still funded 82% of purchases. Farmers were the largest group of buyers at 45%, and 82% of them were expanding. Non-farming buyers eased to 40%, while institutional and corporate buyers rose to 11%. Sellers' reasons included retirement, probate and the sale of non-core assets.
Philip Hoare, head of Savills rural agency in Central England, described farmland as a secure, long-term asset, noting that less than 1% of agricultural land in Great Britain comes to the open market each year and that securing development potential can take 15 years or more. He expects long-term ownership to remain rewarding given the pace of climate, demographic and policy change.
Source: UK Property Forums, original article (19 February 2026)
