How Much Is Arable Land Worth Per Acre?

If you’re looking to buy farmland for growing crops, you may want to know the arable land price per acre. There is no single UK-wide price that applies to every parcel. Location, soil quality, productivity, drainage, access, acreage and local demand can all affect what buyers may be prepared to pay.

What Is Arable Land?

Arable land is agricultural land that is primarily used for growing crops. It can include land used for cereals, oilseeds, vegetables and other agricultural crops.

Not all arable land has the same characteristics. Soil type, fertility, drainage, field size, topography and access can all affect how productive and practical a parcel is.

These differences are important when comparing the price of one parcel with another.

What Affects Arable Land Price Per Acre?

There are several factors buyers should consider when assessing the price of arable land.

1. Location

Location is one of the most important factors when comparing arable land prices.

Local agricultural demand, the availability of suitable farmland and the presence of established farming businesses can all affect competition between buyers.

When assessing a parcel, local comparable land is generally more useful than a broad UK-wide average.

2. Soil Quality

Soil characteristics can have a significant bearing on the productivity of arable land.

Soil type, fertility, structure and depth can all influence which crops can be grown and how productive the land may be.

Buyers should therefore consider the underlying quality of the land rather than looking only at its acreage.

3. Drainage

Drainage can be particularly important for arable farming.

Poorly drained land can create practical difficulties and may affect when and how the land can be cultivated.

Where drainage systems are present, buyers should understand their condition, maintenance requirements and any associated costs.

4. Field Size and Layout

The size and layout of fields can affect how efficiently agricultural machinery can be used.

Large, practical fields may be attractive to commercial farming businesses, while smaller or irregular parcels may suit different types of buyers.

Field layout should therefore be considered alongside the headline price per acre.

5. Access

Good access is important for moving tractors, machinery, crops and other vehicles onto and off arable land.

Buyers should establish how the land is accessed and whether the access rights are sufficient for its intended agricultural use.

Restrictions on access can affect both the practical usefulness and attractiveness of a parcel.

6. Water and Infrastructure

Depending on the type of agricultural operation, water supplies and other infrastructure may also be relevant.

Drainage systems, tracks, storage, fencing, buildings and other improvements can affect the overall appeal of the property.

Does Acreage Affect the Price Per Acre?

It can.

The size of a parcel can affect the type of buyer interested in it and the practical usefulness of the land to an existing farming business.

A smaller parcel may appeal to a neighbouring farmer looking to expand or to another rural buyer, while a larger block may have particular appeal to commercial farming businesses.

This means that acreage should be considered alongside price per acre rather than treated as a completely separate issue.

How Does Arable Land Compare With Pasture Land?

Arable and pasture land are both agricultural land, but they can have different characteristics and attract different buyers.

Arable land is generally assessed partly on its suitability for crop production, while pasture is commonly assessed according to its suitability for grazing livestock and other uses.

As a result, buyers should not automatically use the price per acre of pasture land as a direct benchmark for arable land.

You can also read our guide to pasture land price per acre if you’re comparing different types of agricultural land.

Does Planning Potential Affect Arable Land Prices?

It can, but planning potential should be treated separately from the agricultural value of the land.

Arable land close to settlements or in locations where alternative uses may be considered can sometimes attract interest from buyers looking beyond agriculture.

However, the location of a field does not by itself mean that planning permission will be granted. Planning policy, access, services, landscape considerations, environmental constraints and many other factors need to be considered.

If you’re buying arable land for farming, assess its agricultural suitability first. If you are considering another use, treat that as a separate planning assessment.

How Should You Compare Arable Land Prices?

Start by identifying genuinely comparable properties in the area where you want to buy.

Is the Cheapest Arable Land the Best Value?

Not necessarily.

A lower price per acre may reflect differences in soil quality, drainage, access, location, field layout or other characteristics.

A parcel that requires significant investment before it can be farmed efficiently may ultimately cost more than a property with a higher initial price but better infrastructure and productivity.

The better question is whether the land provides the characteristics you need at a price that works for your intended use.

What Other Costs Should Buyers Consider?

The purchase price is only one part of the cost of acquiring arable land.

Depending on the property and transaction, buyers may also need to consider legal costs, searches, surveys, professional advice, financing costs and taxes where applicable.

There may also be costs associated with drainage, access, tracks, fencing, buildings or other improvements required after purchase.

Establishing the likely total cost before making an offer can help you compare properties more realistically.

Where Can I Find Arable Land for Sale?

Arable land can be marketed through specialist land agents, property portals, auctions and private sales.

It may also be sold as part of a larger farm or agricultural holding.

If you’re looking for a particular type of farmland in a specific location, it can be useful to make your requirements known rather than relying only on properties already being advertised.

You can tell Your Landstore what land you’re looking for, including your preferred location, acreage and other requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions