BRIGHTWELLS after successfully completing a variety of sales in 2014 can once again confirm that Herefordshire agricultural land values are continuing to stay strong, with small farms taking a strong position.

So what has led to this strong market? Residential (or ‘lifestyle’) demand has had a revival, and a driving factor is farmland's relatively favourable tax treatment and its perceived ‘safe haven’ status. The low interest rates and the banks willingness to lend money has also favoured those wishing to purchase.

All resulting in high demand and prices reaching record breaking levels. Brightwells sales so far in 2014 clearly illustrate this trend. Examples include Merrings Farm, Bosbury - a quaint traditional Herefordshire farm comprising a farmhouse in need of modernisation, small range of traditional buildings and 61 acres. The property sold in excess of its £1,000,000 guide price, and best and final offers were required due to the high level of interest. Hill End an ex-council holding, also sold for over its guide price of £250,000, as did 16.6 acres of pastureland situated in Leintwardine selling in excess of the £90,000 guide price. Other good land sales were 32.15 acres at Walterstone Common and 41.16 acres at Tir Campstone, Abergavenny.

All the sales have been to local farmers looking to expand their farming base, all hoping that next year’s growing season is as good as this years, with a fantastic harvest.

For anyone looking to borrow this autumn the signs continue to be encouraging, with the cost of finance lowering and AMC margins decreasing in line with the availability of cheaper money. If you need funding for a current or new project, Brightwells, as AMC agents will do their best to help you make it happen.

For buying, selling and letting your property please contact Jeremy Jehan, Greg Christopher, James McIntyre on 01568 611166.