FARMS and estates have continued to sell at or above their guide prices in the South East, according to Strutt & Parker’s latest Farmland Update.

Indeed, the region has enjoyed one of its busiest selling seasons in recent years, despite the uncertainties surrounding the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and alleged reticence on the part of potential purchasers.

From bare land through to small commercial or residential farms and up to substantial estates, properties have attracted strong and competitive interest.

Once again this has been primarily from non-farming purchasers.

Flexibility and lateral thinking remain crucial to successful sales.

“Each property must be carefully judged on its merits and on buyers’ specific requirements, which vary from county to county and village to village,” says Nicholas Rooke of Strutt & Parker’s Canterbury office.

The Farmland Update highlights recent sales in the region and points to a lack of property on the market resulting in a supply and demand imbalance.

Average land prices in the South East have increased by £200 an acre in the first six months of the year.