Selling land before the upcoming general election could be the right decision to avoid the potential impact of tax changes, rural property experts say.
The next general election, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he expects "in the second half" of 2024, could influence farm and land sales.
This is according to GSC Grays, which notes that parties have all mentioned potential changes to capital gains tax (CGT) and business asset disposal relief (BADR).
These will have significant implications for farmland, the firm says, with the next government very likely to review both CGT and BADR.
John Coleman, head of farm agency at GSC Grays, says: "Change is likely to come and if it does, it won’t be positive and could affect the land market so selling now is the message. It is the opportune time."
He adds: “If you are considering selling part or all of your farming business you may be able to pay less Capital Gains Tax (CGT) if you qualify for Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR).
"Claims to BADR are particularly complex, and given the amount of tax at stake, it is important to seek specialist advice when selling part or all of your business.”
BADR, previously known as entrepreneurs relief, can reduce the rate of CGT from 20% to 10% on all gains on qualifying assets.
It was introduced in 2020, and at the same time the lifetime limit was reduced from £10 million to £1 million.
Any previous disposals under both BADR or the former entrepreneurs relief count towards this limit.
Mr Coleman says: “From an inheritance tax (IHT) point of view, if agricultural property relief or business property relief is removed or amended, as has been discussed on occasion, it will have a significant influence on the potential demand in the market.
"This is particularly important for those who have bought land to use as a vehicle to pass on wealth to family members tax free.”
There are many reasons why farmers and landowners may wish to sell land, not least the changes being driven by Defra's Agricultural Transition Plan.
There will also be some businesses feeling significant cashflow pressures due to higher tax bills following a couple of good years,.
Other reasons include high interest rates on existing debt, high machinery and labour costs, coupled with a challenging harvest and difficult conditions this autumn for establishing crops.
Mr Coleman says farmers have had a tough time not only with the reduction of subsidies, but the harvest 2023 has been 'horrible' with damage to crops from pests and inclement weather.
“The margins are already cut pretty tight for the coming year where crops may have to be re-drilled, putting further pressure on cash flow and the ability to service loans," he explains.
“The banks have been taking a tougher stance. We are not talking about farm repossessions because the banks are trying to avoid that at all costs, but there is more pressure on farms to reduce debt and look at the serviceability of any loans they have got."
Blocks of land are coming to the market, in part, to address these debt issues, he explains.
There is also a demographic coming into play with some older farmers, who find it difficult, or do not have the appetite, to get their heads around the agricultural transition change and new schemes.
In terms of land sales, now could be seen as a sensible time to sell, according to Mr Coleman.
"Bare land sales have been relatively strong, influenced by local buyers while whole farm sales are of more interest nationally," he adds.
"Institutional, financial and public bodies are purchasing for natural capital -nitrate neutrality, biodiversity and carbon capture.
"They have real money to spend and are active in the market and competing alongside NGOs."
How farmers and landowners present and target a particular market is going to be even more important in 2024, local expertise will be crucial.
"We have agreed several sales where the buyers have been paying a 20% plus premium," Mr Coleman says.
"That is why we expect a particularly interesting year ahead in terms of the type of buyer and make up of land for sale, which if properly managed could generate further premium prices in the market.”
