The number of farms put up for sale has increased in recent weeks. This follows a quiet spring and summer in which fewer than usual farms were placed on the market. There is a small increase in the number of larger farms of 100ac and more coming up for sale.

The increase is most evident in Leinster counties including Westmeath, Meath and Kildare. The total area of farmland put up for sale in 2025 could – as a result – reach the level of last year.

The most favoured times for putting farms on the market are early summer and autumn. An autumn launch is also favoured as it allows the sale be completed by year end. It allows a buyer to reseed land if desired. It gives the landowner the use of the land for the summer, including using the land to claim EU payments.

ADVERTISEMENT

For the past year or two, some auctioneers have advised clients to hold back properties for an autumn launch, believing demand and prices are stronger then.

Another factor for some landowners this year was concern about possible unfavourable changes in this week’s Budget 2026 to inheritance/gift taxes and how any such changes might affect demand for land.