Strong Demand Drives Smallholdings Market

Smallholdings are attracting strong buyer interest across the North of England, with a demand from a diverse range of purchasers seeking opportunities in farming, diversification, equestrian enterprises and rural living.

Since the Covid pandemic, I have seen many people reassess where and how they want to live. As the weather improves and more properties come onto the market, this is often the time of year when buyers actively begin exploring a move to the countryside. Increasingly, people are looking for properties that offer more than just a house. They want space and the opportunity to pursue their interests, whether that's keeping livestock, growing produce, running a business or simply enjoying life in a rural setting.

While there is no official definition, a smallholding is generally considered to be a farm of less than 50 acres but its appeal extends far beyond traditional farming. These properties often combine a house, land and useful buildings. Here at H&H Land & Estates, we find buyers are drawn to the flexibility these properties offer, whether that's keeping a small flock of sheep, raising pigs and poultry, producing food or developing a more self-sufficient way of life.

Equestrian purchasers continue to be an important part of the market. Many are looking for both sufficient grazing land for horses, alongside the ability to produce some of their own forage. Others are attracted by the prospect of creating a rural family home with space for outdoor pursuits and recreation.

For many buyers however, a smallholding provides an accessible route into agriculture. Properties with 40 or 50 acres, a farmhouse and useful agricultural buildings can offer an opportunity to gain practical experience while gradually building a larger farming enterprise. The attraction is that buyers can start at a manageable scale, establish themselves, learn the industry and develop their business over time.

Agricultural buildings are often a key selling point. Traditional barns, steadings and modern sheds can be adapted for a variety of uses, from workshops and storage facilities to owner-operated businesses. As more people embrace flexible and remote working, the ability to combine home and work in one location has become increasingly attractive.

I am also seeing growing interest from buyers who can work from anywhere. The North of England is particularly well placed to benefit because it offers all the advantages of rural living while remaining well connected. Direct rail services from Penrith to London take around three hours, with similar journey times from Newcastle and Durham, making it possible to enjoy a countryside lifestyle without losing access to major business centres.

Properties requiring renovation continue to generate strong interest. Many purchasers are prepared to take on a project if it allows them to create a home and holding tailored to their specific needs. These opportunities can also represent good value, enabling buyers to improve and invest in a property over time.

Woodland is another feature that regularly attracts attention. Buyers value the recreational and environmental benefits it provides, as well as opportunities to support wildlife, manage conservation projects or generate fuel for domestic use.

Alongside lifestyle considerations, diversification potential is becoming increasingly important. Some purchasers are exploring opportunities for holiday accommodation, glamping sites or other tourism-related ventures. Even where planning permission is not already in place, buyers are often willing to investigate what may be possible if a property has the right location and characteristics.

The market itself is varied, with holdings ranging from a few acres to more substantial properties approaching 50 acres. Some are located on the edge of towns and villages, while others offer complete rural seclusion. We currently have a number of smallholdings on the market to suit different budgets, ambitions and lifestyles including:

- Cocklet Hill, Hethersgill near Brampton, a 40.78 acres rural smallholding with a three-bedroom farmhouse and a range of traditional and modern buildings which is on the market of £495,000.

- Holme Mill Farm< Aycliffe Village County Durham which is available by tender, is 10.42 acres smallholding with three bedroom, detached property and a range of traditional and semi-modern agricultural buildings.

- Hill Top Farm, Shap on the market of £375,000 is a 15.12 acres former stock rearing farm along with a range of traditional and modern buildings with the potential for conversion and development.

I find the appeal of smallholdings lies in the opportunities each can create for its new owner. Whether buyers are looking for a route into farming, a place to run a business, greater self-sufficiency or simply a different pace of life, these properties offer the chance to shape a future around their own aspirations.

People are buying into a lifestyle as much as a property, and that aspiration continues to drive demand across the smallholdings market.