Agricultural Value Is Not Always the Full Picture
Agricultural value reflects what land is worth for farming use. Development value reflects what land may be worth if it can be used for housing, employment or another higher-value use. The gap between the two can be significant.
A field that appears ordinary from a farming perspective may be strategically important from a planning perspective if it sits next to a settlement, has access to roads, lies near services, or falls within an area where the council needs to identify future growth land.
This is why farmers should take advice before selling land based only on existing use value. A free development potential assessment can identify whether there may be a better route to maximising value.
Key points for farmers and landowners include:
Existing Use Value
The value of land for its current agricultural use.
Hope Value
Additional value based on the possibility of future planning permission.
Strategic Value
Value linked to longer-term development prospects.
Development Value
Value once planning permission is secured.
Local Plan Value
Value can rise where land is allocated or promoted.
Market Demand
Developer interest can influence the price achieved.
Why Farmers Should Check Before Selling
Selling farm land without understanding its development potential can result in a missed opportunity. A buyer may recognise planning prospects that the landowner has not fully considered.
Even where planning permission is not immediate, there may be potential to protect future value through land promotion, overage, option agreements, phased sales or careful disposal strategy.
The right planning strategy can make a major difference to the value achieved.
How Value My Land Reviews Farm Value
We look beyond agricultural value and consider planning policy, settlement boundaries, housing need, Local Plan reviews, access, constraints and developer demand. We then provide a practical view on whether your farm may have development potential and what route could maximise value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Free Farm Land Review
Value My Land provides a free initial assessment for farmers who want to understand planning potential, development value and the best route to maximising land value.
Find Out Whether Your Farm Could Be Worth More
Contact Value My Land today for a free, no-obligation review of your farm land, including planning potential, land promotion options and possible development value.