Pasture and arable values fall slightly amid uncertainty over taxation, agricultural policy and rural spending

FARMLAND values in Wales have softened for the second consecutive quarter, although demand remains strong for high-quality farms, development land and larger commercial holdings.

The latest Farmland Market Update from property consultancy Carter Jonas shows that the average value of Welsh pasture land fell by 0.4% during the second quarter of 2026 to £7,750 an acre.

Average arable land values declined by 0.3% to £9,467 an acre.

Compared with the same period last year, arable land values are now 2.4% lower, while pasture land prices have fallen by 1.9%.

The figures suggest the Welsh farmland market is cooling gently following several years of sustained price growth between 2021 and 2024.

However, Carter Jonas said the published figures did not reveal the full extent of activity, as a significant proportion of farmland transactions were taking place privately and without being openly advertised.

The consultancy said fewer farms and parcels of land had been publicly brought to market during the first half of the year, while buyers had become more selective about location, land quality and commercial potential.

Hugh O’Donnell, rural partner at Carter Jonas, said: “The volume of farmland brought to market has been lower in the first half of the year, but acreage alone only tells part of the story.

“We continue to see a significant number of transactions taking place, underlining the ongoing appeal of well-located, high-quality farmland as a long-term investment.

“Buyer demand remains resilient, but understanding local market conditions and having access to off-market opportunities is increasingly important in a more selective market.”

The report comes as Welsh farmers continue to face uncertainty over agricultural support, succession planning, inheritance tax changes and the future direction of rural policy.

Carter Jonas said the appointment of a new Prime Minister had added another element of uncertainty for buyers and sellers considering major transactions.

Sophie Davidson, research associate at Carter Jonas, said: “While it is unlikely to trigger significant short-term changes to agricultural policy, the potential for shifts in spending priorities, taxation and rural policy direction may encourage a ‘wait and see’ approach among some vendors and purchasers.”

Despite the modest fall in average values, demand remains strong for land offering clear agricultural, investment or strategic benefits.

Larger commercial farms remain scarce and continue to attract significant interest, while land close to towns and villages, or with potential for housing, renewable energy or other development, is also commanding attention.

Ms Davidson added: “Strategically located land with development potential is seeing robust demand.

“What we’re seeing is a selective market where targeted demand continues to support values despite a thinner buyer pool.”

People currently registered with Choice Homes Pembrokeshire must submit a new application as the county prepares to introduce a revised social housing allocations policy

A NEW application process opens today, Monday, July 27, with all existing applicants due to receive an email or letter from the Housing Team by Friday, July 31.

The correspondence will explain how applicants can reapply to join the new Choice Homes Pembrokeshire Housing Register.

Applicants have been urged not to ignore the communication, as they will need to complete the new process to remain on the register.

Why is the housing policy changing?

Pembrokeshire County Council and its partner housing associations have approved a new Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire Allocations Policy.

The policy sets out how social housing will be allocated and how applicants will be prioritised according to their housing needs and connection to Pembrokeshire.

Demand for social housing in the county has increased significantly in recent years, with more households experiencing homelessness, living in temporary accommodation or remaining in unsuitable housing.

The new policy will come into effect in October 2026 and has been developed jointly by Pembrokeshire County Council, ateb, Wales & West Housing, Barcud, Caredig and Codi Housing Associations.

It is intended to reflect growing pressure on housing and homelessness services, as well as recent changes to Welsh housing legislation.

Pembrokeshire County Council administers housing applications on behalf of all registered social landlords operating in the county.

New legislation, including the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026, also requires councils to strengthen the way social housing is allocated.

Who needs to apply?

The changes affect:

• Everyone with an existing Choice Homes Pembrokeshire housing application.
• Anyone wishing to submit a new application to join the Housing Register.

What applicants need to do

Existing applicants should receive an email or letter from the Housing Team between Monday, July 27 and Friday, July 31.

The first step will be to complete a pre-application assessment to determine whether the applicant meets the new local connection criteria.

Applicants will be asked to upload documents showing their connection to Pembrokeshire.

The pre-application forms the first part of a two-stage process. Once the Housing Team has reviewed the information, eligible applicants will be invited to complete a full housing application.

Some information already held by the Housing Team may be entered automatically, allowing applicants to check and update their details rather than starting from scratch.

Applicants are encouraged to complete the process online by registering for a Housing Online account through the Choice Homes Pembrokeshire website.

People who cannot complete the process online can contact a dedicated support line on 01437 776603.

Housing application roadshows

The Housing Team will hold a series of roadshow events across Pembrokeshire to offer advice and practical assistance.

Monday, August 3

10:00am to 12:00pm
Johnston Institute
Church Road, Johnston, SA62 3HE

Wednesday, August 5

5:00pm to 8:00pm
Fishguard Town Hall
Market Street, Fishguard, SA65 9HE

Monday, August 10

1:00pm to 3:00pm
Pater Hall
Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6DH

Wednesday, August 12

5:00pm to 8:00pm
Lord Nelson Hotel
9 Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, SA73 3AW

Housing Team staff will be available at each event to help applicants complete the new process, answer questions about the allocations policy and provide advice about other housing services.

Anyone needing support can email [email protected] or telephone 01437 776603.

Further information is available through the Choice Homes Pembrokeshire website.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses and video footage after two mopeds were allegedly taken without their owners’ consent and ridden dangerously around Milford Haven.

Dyfed-Powys Police received several reports on Saturday, July 25, of two mopeds being ridden recklessly in the town.

Officers were subsequently informed that two mopeds had been stolen in the area.

Three youths have been arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

They have since been released on bail while police enquiries continue.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incidents, or who has CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage showing the mopeds being ridden on the morning of Saturday, July 25, to come forward.

Information can be provided online through the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone contacting police should quote reference 26*603956.