Agricultural Conveyancing in the East of England

Agricultural conveyancing presents a unique set of challenges to conveyancers that differ significantly from conventional commercial transactions. Nowhere is this more evident than in East Anglia. With its rolling fields, diverse crops, and rich farming heritage., East Anglia is often referred to as the breadbasket of England. Farms across East Anglia are the starting point for food that ends up in shopping baskets and on plates across the country. Here at Geodesys, not only do we produce the CON29DW for the Anglian Water region, but we have extensive experience in supporting complex agricultural transactions.  

Recent statistics from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), paint a vivid picture of the agricultural landscape in the East of England. The average farm size in the East of England stands at approximately 180 hectares, making it one of the largest agricultural regions in the country. It makes up a large proportion of agricultural land nationwide and, thanks to the warmer climate and fertile soil, produces 28% of the UK yield of wheat, 62% of the UK yield of sugar beet and 33% of potatoes. These statistics demonstrate the significance of agricultural conveyancing in the region.

But with this vast agricultural landscape comes significant challenges. One of the key challenges stems from the unique nature of farming. Unlike residential or urban properties, agricultural land often comes with a myriad of considerations, including soil quality, water rights, environmental regulations, and agricultural subsidies. Ensuring compliance with these regulations and accurately assessing the value of these assets requires specialised knowledge and experience in agricultural law.

There are so many, different, searches to consider when it comes to commercial property transactions to ensure you’re doing your due diligence. At Geodesys, we offer a full range of commercial conveyancing searches and environmental reports including specific agricultural reports. These reports offer insight into a number of risks, including contamination risks, risks related to the purchase of farmland, and much more. It is important to identify all the risks that may affect the value and use of commercial land. We are always available to advise our clients on which reports to choose. If your agricultural transaction is a bit of a head-scratcher, we can also handle the whole transaction for you with our free conveyancing concierge service.

Farming in and of itself is a varied and wide-reaching industry. Each type of farm, from livestock to arable, has its own set of legal and logistical considerations. Understanding these specific needs is crucial for ensuring compliance and creating a smooth conveyancing transaction. Later this month we are hosting a webinar in partnership with Landmark Information Group, to help you understand these specific needs and the challenges posed in agricultural conveyancing. We will take a deep dive into the risk associated with this type of land use, uncovering agricultural-specific considerations as well as practical advice of what to do next. Supported by recent agricultural case law and an understanding of how the environmental reports are produced, we will discuss how you can understand the land’s historic activities, alongside any ongoing management factors, to mitigate the risk of liability for the landowners. If you are interested in furthering your knowledge in this specialised area, sign up to come along.

Agricultural conveyancing in East Anglia presents a unique set of challenges that require specialised expertise and a deep understanding of the region's farming landscape. From navigating complex legalities to addressing the diverse needs of farming enterprises, conveyancing professionals play a key role in facilitating property transactions that sustain the region's agricultural heritage. Contact us to find out more about how we can help and to take advantage of our services to make navigating these transactions easier. Don’t let commercial land transactions be more work than they need to be.  

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