Demand for rural land grows

Scotland’s rural land market is experiencing significantly increased demand but the amount of land coming to market has remained largely the same, according to a report published by the Scottish Land Commission. The report says non-farming investors are now playing an increasing role. This includes growing demand for smaller farms as lifestyle holdings, interest from investors in plantable land for forestry and established forestry, and corporate interest in estates. The report also finds that nearly half of all estates purchased in Scotland in 2021 were sold to corporate bodies, investment funds or charitable trusts. Sales taking place off the market have increased across all land categories in the last two years. www.landcommission.gov.scot