New data looking at the current market trends for land and development investment in England has highlighted a strong demand for land-only and farming plots among developers throughout England. The research analysed demand for various types of development plots across the country, based on the number of land plots that have already gone under offer or sold subject to contract.
Strong overall development plot demand
The research indicates that the overall demand for development opportunities is high, with 47 per cent of all development plots already under offer or sold subject to contract.
The East of England leads the way, boasting a demand level of 54.5 per cent for development plots, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (52.9%) and the South West (50.5%).
Land-only and farming plots most popular
When examining demand for different plot types, land-only plots emerged as the most popular choice among developers, with 48.4 per cent of such plots across England already snapped up. Agricultural and farmland plots followed closely behind, with 47.3 per cent secured, while residential development opportunities ranked next (39.4%), trailed by industrial sites (37.2%) and commercial development plots (35.9%).
Demand score is based on the number of land plots that have already gone under offer or sold subject to contract as a percentage of all available listings.
Regional variations in demand
Regionally, land-only plots remain the most sought-after development opportunities in London (36.4%), the North East (34.9%), North West (44.7%) and South East (48.5%). Conversely, farming plot opportunities are most in-demand in the South West (75%), Yorkshire and the Humber (75%) and West Midlands (57.1%). The East of England has seen the highest demand for commercial plots (55%), while the East Midlands experienced the strongest interest in industrial sites (50%).
Mitchell Fasanya, Co-founder and CEO of development land sourcing specialists Searchland, which conducted the research using data from a sample of 9,367 available land plots on Rightmove, commented: “Despite the wider economic landscape there remains a robust appetite for the development of all land site types across England, but it’s certainly land only and agricultural plots that are proving the most popular amongst investors and developers.
This is hardly surprising given the clean slate that a land only plot provides and the time and cost saved during the development stage as a result.”
Fasanya also observed that developers are increasingly looking to the agricultural sector for land suitable for commercial projects, such as logistical sites and warehouse storage, particularly in regions with a prominent agricultural heritage, such as Yorkshire and the South West.
