Average price for farmland now at over €13k per acre

THERE has been a notable improvement in farmland prices and activity in Ulster during 2025.

The latest REA Land Price Survey shows that Ireland’s farmland market remained resilient despite a 6.2% fall in the average non-residential price to €13,232 per acre.

The national survey also shows that demand for land continues to exceed supply in most regions.

Local REA agent, James Spring of REA Donohoe Spring based in Ballyconnell, said 2025 was positive “outside of forestry”.

“It was an excellent year for farm sales, except for forestry of any kind,” Mr Spring said, adding that increased supply in 2026 could lead to stronger overall activity.

Dermot Gunne of REA Gunne Property said that land leasing characterises much of the business in south Monaghan and east Cavan. “This is leading to a restriction in supply and not a lot of land comes for sale, but whatever comes up sells well. For example, a 35ac residential farm we sold at Corduff, Carrickmacross made €1.2M and that was bought by a farmer."

The 2025 land survey, based on interviews with Real Estate Alliance (REA) auctioneers nationwide, shows that Ireland’s farmland market remained resilient through a challenging year as demand for good-quality agricultural land continued to exceed supply across the country.

Nationally, REA agents recorded 91 farm sales in 2025, covering 2,992 acres. The average price for non-residential farmland declined by 6.2% to €13,232 per acre.

Beef farms accounted for the largest share of sales at 43%, followed by mixed farms at 26%. Tillage farms represented around 12% of transactions, sheep farms seven per cent, while dairy and forestry farms each accounted for approximately six per cent. Dairy farms are a rare feature of the market, while forestry suffered setbacks in 2025.

Ulster REA agents completed 13 transactions covering 222 acres, generating €2.212M in revenue. The average price rose to €9,950 per acre, while all sales were completed by private treaty.

The province also recorded the highest price per acre nationally in 2025, when a three-acre parcel sold for €125,000, equivalent to €41,667 per acre. Beef farms accounted for most transactions.

According to the auctioneers, rental values have also risen sharply over the past 18 months with €200 to €250 per acre now a base level for average grazing land with no entitlements, while good-quality land is achieving €350 to €400 per acre.

Looking ahead, REA agents expect Ulster’s land market to remain firm in 2026, supported by strong local demand and continued scarcity of supply.