Agricultural land prices and rents forecast to rise by 4%
Modest growth in land prices and rental rates is forecast for 2026, with both the price of agricultural land and rental values expected to increase by 4% on average this year.
That was a key finding from the SCSI/Teagasc Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook 2026, published today, April 28.
In the report, auctioneer and valuer members of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), operating in the agricultural sales and rental market, describe an active and competitive market with prices underpinned by strong demand and a continued scarcity of available land.
The report found that the average national price for good quality agricultural land in 2025 was €14,126, an increase of 7% on the previous year. Meanwhile, the average national price for poor quality agricultural land was €6,963 per acre, an increase of 5% on the previous year. At provincial level, rental prices are expected to rise by 3% on average in both Leinster and Munster and by 5% in Connacht/Ulster.
Key points
- National average farmland sales prices and rental prices forecast to rise by 4% in 2026
- Average national price for good quality agricultural land in 2025 is €14,126 an increase of 7% on 2024
- Average national price for poor quality agricultural land was €6,963 per acre up 5%
- The most expensive land overall is in Wexford where the average price of an acre of good quality land is €19,226
- The least expensive land is in Leitrim where the average price of an acre of poor-quality land is €3,772
- Last year average land rental prices increased by 2% in Leinster, 17% in Munster and 18% in Connacht/Ulster
A cautious outlook
However, while land prices are expected to continue a steady upwards trajectory, the outlook this year is notably more cautious than in recent years. SCSI auctioneers and valuers say their caution reflects uncertainty over output prices, rising costs and broader economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Commenting at the launch of the report and providing a land market outlook, Dr. Frank Harrington, Chair of the SCSI’s Rural Agency and Discipline Lead of Real Estate and Valuations at TU Dublin, said strong demand for agricultural land coupled with continued low supply is underpinning strong prices.
“According to the Central Statistics Office the share of agricultural land, which transacts for sale annually is only around 0.5% of agricultural area. Not surprisingly therefore this report finds that succession and probate sales are among the most common sources of land coming to market. In a competitive market, dairy farmers continue to be identified by agents as the most active buyer group in the agricultural land market, followed by drystock farmers and tillage farmers.”
Dr. Frank Harrington noted that although favourable conditions in the dairy and beef sectors supported increased sales activity during 2025, the report also highlights emerging constraints that are increasingly influencing decision making across the sector.
“Price volatility, rising input costs, regulatory requirements and wider geopolitical uncertainty are now central considerations for many farmers as they plan for the future.”
Additionally, Dr. Harrington said that farm consolidation is an ongoing trend being witnessed, noting: “this reflects the operational efficiencies and long-term security larger holdings can provide within modern farming systems. Allied to this is the growing importance of long-term leasing which has become a central pillar of the Irish agricultural land market rather than a peripheral feature.”
Regional variation
Regional variations remain pronounced, commented Dr. Harrington, noting: “While Leinster continues to record the highest average land values, Connacht and Ulster experienced the strongest growth in 2025, reflecting a combination of previously lower value levels, changing demand patterns and the influence of nontraditional buyers in some areas.
“SCSI members reported demand for poorer and marginal land has been supported in some areas by forestry-related activity. In border counties such as Monaghan and Donegal, agents also reported evidence of cross border demand with purchasers from Northern Ireland active in the market for both farming and investment purposes. These buyers were noted to have strong purchasing capacity.
“The relatively modest percentage increases in land values in Munster may reflect a period of stabilisation following strong increases recorded in 2020 and 2024 and the rising input costs and risks in the sector.”
Dr Harrington says that while 2025 was a strong year overall for the market, this year will be more challenging with increased uncertainty expected to pressure farm profitability.
“Energy and fertiliser prices have increased sharply driven by the war in the Middle East. The heightened risks and uncertainty are expected to influence land market behaviour, with farmers adopting a more cautious approach to land purchases.”
For full insights, view the Annual Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook 2026 here.
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