Agricultural Land Advice: Buying, Selling, and Leasing
Trusted Guidance for Farmers, Landowners, and Investors
Buying, selling, leasing or developing agricultural land involves a unique set of legal considerations. Agricultural property can be subject to complex ownership arrangements, rights affecting the land, tenancy arrangements and restrictions on its use. From traditional farming operations to diversification projects and investment opportunities, careful legal planning is essential to protect your land, investment and long-term interests.
At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, we provide expert advice to farmers, agricultural landowners, investors and businesses on all aspects of agricultural property transactions. We understand that agricultural land is often both a valuable financial asset and an important working resource, so we take the time to understand the wider objectives behind each transaction.
Our advice covers acquisitions, disposals, agricultural leases and tenancy arrangements, easements, rights of way and commercial financing, as well as other legal issues that can arise when buying, selling or managing agricultural land. We can also advise where agricultural land is being considered for diversification or a change in use, helping you understand the legal implications and potential risks before you commit to a project.
Whether you are acquiring additional farmland, selling part of an agricultural holding, granting or taking a lease, or exploring opportunities to generate additional value from your land, we can help you navigate the legal issues involved. Our aim is to protect your interests, minimise unnecessary risk and ensure that the legal arrangements support your commercial and long-term objectives.
Have a question? Jump to our FAQs ↓
Make a Free Enquiry Today
‘A big thank you to Simon. The whole process was very smooth, and I highly recommend EFN. I always rely on their services for any matter, and they never disappoint.’
Simon Hale
Director and Head of Commercial Property
Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?
Extensive experience advising on the acquisition, sale, and leasing of agricultural land
Expertise in easements, leases, sublets, and commercial financing
Practical solutions for farm diversification, including renewable energy projects
Clear guidance on landlord and tenant matters and land investment
Meet the team
Simon Hale
Simon is a Director and the Head of our Commercial Property Department. He has over 30 years’ experience and acts for a wide range of landlords, tenants, developers and investors on commercial property sales and purchases, leases, re-financing arrangements as well as advising on business asset sales and purchases. He has a particular interest in…
Daniel Brocklehurst
Dan joined the firm as a newly qualified solicitor in 2021. He completed his Law and Criminology LLB, Law LLM and LPC at Nottingham Law School. Dan is part of the Commercial Property department and is involved in property sales & purchases for investors and developers. Outside of work, Dan enjoys watching and participating in…
(0115) 922 1591
Daniel.Brocklehurst@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Daniel Brocklehurst is based at our Beeston Office.
View profile
Jackie Abbott
Jackie has worked within the Commercial Property and Charity areas of law for over 21 years’ acting for individuals, companies and charities covering all aspects of property transactions including freehold and leasehold property. Jackie also has experience with properties to be sold or purchased at auction. Prior to moving over to Commercial Property, Jackie had…
01773 821 665
jackie.abbott@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Jackie Abbott is based at our Belper Office.
View profile
Simon Chevassut
Simon is a Solicitor currently working in the Commercial Property Department at our Beeston office. His work is varied and he enjoys working with churches, charities and businesses on a purchase, sale, lease, and property trusteeship transfers. He regularly assists individuals with independent guarantee advice appointments when they are buying or re-financing a property through…
0115 922 1591
simon.chevassut@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Simon Chevassut is based at our Beeston Office.
View profile
Bethan Chart
Bethan Chart is a Paralegal in the Commercial Property team at our Beeston office. Bethan first came to Nottingham to study Law at the University of Nottingham. After graduating, Bethan joined the Property Department at Ellis-Fermor & Negus with a focus on commercial and charity property. Bethan can assist with sales and purchases as well…
0115 922 1591
bethan.chart@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Bethan Chart is based at our Beeston Office.
View profile
Sophie Garner
Sophie began her time at Ellis-Fermor and Negus on Reception and quickly worked her way up to Secretary. As of July 2024 she is a Paralegal in the Property department. Sophie is also the Beeston Office Manager. Common areas of work include Company and Individual Buy to Lets, Auctions, Remortgages and Lease Extensions. In her…
0115 922 1591
sophie.garner@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Sophie Garner is based at our Beeston Office.
View profile
Noah Boswell
Noah is a Paralegal in our Commercial Property Department at Beeston. He graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BArch in Architecture before joining us as a Secretary in late 2023. As of September 2025, he is now working as a Paralegal. Outside of work, Noah lives with his wife Kate in Beeston. They enjoy…
0115 922 1591
noah.boswell@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Noah Boswell is based at our Beeston Office.
View profile
Reviews, what our clients are saying…
FAQs: Agricultural Land Advice
Agricultural land transactions differ significantly from residential or commercial property deals. Key considerations include:
- Land Use and Diversification: Farms may be used for multiple purposes beyond traditional agriculture, including change of use to retail/ leisure facilities, to renewable energy projects such as solar farms or battery storage.
- Leasing and Tenancy Agreements: Agricultural leases (and Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs) often include provisions for land use, crop rights, rent reviews, and succession arrangements.
- Sale Considerations: Factors such as access rights, restrictions on land, environmental designations, and development potential influence sale price and investment value.
- Contractual and Financial Requirements: Farm acquisitions, lease arrangements, and diversification projects may involve complex contracts, financing, and rights of way.
Early legal guidance ensures that transactions are structured to protect long-term interests, minimise risk, and secure practical solutions for farm and estate owners.
Acquiring agricultural land requires careful due diligence and negotiation. Key steps include:
- Reviewing title documents to identify restrictions, covenants, or rights of way, such as any historic agricultural ties
- Assessing lease or licence obligations if the land is tenanted
- Negotiating sale contracts that reflect the land’s use and future potential
- Advising on commercial finance arrangements to fund the acquisition
Proper legal advice ensures that land acquisitions are structured to support both traditional agricultural operations and income-generating diversification projects.
Selling farmland or estates requires strategic preparation to maximise value and protect your interests. Our services include:
- Preparing sale documentation, including title, covenants, and rights of way
- Negotiating terms of sale, including transitional arrangements for ongoing farming operations
- Managing transactions to ensure smooth completion
If you are buying, selling, or leasing agricultural land—or exploring farm diversification projects—our team can provide specialist legal guidance:
• Phone:
0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)
0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)
0115 922 1591 (Beeston)
01773 821665 (Belper)
01773 744744 (Ripley)
• Email: infomation@ellis-fermor.co.uk
• Online Enquiry: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us
Get clear, confidential agricultural land advice today