Rural and Agricultural Land

At Butcher & Barlow, we understand the complexities of dealing with rural and agricultural land. Whether you are looking to purchase land or need support managing the legal issues that can arise with ownership, our experienced Solicitors are here to help.

Our team has decades of expertise assisting with rural legal matters and a thorough understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector.

Many of our Solicitors themselves come from farming backgrounds, which means they bring genuine, first-hand insight to every case.

From drafting comprehensive lease agreements to advising on succession planning, we can provide tailored advice to safeguard your interests and support your goals.

Whether you are exploring investment opportunities or resolving issues with your land, you can rely on our approachable and knowledgeable team to guide you every step of the way.

Have a question? Please see our FAQs below or get in touch.

Contact our rural and agricultural land team

To discuss rural and agricultural land matters and access specialist legal support, please contact us at Butcher & Barlow.

You can call us on +44 (0)161 797 5650 or email enquiries@butcher-barlow.co.uk.

Our rural and agricultural land services

Supporting rural landowners

Buying and selling agricultural property

Buying and selling agricultural property is a significant decision that can impact your estate, small holding or agribusiness.

When dealing with the sale or purchase of rural land, it is important to seek legal advice from lawyers who understand the complexities of agricultural and rural property.

Specialist guidance ensures that you are fully aware of the legal considerations involved and any potential implications for you, your family or your business.

Our Rural and Agricultural Land Solicitors provide comprehensive conveyancing services tailored to rural and agricultural properties.

From preparing the necessary documentation to carrying out due diligence and negotiating with the other party, we can handle every stage of the process.

We will ensure your best interests are protected, offering specialist legal advice that reflects the unique nature of rural and agricultural transactions.

Estate and Succession Planning for Landowners

Planning for the future of your estate is essential to safeguard your assets and ensure they are passed on according to your wishes.

We will work with you to manage all aspects of estate and succession planning, including drafting Wills and setting up trusts designed to minimise tax liabilities and reduce the risk of disputes.

Whether you are planning ahead for future generations or considering restructuring your estate, we can offer clear, practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Biodiversity net gain

With the growing focus on environmental sustainability, landowners now have valuable opportunities to generate revenue by offering biodiversity units to developers.

We can provide strategic, tailored advice on entering these agreements, making sure they support your long-term goals and do not interfere with any existing commitments or land use.

From contract negotiation to compliance advice, we will guide you through the legal aspects of biodiversity net gain, helping you make the most of these emerging opportunities.

Farm business tenancies

Having a clear and well-drafted farm business tenancy agreement is key to avoiding disputes and ensuring the smooth running of your agricultural operations.

Our Rural and Agricultural Land Solicitors can provide advice and guidance on all aspects of farm business tenancies, from drafting clear, enforceable terms to managing rent reviews, renewals and day-to-day issues that may arise.

With our expert support, your rights will be protected and your obligations clearly defined, giving you confidence and clarity moving forward.

Succession tenancies

Succession planning for tenanted agricultural land requires careful consideration of a range of complex legal requirements, especially when passing tenancies on to the next generation.

We offer expert advice to support a smooth and successful transition, helping families retain continuity in their farming operations. Our team can assist with succession applications, negotiations and any disputes that may arise during the process.

We also act for landlords in the surrender of these tenancies, ensuring all legal obligations are met and the terms of surrender are clearly agreed. Whether you are planning for the future or managing change, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Agricultural leases

Clear, comprehensive lease agreements are essential for maintaining strong relationships between landlords and tenants.

Our agricultural experts can support you with every stage of the leasing process, from negotiating terms to drafting clear, compliant agreements that cover everything from grazing rights to renewable energy leases.

Each lease is tailored to suit your specific circumstances, helping you safeguard your interests and minimise the risk of future disputes.

Sporting rights

Rights related to activities such as hunting and fishing can be valuable assets but often require careful management.

We provide clear, practical advice on creating, negotiating or enforcing sporting rights agreements and ensuring all arrangements are properly documented. We also assist with resolving disputes and ensuring all arrangements comply with the relevant regulations.

Whether you are looking to grant, acquire or review sporting rights, our team will help you approach it with confidence and clarity.

Renewable energy projects on rural property and agricultural land

We help you understand and comply with environmental regulations affecting agricultural land.

This includes advising on mitigating impacts on local wildlife, water resources and soil quality when setting up renewable energy projects.

Our aim is to ensure that you comply with legal obligations to avoid project delays and penalties.

Buying rural land

Agricultural land usage

Agricultural land has a wide range of uses, from traditional farming to renewable energy projects. It may also include woodland, outbuildings and land which is suitable for potential residential or commercial development.

Understanding how the land is designated and whether there are any restrictions or limitations is vital before you decide to make a purchase.

We can provide clear, tailored advice to help you assess the land’s current use and future potential, ensuring you are fully informed before proceeding.

Tenancies

Tenancies for rural land and property can be complex and vary significantly depending on whether the land is used for agricultural, residential or commercial purposes.

We have extensive experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating tenancy agreements to ensure all parties’ rights and obligations are clearly outlined.

From farm business tenancies to succession tenancies, our expert advice ensures that each party’s rights and obligations are clearly defined and that the agreement complies with all relevant legal requirements. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, we are here to help you build strong, long-term relationships while protecting your interests.

Overage and options

Overage agreements may entitle sellers to share in future land value increases if planning permission or a change of use is granted.

Similarly, option agreements allow buyers to secure potential developments without committing immediately.

We provide expert advice on structuring and negotiating these agreements, ensuring they align with your goals while protecting your interests in any future land transactions or developments.

Protected areas

Purchasing land within a protected area, such as a National Park, requires a clear understanding of the additional regulations that apply.

These areas are often subject to stricter planning controls, conservation laws and land use restrictions. We can help you understand the legal implications of owning or developing land in a protected area and refer you to specialist advisors where necessary. Our Solicitors will guide you through the process, ensuring your interests are protected and that any legal requirements are addressed from the outset.

Public rights of way and access rights

Public rights of way can significantly impact how rural land is used, accessed and enjoyed.

Our Rural and Agricultural Land Solicitors can advise on existing rights of way, help you resolve disputes and support you in managing shared access arrangements.

Whether you are a current landowner or a prospective buyer, we will ensure access rights are clearly understood, properly recorded and aligned with your intended use of the land. This proactive approach helps safeguard your privacy and prevents future complications.

Renewable energy projects

Developing renewable energy projects, such as solar farms or wind turbines, can unlock valuable opportunities for landowners.

While planning and environmental considerations must be carefully managed, these projects can provide long-term income and diversification. We can support you by negotiating and reviewing lease agreements with energy developers, identifying legal risks and ensuring your interests are fully protected. Our advice is tailored to the specific needs of your project, helping you maximise its potential while safeguarding your land for the future.

Finance

Purchasing rural land often involves complex financing arrangements, whether through traditional mortgages or alternative funding sources.

We provide legal guidance to ensure that your financing is structured appropriately and that all agreements align with your wider objectives. We work closely with financial advisors to help you understand any legal implications of your funding arrangements, including how they may affect future use of the land or estate planning decisions.

Tax planning

Understanding the tax implications of owning rural land is an important part of future planning.

While we do not provide general tax advice ourselves, we work closely with a network of trusted tax advisors and can refer you to the right specialist when needed.

Once you have received tailored advice, we can put in place the legal structures or arrangements required to support it.

We will however advise on legal matters relating to Inheritance Tax (IHT), helping you to manage your affairs clearly and effectively.

Our aim is to safeguard your assets, support your long-term goals and reduce the risk of future complications.

Land purchase pricing

When buying rural land, it’s essential to understand exactly what is included in the purchase, such as buildings, fixtures and any future development potential.

While we do not carry out valuations, we can help clarify the scope of what you are buying and assist with negotiations where it is in your interest to do so.

Our expertise helps you avoid hidden costs and make informed decisions about your investment, offering peace of mind throughout the process.

Grants, schemes and subsidies

Grants, schemes and subsidies can provide valuable financial support for rural landowners.

If you are looking into environmental or stewardship schemes, we can help you understand all of the options available to you.

We can work alongside your accountant or agent to assess how any scheme might impact your long-term goals, ensuring you make well-informed decisions that support both your land use and financial planning.

Our Rural and Agricultural Land Solicitors are here to help

To discuss rural and agricultural land and access specialist legal support, please contact us at Butcher & Barlow.

You can call us on +44 (0)01606 334309 or email agriculture@butcher-barlow.co.uk

Frequently asked questions about rural and agricultural land

What are the key legal considerations when buying rural property?

When purchasing rural property, it is important to understand the legal aspects that may affect how the land can be used. Key considerations include boundaries, access rights, existing tenancies or easements and any restrictions noted on the property’s title.

We can identify where specialist input is needed regarding planning and environmental issues and refer you to trusted professionals. Our Rural and Agricultural Land Solicitors will carry out a thorough review of the legal title, highlight any potential issues and guide you through the transaction to ensure your interests are protected from the outset.

How do I manage land-related tax issues?

Tax considerations are an important part of managing rural land and planning for the future. Landowners may need to take account of Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Inheritance Tax (IHT) and potential reliefs such as Agricultural Property Relief (APR) (although this will no longer be available after April 2026) and Business Property Relief (BPR), particularly when dealing with succession planning or generating income from the land.

We work closely with trusted tax specialists and can identify when expert input is needed. Our role is to ensure that any legal arrangements involving your land are aligned with your wider goals and structured in a way that supports effective planning. We will work alongside your professional advisors to help you achieve the best outcome.

Can I develop renewable energy projects on my rural land?

Renewable energy projects, such as solar farms or wind turbines, can provide a valuable source of income for landowners but require careful legal consideration and planning.

You will need to secure planning permission, meet environmental requirements and negotiate agreements with energy developers.

We can refer you to trusted specialists in environmental and planning matters where needed. Our Rural and Agricultural Land Solicitors will ensure that all legal agreements are carefully drafted to protect your interests and reflect the long-term nature of these projects.

From lease negotiations to identifying potential land use conflicts, we will support you through every stage of the process to help you realise the full potential of your land.

Do I need a solicitor to buy agricultural or rural land?

Yes. Buying agricultural or rural land presents unique legal considerations that differ from standard property transactions, including existing tenancies, rights of way, restrictive covenants and environmental designations.

Our Rural and Agricultural Land Solicitors will conduct a thorough review of the legal title, boundaries and any rights or restrictions affecting the land.

We will provide clear, tailored advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you fully understand the legal implications before purchasing. Our goal is to protect your investment and give you peace of mind throughout the process.

How do easements and restrictive covenants affect agricultural or rural land purchases?

Easements grant third-party rights over land, such as access routes or utility installations, while restrictive covenants limit how the land can be used, for example, by prohibiting building or commercial activity.

Both can significantly affect your plans for the land, including its development potential or day-to-day use. Our Rural and Agricultural Land Solicitors will carefully assess any existing easements or covenants, explain their implications and advise on whether they can be challenged, varied or removed. Understanding these elements at an early stage helps prevent unexpected limitations and protects your long-term interests.

How does planning permission affect agricultural or rural land purchases?

Planning permission plays a key role in determining whether you can use or develop rural land as intended. Agricultural land may carry restrictions that prevent residential or commercial developments and land within protected areas can be subject to more stringent controls.

We can highlight potential planning issues during the legal review and refer you to trusted planning consultants where specialist advice is required. Our role is to ensure that any legal constraints are clearly identified and taken into account as part of your decision-making, helping you move forward with confidence.