Fisher German’s offices in Stafford and Banbury both held very successful March auctions.

Stafford office held its auction on 13 March at The Green Man in Ashbourne. In total, seven lots were offered – all at Offcote, near Ashbourne. With six lots of land ranging from 3.4 acres of pony paddock land to a sizeable 97 acre block of more commercial agricultural land, there was plenty to suit most requirements, including tax-driven purchasers. It was the first lot however that caused the greatest stir. ‘Annie’s Meadow Barn’, a delightful stone barn in an outstanding area of the Derbyshire Dales, With the benefit of planning permission for a holiday cottage, was guided at £80,000 - £100,000. When bidding finally ended the hammer fell at £170,000. “Our clients were delighted with the result” James Pegrum of Fisher German’s Stafford office reported. “It is particularly pleasing as we have been involved in the whole process, from achieving the planning consent to this very successful sale”.

The six lots of land followed - all selling on the night. James Pegrum went on to say “with the land market booming, we were confident the land would achieve good prices. The largest block sold for about £4,430/acre, whilst the smaller parcels made between £6,000/acre - £7,000/acre”. Single Farm Payment entitlements were available on most lots in addition, at a fixed price. James Pegrum concluded “Not only were our clients pleased with the prices achieved, we have also secured a Capital Gains Tax saving by contracting before the new tax year when the new 18% flat rate CGT regime becomes effective”.

Banbury office held its auction on 19 March at The Banbury Cricket Club. There were 10 lots on offer with results listed below.

Lot one South Newington - Guide £50,000 sold for £95,000
Lot two South Newington - Guide £60,000 sold for £112,000
Land at Evenley - Guide £85,000 not sold.
Plot at Mollington - Guide £175,000 sold for £190,000
Redevelopment at Priors Hardwick - Guide £375,000 sold for £430,000
Lot one at Byfield - Guide £35,000 sold for £42,000
Lot two at Byfield - Guide £35,000 sold for £53,000
House at Silverstone - Guide £300,000 sold for £355,000
58 at Stoke Lyne - Guide £290,000 sold prior
44 ac at Mixbury - Guide £220,000 sold for £287,000

Trends in Agricultural Tenure in England and Wales 1990-2007
Making Millions from Wind Farms
Farmers Understand the Carbon Footprint Science