For some, taking on a smallholding is seen as an opportunity for a lifestyle change and coincides with a move to the countryside. Families might be inspired by the idea of bringing up their children to learn about the land, while retirees might see a smallholding as providing a focus for their next chapter. 

For others, a smallholding may provide a route into farming, or a way out of a larger enterprise into semi-retirement. 

Typically, any small farm under 50 acres (20 hectares) is classed as a smallholding. They represent a significant proportion of UK farms – particularly in Wales where 55% of farms are smallholdings, according to Senedd research published in 2022. 

Increasingly, many smallholders are combining more traditional practices such as raising animals and growing fresh produce, with other ventures – with leisure and tourism-related activities proving a particularly popular way of supplementing the income generated by farming. 

With more people interested in buying local, small-batch produce and its associated emphasis on quality, smallholders tend to be valued in the communities they serve. For those who choose to open their smallholding up to the public, for example by providing a farm shop or café, they can become a great community hub. 

If you are interested in owning a smallholding, it is important to do your research. There is plenty of information and support available to help you get your dream off the ground – including courses and volunteering opportunities. 

In terms of the property itself, there is plenty of choice available, from very small properties of one or two acres, to larger, more established operations, and edge-of-town and village locations to much more rural properties.

Whether you are planning your first foray into small-scale farming or simply looking to shift gears, our choice of smallholdings can offer a thoroughly rewarding way to live and use the land around you.

Further information

Contact Dan Rees