Sam’s RICS Success
I joined Armitstead Barnett in October 2023, having worked as a Land Agent since 2016 while also completing a Master’s degree in Rural Estate and Land Management at Harper Adams University. One of my main reasons for joining the firm was the opportunity to further develop my professional qualifications and progress my career. A significant […]
Agricultural Land Market Trends North West England
The agricultural land market across the North West continues to demonstrate resilience despite an increasingly challenging economic backdrop for many farming businesses. While demand remains generally robust, buyer sentiment is becoming more selective as different sectors of the agricultural industry face varying financial pressures. For several years, the dairy sector has been one of the […]
The Importance of Accurate Probate Valuations
Many people will find themselves acting as an Executor of an Estate at some stage. While this can be a significant responsibility, Executors have a legal duty to administer the estate correctly, ensuring that all assets are recorded accurately, fairly, and in accordance with the law for the benefit of the beneficiaries. One of the […]
Preparing for Sustainable Farming Incentive and Capital Grants for 2026
The first round of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) is due to open on Tuesday 30th June 2026, following the recent announcement from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). For SFI26, there will be two application windows: one opening in June and a second opening later in the year, in September. Recently, the RPA released […]
Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme
The Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP) involves the replacement of six major tunnel sections along the Haweswater Aqueduct route, totalling approximately 52km. This route was originally completed in the 1950’s, with the current project aiming to ensure continued supply of drinking water. The total construction cost is estimated to be around £3 billion. This is […]
Commercial Property Market Update Lancashire & South Cumbria
The commercial property market across Lancashire and South Cumbria has continued to show encouraging signs during the first half of 2026, although activity levels have varied depending on property type and location. One trend we have noticed is an increase in instructions relating to secured lending. These have included both the refinancing of existing properties […]
Sustained Demand Supports Agricultural Land Rental Values
The 2026 agricultural land rental market remains relatively tight, with the amount of land available to let continuing to decline. This reflects cautious landlord behaviour and ongoing structural changes within farming businesses. The market is increasingly shaped by post-Brexit agricultural transition policies, the gradual removal of the Basic Payment Scheme, volatile milk and grain prices, […]
Actively creating opportunity – success at the Summer Open Home Event
Our Summer Open Home Event was another fantastic success, bringing together motivated buyers with some of the very best homes across Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire. Over the weekend of 13th – 14th June, an impressive 89 properties opened their doors. From charming cottages and countryside retreats to beautiful family homes and lifestyle properties, there […]
Proposed Changes to Commercial EPC Regulations: What Could They Mean for Property Owners and Investors?
The Government has recently published proposals to reform the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for commercial property, setting out a new direction for how energy performance may be regulated in the years ahead. Although these proposals remain subject to consultation and are not yet law, they provide a useful indication of how policy may develop […]
Can AI Value Property? Why Human Expertise and Local Knowledge Still Matter
Artificial Intelligence is changing many industries, and property is no exception. Today, anyone can ask an AI chatbot to estimate the value of a house, shop, office or investment property and receive an answer in seconds. The response is often delivered with impressive confidence and apparent certainty. The question is: does that confidence translate into […]
RICS Valuation vs Estate Agent Appraisal: What’s the Difference?
Many property owners are surprised to learn that an estate agent’s appraisal and a RICS valuation are not the same thing. Both involve assessing a property’s value, but they serve very different purposes and are prepared to different standards. Understanding the distinction can help ensure you obtain the right advice, whether you are selling a […]
The Results Are In: Why Clients Choose Us
The results are in! We have been named ESTAS Postcode Winners across Cumbria, North Lancashire, and Ribble Valley, a reflection of the service, expertise, and results we consistently deliver for our clients. Unlike many industry awards, the ESTAS are based entirely on verified customer reviews, making them one of the most trusted measures of service […]
