The median price per hectare of farmland in New South Wales continued to increase throughout the first half of 2023, with prices being supported by a tightening of supply, according to the Australian Farmland Values Mid-Year Update 2023 produced by Rural Bank.
Uniquely, NSW was the only state to record growth from the second half of 2022 and has overtaken Queensland to now have the third-largest state median value at $8,649/ha, up 14.9 per cent compared to the first half of 2022, and 12 per cent higher than second half of 2022.
This was the 10th consecutive increase for a half-yearly period; over this period the median price has more than doubled, rising 112 per cent.
The median price per hectare increased for nearly all the state’s regions from the second half of 2022, with only the South East experiencing a decline.
Strongest growth was in New England and North West (+25.8 per cent), Riverina Murray (+18.3 per cent) and the North Coast (+15.9 per cent).
Median values of rural properties for sale NSW continued to increase throughout the first half of 2023
The Central West experienced a decline in median price from the peak seen in the first half of 2022 but remained 60 per cent higher than the first half of 2021.
Far West values were lower compared to the first half of 2022, although prices were in line with the second half of the year.
The median value of rural properties for sale NSW increased for nearly all the state’s regions from the second half of 2022
Farmland values in the Hunter were down from a year earlier but were higher than the second half of 2022.
The rise in median values came despite a 36.9 per cent fall in transaction to 778, the lowest volume for a half-yearly period in the past 28 years.
All regions recorded year-on-year declines in transaction volumes ranging from -18.3 per cent in the North Coast to -57.7 per cent in the Far West.
Buying a rural property can be rewarding, but if you do not have the skills and knowledge to look after the land and livestock properly, the dream can turn into a nightmare. Before you purchase a rural property for sale you should realistically and honestly assess your expectations and capabilities.
The Rural Living Handbook, produced by NSW government agency Local Land Services, provides a useful guide to purchasing a farm. It advises asking yourself some key questions before you buy.
Firstly, are you buying the property more for lifestyle reasons? Or do you plan to improve the property and receive an income from it? If so, have you done a cost‑benefit analysis?
Rural properties for sale NSW: Buying a property can be rewarding, so long as you have the required skills and knowledge
Secondly, is the activity you plan for the property suited to the landscape and capability of the land? Is there enough water of suitable quality to sustain the activity that you have in mind? Is the soil fertile and the pH appropriate for growing pasture, crops and any other produce that you want to grow? Are there good quality pastures? Are they dominated by native or introduced species? Is there enough shade and water for stock?
Thirdly, are there any existing conservation agreements or covenants, vegetation management plans or conditions of consent over part/s of the property? Does the zoning of the land allow your proposed use, or will you need to apply for a change of land use or any other permit? If there is no existing dwelling and you want one, does the land have a dwelling entitlement?
Rural properties for sale NSW: Is the activity you plan for the property suited to the landscape and capability of the land?
Fourthly, do you know the history of the property? What stock did the previous owner have? Did they sow pastures and use fertilisers? Are there any contaminated sites on the property such as cattle dips or rubbish dumps needing remediation? Are there existing or proposed adjacent land uses that will affect your enjoyment of the property?
Fifthly, are there any structures on the property and if so, what condition are they in? Are the fences in good repair and suitable for confining stock if that is part of your plan?
And, finally, are all required services provided to the property (ie phone, gas, water, sewer, internet and electricity)? If not, can they be provided economically?
As Australia’s leading rural property website, farmbuy.com offers comprehensive support for buying and selling rural property, including property listings, expert guidance, and connections with trusted agents, streamlining the buying journey for clients.
Currently there are 2,174 rural properties for sale in NSW listed on farmbuy.com, including more than 1,000 smaller acreage, hobby farm and lifestyle properties, and almost 1,400 larger cropping, horticulture, dairy, mixed farming, livestock and viticulture properties.
If you’re looking to make a ‘tree change’ to regional and rural NSW, check out five of our favourite rural properties for sale NSW under below – or click here for 2,174 rural properties for sale NSW.
‘Wallinga Creek’ is an exceptional country lifestyle property with working farm located just 3km from Mudgee.
Set on 59.87 acres (24.23 hectares) of prime agricultural land with full complement of farm infrastructure, this rural property for sale NSW is an incredible opportunity to live your rural dream.
This rural property for sale NSW is set on 24.23 hectares of prime agricultural land with extensive farm infrastructure
Representing the best of Victorian Regency style but thoughtfully incorporating the practicalities and luxuries of the modern day, the elegant home was constructed in 2006 with faithful authenticity to the aesthetics of the day.
Set amid a magnificent established garden, including orchard, the home boasts working fireplaces, along with ducted air-conditioning, and under-floor heating in the bathrooms.
The home on this rural property for sale NSW represents the best of Victorian Regency style with modern conveniences
Polished tallowwood floors and Australian red cedar create a warm, comforting ambience, accentuated by polished brass fixtures.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, with its country-style handcrafted NZ kauri island bench, porcelain sinks, butler’s pantry and huge Falcon gas cooker with electric oven.
The kitchen is at the centre of this rural property for sale NSW with handcrafted island bench, butler’s pantry, gas cooker and oven
Framed by tall windows, the adjacent family room is bathed in an abundance of natural light and looks out to the sprawling grounds. Doors lead to the shady veranda where enjoying meals or drinks al fresco is a wonderful option.
The majestic formal lounge room is perfect for special occasions. Its functional marble fireplace, decorative ceilings and huge casement windows that frame the beautiful views all combine to create a grand space.
This rural property for sale NSW features working fireplaces throughout the home, including several of the bedrooms
Secure water is assured via a high-flow equipped bore with 56-megalitre irrigation licence. The home is serviced with three 116,000-litre water tanks.
Other infrastructure improvements include a 24m x 13m x 5.5m high machinery/hay shed, a 18m x 7.8m five-bay equipment shed, double garage with workshop and full bathroom.
This rural property for sale NSW boast secure water and multiple machinery and hay sheds
Click on the following link for more information on this rural property for sale NSW at 312 Castlereagh Highway, Mudgee.
Discover 402 acres (162.6 hectares) of pure bliss, where captivating views stretch as far as the eye can see.
This rural property for sale NSW boasts an elegant and expansive five-bedroom, five-bathroom home, along with two charming Airbnb cottages, offering not just a lifestyle but an income stream that’s yours for the taking.
This rural property for sale NSW boasts an elegant five-bedroom, five-bathroom home, along with two charming Airbnb cottages
‘The Glen’, the main residence, stands as a testament to luxury living. With easy-care gardens, alfresco areas, an outdoor chess board, and a resort-style swimming pool, spa, and poolside cabana, it’s the epitome of opulence.
Exquisitely appointed, it boasts generous interiors flowing over a spacious single-level design.
The main residence of this rural property for sale NSW features alfresco areas, an outdoor chess board, and a resort-style pool
Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, light-filled living spaces, a deluxe gourmet kitchen, and wide covered verandas capture the breathtaking views, creating the ultimate entertainment-lovers’ paradise.
The property has been expertly tailored as a thriving Airbnb destination, offering an ongoing income stream from the main residence and two additional self-contained dwellings.
The main home on this rural property for sale NSW includes a deluxe gourmet kitchen and several light-filled living spaces
‘Dempsey’, a two-bedroom guest cottage, features a private spa and scenic estate views. ‘The Dale’, an oversized one-bedroom abode, also offers a private spa and picturesque countryside vistas.
Four acres of meticulously landscaped gardens envelop the main home and cottages. Further features include an 18m x 18m multi-functional farm shed, complete with a commercial-grade kitchen.
This rural property for sale NSW comes with two charming Airbnb cottages, offering not just a lifestyle but an income
Water is plentiful on this property, with seven dams, a fully functional bore, two seasonal creeks and eight tanks holding approximately 250,000 litres of drinking water.
Located just 15 minutes’ drive from the thriving regional centre of Bathurst, this idyllic haven offers both seclusion and convenience.
This rural property for sale NSW is an idyllic haven offering both seclusion and convenience just 15 miniutes from Bathurst
Embrace the opportunity to live a life of tranquillity while reaping the rewards of a successful Airbnb venture.
Click on the following link for more information on this rural property for sale NSW at 1826 Limekilns Road, Clear Creek.
Escape to the country - unpack today in Temora, and enjoy the elevated views from this sprawling 8.9-acre (3.6-hectare) rural property for sale NSW.
Offering panoramic country views and charm from the front gate and winding drive to the back paddock, this property is perfect for both indoor and outdoor living.
This rural property for sale NSW represents a sprawling 8.9-acre land holding with magificent gardens and elevated views
Strategically positioned for optimal views out every window; the flowing floorplan boasts a contemporary open-plan layout including generous family living hub.
The living area opens via glass patio doors to the vast north-facing alfresco area with polished timber decking, outdoor cooking area, pitched ceiling and fans.
The home on this rural property for sale NSW boasts a vast north-facing alfresco area with polished timber decking and cooking area
A second family room or theatre features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and a clever, hideaway office ideally set up to work from home.
The home's large, brand-new kitchen hosts gas cooktop, large 900mm electric oven, practical appliance nook and family-sized island bench.
The home on this rural property for sale NSW includes a large, brand-new kitchen with gas cooktop and 900mm electric oven
Four oversized bedrooms are equipped with built-in wardrobes, including a king-sized master suite with luxurious ensuite, walk-in shower, floating vanity, walk-in robe and separate climate control system.
The home also features a tastefully tiled three-way bathroom with walk-in shower and oversized laundry with loads of storage throughout.
The home on this rural property for sale NSW features four big bedrooms, including a king-sized master suite with luxurious ensuite
Outside is the epitome of a rural dream. Established water-wise gardens are serviced by 150,000 litres of rainwater, offset with mains water. Emphasis on sustainable living continues, with a worm-septic (never needs servicing) and 8.4kW solar grid system (plus mains power).
The thriving and established orchard benefits from the worm septic and boasts a limitless variety of fruit and citrus. Raised beds have your home-grown vegetables and herbs covered, and the huge chicken coup is shaded by trees.
This rural property for sale NSW hosts a thriving and established orchard and raised vegetable garden beds
Hone your creative skills, with a (nearly) limitless workshop space - measuring 16m x 9m with power, slab floor, 3m+ high sliding doors for caravan parking, toilet/basin, and skillion area. There is a shipping container and overhead roof attached to the workshop, plus a woodshed. The four-car carport attached to the residence can even house the tractor!
What’s more, the property features a ‘mancave’ lovingly crafted from recycled and reclaimed materials, offering a quiet space to enjoy a winter woodfire from either bricked fireplace, whilst overlooking the Narraburra Hills.
This rural property for sale NSW includes a ‘mancave’ lovingly crafted from recycled and reclaimed materials
The entire parcel is well fenced, lending itself to livestock or equine pursuits if desired with established sheep yards.
Click on the following link for more information on this rural property for sale NSW at 194 Bundawarrah Road, Temora.
A sophisticated haven of immaculate design and intuitive construction, this modern, colonial-style home with brick façade positioned on just over 300 acres (121 hectares) sets the benchmark for rural lifestyle living in Yass Valley.
Large living areas, quality finishes, the perfect family layout and picturesque north-south outlook, this one has space for living, land and water for the perfect hobby farm and presents an unmatched lifestyle opportunity, in a tightly held and extremely appealing location.
This rural property for sale NSW boasts a modern colonial-style home on just over 121 hectares of land
Boasting five bedrooms (four with walk-in-robes), two bathrooms, multiple living spaces, a spacious kitchen with a walk-in pantry, and an expansive laundry with attached storage room, this home was designed with meticulous thought toward comfort, space and modern family living.
The open-plan dining and living space features a two-way wood fireplace which also services the formal lounge. The indoor area opens to an expansive covered outdoor entertaining area with firepit and wraparound veranda.
The home on this rural property for sale NSW features an open-plan dining and living space with a two-way wood fireplace
Multiple paddocks, dams, stockyards and a large machinery shed means the property is fully equipped for light farming and lifestyle exploration, with plenty of room to store a variety of toys for work or play in the large machinery shed and expansive, flat, second site-cut in area (a short walk from the house).
With a picturesque view and fully fenced (by timber sourced and milled on the property), early morning coffees on the veranda with pets and dinners with family, friends, and young kids are relaxing and stress-free.
This rural property for sale NSW features multiple paddocks, dams, stockyards and a large machinery shed
Located on a sprawling country estate of just over 300 acres of rolling hills and bushland, this rural property for sale NSW is far from everyone and close to everything: one of the best country estates you’ll ever find and the tree change you’ve been waiting for.
Click on the following link for more information on this rural property for sale NSW at 617 Elms Road, Yass River.
This rural property for sale NSW is located in the Southern Riverina, just five kilometres west of Balranald.
‘Coogee Station’ comprises approximately 4,000 acres (1,618 hectares) of cropping country, including 1,100 acres of chemical fallow.
This rural property for sale NSW comprises approximately 1,618 hectares of cropping country in the Southern Riverina
The property boasts substantial infrastructure improvements including good fencing, two machinery sheds (24m x 18m and 40m x 18m), fertiliser and chemical sheds, and four-stand shearing shed.
What’s more, the property comes with eight megalitres of stock and domestic water, delivered via a two-inch pipeline connected from Murrumbidgee River to tanks/troughs throughout most paddocks.
This rural property for sale NSW boasts substantial infrastructure improvements including good fencing, multiple sheds and shearing shed
Topping it off is an outstanding four-bedroom brick veneer homestead with swimming pool plus second dwelling and bungalow.
‘Coogee Station’ is located on the Sturt Highway at Balranald, just under a nine-hour drive from Sydney, five hours from Melbourne and six hours from Adelaide.
This rural property for sale NSW hosts an outstanding four-bedroom homestead with swimming pool plus second dwelling and bungalow
Click on the following link for more information on this rural property for sale NSW at 44573 Sturt Highway, Balranald.
