This renewed confidence has driven a 14% increase in farm sales nationwide as shown in the REINZ New Zealand Rural & Lifestyle Report for the 12 months ending June 2025. This includes Dairy Farm sales, which are up 28%; Dairy Support Blocks, up 115%, and Grazing Farms, which have increased by 23%. 

Selling your farm is a big decision, and one that should not be taken lightly. To achieve a successful sale and maximise your return, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. 

Have a plan before selling your farm

Before you start, it is crucial to understand what you want to achieve from the process. What is your next step, once the farm is sold? The process of selling your farm can be lengthy and has more than its share of challenges. Having a clear set of objectives will help with decision-making and help keep you on track. 

Speak to your rural professionals 

It is essential to involve your team of rural professionals in the discussion early to ensure everybody understands what you want to achieve and is on the same page. It is in the best interests of everyone around the table to operate on a no-surprises model. 

Let’s look at who you need and how they can help… 

Accountant: It is important to use the appropriate asset values in the sale and purchase agreement. There are also specific tax and GST rules that may apply around the sale of forestry, carbon credits and livestock. It is well worth spending the time at the start of the process to ensure that you get both the values and the process right. There can be significant tax consequences with a farm sale, and your accountant can help minimise these. 

Lawyer: Every situation is unique. It is important to work alongside your lawyer to ensure all the relevant farm terms are included in your contract. It is equally important to make sure you fully understand your farm management obligations under the contract. 

Bank: Do you have your bank’s support for selling the farm? What about your planned next move – do you have the appropriate securities in place for your next step and will the bank require a repayment of existing debt? Also, are there potential break fees for breaking fixed-term loans? 

Real Estate Agent: Agents have access to the latest market data and can provide valuable insights into how your farm compares with others currently on the market. This will help establish a competitive price point, determine the best time to list and select the most effective method of sale. In addition, they can offer practical tips on presenting your farm in a way that highlights its strengths and appeals to prospective buyers. 

Will your farm infrastructure meet the needs of potential purchasers? 

Conducting an honest review of the farm's infrastructure is crucial – and it would be timely to partner this with a health and safety review. Your infrastructure review should consider whether: 

• There are any major areas on the farm that will make it less appealing and ultimately more costly to a potential purchaser. 

• The farm's tracks, fencing and water lines are up to standard. 

• Its dwellings are compliant with Healthy Home Standards. 

• The dairy shed and farm infrastructure meet the requirements set by the dairy companies to allow supply. 

• The farm has its own reliable water supply. This may sound like a given, but there have been examples of family farms going on the market with a long-term handshake agreement with a neighbour to source water from their land. While it may have worked in the past, it may not be commercially viable or something that works in a contract. 

• The effluent consent is due for renewal anytime soon. If so, will the farm qualify for a renewed consent? Does the land's topography allow for the farm to satisfy the new rules around the discharge of effluent into and around waterways? 

• The effluent system is in good shape. Investments in effluent infrastructure are not cheap. If an upgrade is required in the short term, can it be done in an economically viable way, so the farm can earn a return on the investment? 

If you have hard-to-resolve issues with the farm’s infrastructure, then it might be time for a larger discussion on the long-term viability of the property under its current use. Perhaps it is no longer a dairy farm that you're selling, but potentially a dry stock block? 

Other considerations when selling your farm 

Does the farm have sufficient grass cover? Sale and purchase agreements will include a minimum coverage required on settlement. Understanding what is needed and having a plan to ensure you meet the contract requirements is essential. 

Does the current dairy platform rely on leased land or support blocks? If so, are those leases transferable to the purchaser? If not, what is the economic effect of losing that land and how does it affect the value of the farm? 

Does the data support the sale price you are aiming for? Purchasers will want to review the farm's fertiliser and milk production history. 

Lastly, remember that first impressions matter. To achieve the best price possible, you need to showcase a well-maintained, high-quality, tidy farm. 

– Do you need help with ensuring that your accounts are accurate and reducing the tax impact of selling your farm? Our accountants are here to help! We also provide a range of other agribusiness solutions.