Rural land and business

From land sale and purchase to agricultural tenancies, mineral rights to tidal river schemes, and multi-million pound development and renewable energy projects, we cover every aspect of Rural Land and Business. We build lasting relationships with traditional landowners, private investors, and commercial clients. Our deep knowledge of the field is complemented by the time we invest in understanding their unique needs and concerns.

Our modern, commercial, and efficient approach sets us apart from other firms in this sphere, it is what makes us one of the UK’s foremost Rural Land and Business practices.

Unlike others, we don’t wait for issues to arise. We pre-empt challenges and provide focused, commercial solutions. Our clients depend on us, and we value the respect we’ve earned over generations. Taking the long view, we prioritise trust and confidence in the advice and service we provide.

Forsters’ collaborative approach across Private Wealth and Real Estate ensures we understand our clients’ needs and stay ahead of industry developments. Our clients are ahead of the curve, and so are we.

We have specialist expertise in the following areas:

“Pragmatic, friendly, communicative and knowledgeable.” Legal 500, 2024 the team’s expertise is acknowledged in the leading legal directories, receiving top rankings in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners guides.

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From city to country

Helping you navigate the perks and quirks of buying a home.

There are numerous legal peculiarities to be aware of when purchasing a property in England and Wales.

Read our feature

Track record

Notable family estate

We act for a renowned family estate, and have done so for many years, dealing with their property holdings in both London and the country. The client operates an Estate Management Scheme and we have managed that on their behalf for many years.

Significant estate sale

Our team facilitated the sale of an estate comprising of an historic Benedictine Priory, cottages, lodges and fishing rights, with a variety of residential and commercial licences and a prominent fishing business.

We also advised on the company restructuring which was part of the sale, as three companies, a settlement, and two interposing trusts of land were involved.

Prolific estate in the Midlands

We act for a 20,000 acre estate in the midlands with a substantial farm in operation. The estate entities include several trusts, LLPs, companies and a registered charity. It includes a significant art collection and an historic castle.

BNG Habitat Bank creation agreement

We are acting for an estate to create a habitat bank of Biodiversity Units available for registration on the Biodiversity Gain Site Register for sale to developers for off-site biodiversity mitigation. We are negotiating an agreement with the local authority to recognise the habitat bank and the units created and to recommend them to developers within its area. It will be one of the first habitat banks created and one of the first agreements of this nature.

Purchase of an historic estate

We led the purchase of a significant historic estate comprising of a Jacobean Mansion House, conference and lecture theatres, a training centre, offices, cottages, lodges, and large residential blocks with a variety of residential and commercial licences in place, situated within 260 acres.

We drew on our expertise in rural property, tax, planning, property litigation and employment to deliver a holistic service. Our team worked with the client to ensure their future aspirations for the estate could be met whilst remaining sympathetic to the history and nuances of an estate of this size.

Strategic land project

We recently advised a landowner on the negotiation of a strategic land development agreement at the Cambridge end of the Oxford – Cambridge Arc over a site also of approximately 1,300 acres with plans for up to 8,000 new homes and major infrastructure improvements, including a link road and a railway station. The agreement structure is a hybrid promotion/option agreement, with the promoter having the right to acquire part of the site. The legacy of the development is an important factor to the family, so a well renowned local housebuilder is part of the agreement, to ensure delivery of quality housing.

Meet our team

Adam Saunby
Adam Saunby

Senior Associate, Rural Land and Business

Lily Rae
Lily Rae

Paralegal, Rural Land and Business