Forestry sales boom
The British forestry market has never looked healthier


The British forestry market has never been more active. According to the Forest Market Report, launched by Savills and UPM Tilhill, 2013 has been a record year with 50% more forestry property bought and sold compared to 2012, to a total value of £97.3 million.
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The average value per stocked hectare is also up-£7,057-giving an annual average growth since 2002 of 15.4%. Savills' Jonathan Henson explains: ‘Values of properties larger than 50 hectares [123 acres] have dropped in England, but prices in Wales are outperforming them for the first time.'
The rise was driven by investors seeking a sec-ure asset, but has been bolstered by potential tax reliefs, the rise of renewable energy and improved timber prices. Shirley Mathieson of rural accountants Saffery Champness in Inverness adds: ‘Investors consider the market to be a safe haven.'
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