Western Australia’s farmland market experienced significant growth in 2025, particularly in regions known for higher rainfall and robust broadacre cropping. According to Mark Murray, chairman of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) Rural Committee, both buyers and sellers generally received fair value for their properties throughout the year.
Murray noted that weather conditions played a crucial role in the market’s performance. “After a season start that could have been better, conditions across most of the State during winter and spring were very conducive to cropping and grazing,” he said. Many broadacre farmers reported exceptional crop yields, alongside favorable prices for sheep and cattle. This combination has contributed to heightened confidence among farmers.
As 2025 began, many farmers sought to increase their land holdings. “There were a lot of over-the-fence sales and sales of add-on blocks,” Murray remarked, highlighting the ongoing trend among broadacre farmers to expand their operations. Despite a typical slowdown in the rural real estate market as farmers shifted focus to planting, a robust spring surge occurred. However, stock levels remained low, mirroring trends from the previous six years.
Market Dynamics and Future Outlook
Murray pointed out that the strong competition among buyers for the limited properties available helped maintain property values. “Now with harvest wrapping up, attention will turn to property purchases again,” he stated, indicating that farmers considering retirement or exiting the industry will soon prepare their holdings for sale.
Overall, 2025 proved to be advantageous for both buyers and sellers. “People who wanted to step out of land ownership got good recompense, and those seeking to buy—especially those expanding their holdings for scale—did so with confidence in the market,” Murray explained. He emphasized that when both parties feel satisfied with their transactions, it reflects positively on the market.
Looking ahead to 2026, Murray expressed optimism about the confidence farmers have in their operations. “With a solid harvest, farmers seem poised to explore their next land purchases,” he noted. However, he cautioned that buyers would be prudent, adhering to reasonable valuations amidst ongoing interest rate stability.
Murray also mentioned that the REIWA Rural Committee plans to advocate for measures aimed at reducing regulatory pressures faced by farmers in Western Australia. A particular focus will be on water rights as expected legislation emerges. “We on the REIWA Rural Committee expect water legislation to be a top government priority this year,” he said, emphasizing the need for the agriculture sector to ensure its interests are prioritized within any new regulatory framework.
Additionally, private property rights are anticipated to be a significant discussion point in the coming year, and the committee intends to closely monitor developments in this area. As the 2025 property season concludes, Western Australia’s rural real estate market appears well-positioned for continued growth and opportunity in the future.
