Updated October 2026
In short: Renting a farm can mean two very different things: a working agricultural holding let on a Farm Business Tenancy, or a farmhouse with some land let on a residential tenancy with a separate grazing licence. Working farms are competitive and landlords look for a strong business plan. Lifestyle farms suit people who want space, animals and a rural home.
| Type | Agreement | Typical tenant | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working farm | Farm Business Tenancy (FBT) | Farmers and new entrants with a business plan | Rent, term and repairing obligations negotiated; tenders common |
| Starter or county council farm | FBT | New entrants | Councils offer starter farms in some areas |
| Farmhouse with land | Residential tenancy + grazing licence | Families, equestrians, smallholders | Two agreements with different terms |
| Bare land | FBT or grazing licence | Neighbouring farmers, graziers | Seasonal or annual arrangements |
Applying for a working farm
What landlords and land agents usually want to see
- A business plan with cash flow forecasts
- Relevant experience and qualifications
- Access to working capital, machinery and livestock
- Plans for environmental schemes and soil health
- References from previous landlords or employers
Lifestyle farm rentals
For a farmhouse with land, check exactly which land, buildings and stables are included, who maintains fences and hedges, the water supply to fields, and any restrictions on animals or business use. Rural homes often have oil or LPG heating and private drainage, so budget accordingly.
How Fraser Bond helps
| 1 | Brief Working farm or lifestyle rental, area, acreage and budget. |
| 2 | Search Farms and rural homes to rent, including off-market opportunities. |
| 3 | Prepare Help with applications, tenders and business plans for working farms. |
| 4 | Agree terms Negotiation of rent, term and responsibilities. |
Landowners and farm owners
- Letting farmhouses, cottages and land
- Advice on the right agreement for each part of the holding
- Tenant finding and management
Related guides
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