The Scottish Land Commission’s 2024 Rural Land Market Data Report shows that in 2023, the total area of forestry sold in Scotland fell 54% compared to 2022.

The report also highlights a big reduction in the overall market value of forestry sales.

From a peak of £286 million in 2021, forestry sales in Scotland plummeted to £70 million in 2023, marking a 75% drop in market value over two years.

The Data Report provides critical insights into farmland, forestry, and estate transactions from 2020 to 2023 based on data from Registers of Scotland (RoS).

The report reveals that just 0.5% of Scotland’s land changed ownership in 2023, reflecting a slowdown in sales activity compared to previous years.

“The reduction in transactions and the smaller areas of land sold were primarily driven by a sharp decline in forestry land sales,” said the report.

“Although forestry previously contributed to significant price growth, especially in the South West, this trend has stabilised …”

Policy and Practice Lead at the Scottish Land Commission, James MacKessack-Leitch, said, “The Rural Land Market Data Report is crucial for building a clear understanding of Scotland’s land market.

“Despite challenges with the data, the report reveals clear trends, such as low market activity in large-scale transactions and a cooling of the forestry land market.

“By improving the quality and transparency of market data, we can gain the insights needed to identify opportunities to create a vibrant and transparent rural land market which is key to creating more opportunities for communities, businesses, and individuals to own and benefit from Scotland’s land.”