Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Payne Hicks Beach is one of the few London firms that remains fully committed to an agricultural practice alongside landed estates.

Our expertise in agricultural work means that we are able to provide a seamless and wide ranging service to landowners. This often includes advice on key factors such as tax, finance, investment, succession and the structuring of property ownership.

The scope of work which we commonly undertake and for landowners includes:

• planning the ownership and management of landed estates and farm
• ​sales and acquisitions of landed estates and farmland across the country
• first registration of large tracts of land
• trespass and the protection of mineral rights
• diversification and development schemes, ie in relation to alternative energy schemes
• taxation advice on farming businesses and guiding clients through the difficult process of generational change and succession planning for landed estates inc. major trust and farming business reorganisations
• development and planning issues
• tax matters such as maximising agricultural/business property relief and entrepreneurs' relief  
• advice for agricultural businesses including farming partnerships, companies and joint ventures  
• land and employment disputes  
• liaising with accountants, land agents and other professional advisers.

We offer clients a dedicated, extensive and full service supported by partners, solicitors and trust administrators working on both private client and property matters.