The Ultimate Guide To Buying Farms For Sale In Tasmania

Your Guide to Finding Farms For Sale In Tasmania

Tasmania is emerging a farming powerhouse. With ideal growing conditions, affordable land, relative freedom from disease and pests, and abundant water resources, it is no wonder the ‘Apple Isle’ is becoming a destination of choice for agri-businesses and food manufacturers.

Why Invest In Tasmanian Farm Land

Climate advantage

Tasmania boasts an ideal farming environment with a temperate maritime climate, cooled by prevailing westerlies off the Southern Ocean, providing regular rainfall and conditions that are generally free from extremes in temperature, according to the Department of State Growth.

There is also a lower risk of extreme weather events such as heat waves and hailstorms that affect many other key agricultural regions.

What’s more, the state’s climate is not predicted to change as rapidly as other Australian regions and therefore climate change is not likely to impact significantly on the state’s suitability for agricultural investment.

Farmland around Burnie - Tasmania boasts ideal growing conditions, clean environment, affordable land, and abundant water. Photo: S.Group 

Biosecurity

As an island, Tasmania has an obvious biosecurity advantage – protected by strong biosecurity standards which are at the core of the Tasmanian brand.

Its natural environmental values and quality produce rely upon the state’s relative freedom from pests, diseases and weeds.

Tasmania’s relative pest-free status offers additional opportunities to access a variety of international markets that are closed to other regions.

Brand recognition

Tasmania has a reputation for high-quality products that meet consumers’ growing focus on quality, provenance, environmental sustainability and ethical production practices – especially those buying higher-value products.

This was recognised by the state being awarded 2021 Place Brand of the Year at the City Nation Awards in London.

Raff Angus Stud on King Island - Tasmania's clean and green beef producers demand premium prices. Photo: Jasper Da Seymour

Water supply

Tasmania’s most significant natural resource advantage is water. The state comprises one per cent of Australia’s land mass yet has 27 per cent of the nation’s freshwater dam storage capacity.

Both the state and federal are continuing to develop large-scale irrigation projects to deliver reliable water to Tasmanian farms, boosting availability of irrigable land available for production purposes.

Stable workforce

Tasmania offers a highly skilled and stable workforce with Australia’s highest labour retention rates.

Further cost advantages are driven by Australia’s lowest labour cost as well as low business licensing cost, low establishment and operating costs.

Additionally, there are several Tasmanian Government programs that assist in offsetting staff training and development costs.

Farmland in Pyengana in north-east Tasmania - the state has a reputation for high-quality product. Photo: Jason Charles Hill

Transport

In most instances, Tasmanian agricultural producers are located with less than 100 kilometres between farm or factory to port, providing fast access to distribution channels.

The Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme provides financial assistance to shippers of eligible freight destined for Australian markets.

The Spirit of Tasmania also offers regular freight shipping services between Tasmania and mainland Australia’ and airports in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie provide quick and easy access to mainland Australia.

Growing production and trade

It is estimated the total packed and processed food and agriculture sector contributes approximately 15.8 per cent towards Tasmania’s Gross State Product.

About 82 per cent of Tasmania’s food and beverages are sold overseas or to other Australian states, with the state’s agriculture and food manufacturing sector produces a surplus worth more than $4.3 billion in interstate and overseas sales.

The state’s food export value increased by 8.3 per cent in 2020-2021 to $874 million, the second highest year for food exports. Products are now exported to more than 50 countries across the globe.

Myriad businesses such as cellar doors, farm shops, farmers’ markets, craft breweries, and retail outlets at food processing establishments provide lucrative channels for producers to sell directly to buyers.

Mount Gnomon Farm in Tasmania’s north-west operates its own butchery and on-farm restaurant. Photo: Jasper Da Seymour

What Types Of Farms To Buy In Tasmania

Tasmania boasts an increasingly diversified food and agricultural sector located right across the state encompassing dairy, fruit, nuts and vegetables, livestock, seafood, wheat and barley, poppies, hemp, pyrethrum and hops; as well as niche produce such as honey, truffles, herbs, flowers, bulbs and essential oils.

Dairy

Tasmania’s fertile soils and reliable rainfall support low-cost, pasture-based milk production and the processing of a range of dairy products for domestic and international markets.

The state’s dairy farmers are highly efficient with some of the country’s largest dairy herds; and lower milk production costs than most other dairy regions.

There are a range of dairy processing companies now operating in Tasmania producing a variety of products for commodity and premium markets along with a range of boutique artisan producers.

Ashgrove Cheese Daiary Door in Elizabeth Town - among a growing range of boutique artisan producers. Photo: Tourism Australia

Fruit

Tasmania is an ideal location for high-quality fruit production, including apples and pears, stone fruit and berries.

Significant plantings have seen the production of cherries of exceptional quality, grown mostly for the export market.

Tasmania’s climate provides the essential winter chill followed by a long, mild growing season to support fruit development and enhanced flavour.

The state’s stone fruit and berries have a clear, late season production advantage both within Australia and overseas, providing a clear market advantage since there are few competing production regions in the southern hemisphere.

The timing of Tasmanian production also provides counter-seasonal supply opportunities to the northern hemisphere.

Vegetables

Cool temperatures, good soils and high rainfall allow Tasmania to produce high-quality vegetables.

Production is centred in the north and northwest of Tasmania, with some activity also in the Midlands and the Coal River Valley.

Major vegetables produced in Tasmania are potatoes, onions, carrots, brassica and peas.

The state is also a major national producer of frozen vegetables with three processing plants producing frozen potato chips and other frozen vegetables.

The Truffle Farm Tasmania at Deloraine - truffles are among a raft of niche produce produced in the state. Photo: Tourism Australia

Red meat

Tasmania’s sustainable pasture-based production system, moratorium on genetically modified organisms, and ban on hormone growth promotants underpin a high-quality, differentiated product that has the potential to gain greater recognition and a premium price in high-value markets.

The state’s processors have a strong focus on quality controls, branding and quality assurance systems, allowing them to achieve premium prices and gain some protection from commodity market volatility.

Wine

Tasmania is Australia’s finest cool-climate wine producing region, already recognised for award-winning Pinot Noir, sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Riesling which attract premium prices both domestically and internationally.

There are seven wine-producing regions in Tasmania and the sector continues to grow with vineyard plantings expanding by 25 per cent over recent years, thus creating further wine processing and wine tourism developments.

Importantly, the state’s climate is not predicted to change as rapidly as other Australian regions with the forecasted temperature changes not likely to impact significantly on the state’s suitability for grape growing.

Tasmania's cool-climate vineyards are recognised for award-winning Pinot Noir, sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Riesling

How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Farm In Tasmania

The median price per hectare of Tasmanian farmland fell 24.7 per cent to $14,034 in the first half of 2023 following an exceptional period of growth in the previous three years, according to the Australian Farmland Values Mid-Year Update report compiled by Rural Bank.

The decline was on the back of a 63.9 per cent drop in the number of farmland transactions to just 60, the lowest transaction volume for a half-yearly period in the past 28 years.

The fall in values was largely driven by the Northern region while the North West and South saw median prices much closer to a year earlier. The number of transactions tightened significantly across all regions.

Farms for sale Tasmania - median prices per hectare fell 24.7 per cent to $14,034 in the first half of 2023 on the back of lower sales volumes

Farmland values in the North West remained relatively steady compared to a year earlier, while transaction volume fell to the lowest level for a half-year period in the last 28 years.

In the Northern region of the state the median price fell dramatically in the first half of 2023, dropping to its lowest point since the second half of 2019.

Rural Bank suggests this decline likely reflects the few transactions that were recorded being low-value grazing properties rather than representative of a substantial decline in property values.

Hazelbrae Hazelnuts in Hagley near Launceston - the North West boasts the most expensive farmland. Photo: Tourism Australia

Down in the South region median farmland values eased compared to an exceptionally strong 2022 but was still 66 per cent higher than two years earlier. Transaction volume tightened, however, compared to the high volume of transactions in 2022.

The decline in the first half of 2023 follows accelerated growth in 2022 when median farmland prices jumped 54.9 per cent to $22,812/ha. This was the fourth consecutive year of growth, a period of time in which the median has risen by 132 per cent.

In addition to recent growth, farmland values have been on a longer-term growth trend with a very strong 20-year CAGR of 10.9 per cent.

Farms for sale Tasmania - median farmland prices in the state have risen very strongly over the past 20 years

By region, the cheapest farmland in the state is in the Southern region comprising Derwent Valley, Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Huon Valley, Kingborough, Sorell and Tasman, where the median price sat at $15,873/ha at the end of 2022.

The most expensive farmland is in the North West region, which encompasses Burnie, Devonport, Kentish, Latrobe and Meander Valley, where the median price topped $25,583/ha.

Where To Find Farms For Sale In Tasmania

Australia’s leading rural property website farmbuy.com currently has more than 400 farms for sale Tasmania. These range from small hobby farms and lifestyle properties to large-scale cropping and livestock holdings.

If you’re looking to buy a farm for sale Tasmania, check out five of our favourite farms for sale currently listed for sale on farmbuy.com.

Farms For Sale Tasmania: 765 Back Tea Tree Road, Tea Tree (POA)

This high-quality farm for sale presents an outstanding viticulture, horticulture, cropping and livestock opportunity within the emerging viticulture region of Southern Tasmania.

This farm for sale Tasmania presents an outstanding viticulture, horticulture, cropping and livestock opportunity

‘Glen Quoin’ is a 233.1-hectare irrigation holding with a north-facing aspect and a wealth of investment potential. The agricultural holding and location present a magnificent development opportunity with lifestyle appeal.

This farm for sale Tasmania is a 233.1-hectare irrigation holding with a north-facing aspect and a wealth of potential

The Tea Tree area has traditionally been cropping and grazing. However, there has been a movement towards intensive agriculture including viticulture, horticulture and vegetable production since the development of the South East Irrigation Scheme (SEIS).

This farm for sale Tasmania is close to the Hobart CBD, adding to its lifestyle appeal

The opportunity to acquire a holding close to the Hobart CBD adds to its lifestyle appeal.

Click on the following link for more information on this farm for sale Tasmania at 765 Back Tea Tree Road, Tea Tree.

Farms For Sale Tasmania: 110 Trickett Road, Deloraine ($3.6 million+)

This idyllic private farm for sale Tasmania comprises 79.71 hectares offering multiple options from a wedding venue to horse agistment or secluded sanctuary.

This farm for sale Tasmania comprises 79.71 hectares adorned with mature oak trees and truffles

Mature oak trees with truffles adorn this property, which also enjoys uninterrupted views to the majestic Highlands.

This farm for sale Tasmania boasts uninterrupted views to the majestic Highlands

A fully serviced irrigation system plus two magnificent dams filled by winter runoff and springs provide water security.

This farm for sale Tasmania features two magnificent dams and a fully serviced irrigation system

The farm for sale boasts an attractive newly renovated, three-bedroom family home with reverse-cycle air-conditioning in every bedroom.

This farm for sale Tasmania offers an attractive newly renovated, three-bedroom family home

Located 12km from Deloraine on the North West Coast, the property currently runs beef cattle and produces truffles.

This farm for sale Tasmania is located 12km from Deloraine and currently runs beef cattle and produces truffles

Click on the following link for more information on this farm for sale Tasmania at 110 Trickett Road, Deloraine.

Farms For Sale Tasmania: 449 Chapel Road, Sassafras ($4.9 million+)

This sprawling 87-hectare (226-acre) farm for sale Tasmania is a remarkable opportunity for both seasoned farmers and astute investors.

This farm for sale Tasmania comprises 87 hectares of varied terrain, including gently sloping sections for optimal sun exposure 

Featuring a varied terrain, including gently sloping sections for optimal sun exposure and rich soil types, the farm provides a versatile canvas with the capacity to produce at least average or above-average vegetable crop yields.

This farm for sale Tasmania features rich soil types with the capacity to produce above-average vegetable crop yields

The property has previously grown crops like peas up to 13 tonne per hectare and beans up to 19 tonnes per hectare; as well as award-winning Pyrethrum and grain crops. In the past two seasons it has cut over 1,000 silage/hay bales.

This farm for sale Tasmania offers two dams with a capacity of 45 megalitres and an underground bore licensed for 206 megalitres

Notably, it features two dams with a combined capacity of 45 megalitres and an underground bore licensed for 206 megalitres. The bore is equipped with two 50hp electric motors and a lay flat hose that supplies water back to the dam, ensuring consistent irrigation. Additionally, the property benefits from water sourced from Tullamona Creek in winter and an upcoming allocation of 20 megalitres from Swiss.

This farm for sale Tasmania comes equipped with three pivot irrigation systems and one linear irrigation system

This farm also comes equipped with essential infrastructure, including three pivot irrigation systems and one linear irrigation system ensuring efficient irrigation coverage. An extensive underground system to 90 per cent of the land to water areas that the pivots do not reach. What’s more, there’s a three-bay machinery shed and a hay barn that can hold 200 bales.

This farm for sale Tasmania boasts essential infrastructure including sheds and has a successful history of livestock operations

Furthermore, the farm has a successful history of livestock operations, including 700 sheep with lambs, alongside other livestock, all while maintaining robust crop production.

Click on the following link for more information on this farm for sale Tasmania at 449 Chapel Road, Sassafras.

Farms For Sale Tasmania: 15094 Tasman Highway, Cranbrook (EOI)

Nestled in the heart of Tasmania’s renowned east-coast wine trail, this established and well-known estate presents a unique opportunity for both wine connoisseurs and investors alike.

This farm for sale Tasmania is nestled in the heart of the state’s renowned east-coast wine trail

Originally a vast farming property, the first 4.5 hectares of vines were planted in the mid-1990s, marking the beginning of its wine-making journey. Located along the Tasman Highway and picturesque Swan River, ‘Melrose’ currently boasts 26 hectares of land, with 5.5 hectares dedicated to vineyards, including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – with potential to expand plantings to around eight-10 hectares.

This farm for sale Tasmania features 5.5 hectares of vines, including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Excellent water availability is a defining feature of ‘Melrose’, with three dams ranging from one megalitre up to 22 megalitres, complemented by a 115-megalitre intake from Swan River and a 20-megalitre water licence for the Tasmanian Irrigation Scheme.

This farm for sale Tasmania has excellent water availability with three dams and river and irrigation scheme water licences

What’s more, the property features a captivating rocky outcrop on the north-east corner, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Swan River Valley, making it an ideal location for a potential cellar door that would benefit from its accessibility via the Tasman Highway and Glen Gala Road turnoff.

This farm for sale Tasmania boasts a captivating rocky outcrop offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Swan River Valley

‘Melrose’ also features a family homestead with up to five bedrooms and three living spaces, offering various room and layout options, making it ideal for a family or as a place to entertain guests.

This farm for sale Tasmania features a family homestead with up to five bedrooms and three living spaces

Located 13 minutes from Swansea, 24 minutes from Bicheno and just under two hours from Hobart or Launceston, the home has been thoughtfully designed for passive solar heating and has undergone renovations over the years to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The home on this farm for sale Tasmania has undergone renovations over the years to provide a warm atmosphere

Don’t miss your chance to own a rural vineyard property that embodies the spirit of winemaking in one of Tasmania’s most celebrated wine regions.

Click on the following link for more information on this farm for sale Tasmania at 15094 Tasman Highway, Cranbrook.

Farms For Sale Tasmania: 43 Turkey Farm Road, Glengarry ($1.65-1.75 million)

‘Glen Acres’ is an appealing 61.5-hectare (152-acre) farm for sale located in Tasmania’s North Coast with more than one-kilometre frontage to Tunks Creek.

This farm for sale Tasmania is an appealing 61.5-hectare holding located on the state’s North Coast

The property features a blend of high-producing river flats running up to some elevated rises with magnificent rural vista views.

This farm for sale Tasmania features a blend of high-producing river flats running up to some elevated rises

Previously operated as a hazelnut farm with most of the infrastructure still in place, the farm includes 500 12-year old hazelnut trees and an established fruit tree orchard.

This farm for sale Tasmania includes 500 12-year old hazelnut trees and an established fruit tree orchard

The property also comes with cattle yards, machinery shed/hay barn, plus large modern sheds previously used for hazelnut production. The current owners have erected new game-proof boundary fences to protect crops.

This farm for sale Tasmania comes with cattle yards, machinery shed/hay barn, plus large sheds previously used for nut processing

Rounding out this impressive package is a four-bedroom double brick home with two bathrooms and a large open-plan living area.

This farm for sale Tasmania offers a four-bedroom double brick home with two bathrooms and a large open-plan living area

Glengarry is in close proximity to the city of Launceston and the popular grape-growing area of the Tamar River, making this property well situated for tourism ventures.

Click on the following link for more information on this farm for sale Tasmania at 43 Turkey Farm Road, Glengarry.