Raine & Horne Rural reports that the Australia-wide group's rural property sales have held steady over the last two calendar years, 2023 and 2024, with a slight increase in the number of rural properties transacted this year. 

According to Travis Wentriro, Regional & Rural Network Manager at Raine & Horne, listings for rural properties have remained on par with the previous year. This is a sign of stability in the rural property market despite initial concerns that environmental factors such as a predicted El Nino would cause major issues with agricultural production and, hence, rural property market activity. 

“We’ve seen consistent listings in 2024 – and despite the predictions of drought at the start of the year from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), we’ve had a good year in rural property sales,” said Travis. 

“The outlook for next year looks promising for the rural property sector on the back of mostly healthy commodity news.”

Sector breakdown for 2025

Rural Bank’s Australian Agriculture Outlook report for 2025 reports various seasonal conditions across the country in 2024. Timely rainfall was recorded across Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia, contrasted by drought conditions across South Australia, Tasmania, and western Victoria. 

Current forecasts from the BOM indicate above-average rainfall is likely for large parts of eastern Australia and regions of the west over the first quarter of 2025, with rainfall throughout December in particular forecast to be higher than usual. “This will be particularly advantageous for pasture growth, as well as the presentation and sale of rural properties in these regions of Australia in 2025,” said Travis.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect across various sectors:

Cattle: Demand for Australian beef remains robust, with the reduction in U.S. supply providing a favourable position for Australian farmers.

Cropping: Australian winter crop production is expected to surpass last year’s levels, though regional variability exists due to dry finishes and recent frost events.

Dairy: Australian milk production is set to rise to 8.5 billion litres, aligning with the five-year average.

Horticulture: Favourable water availability is expected to boost horticultural production in early 2025, though rainfall events in southeast Australia may affect quality.

Sheep: Lamb prices are forecasted to remain steady to slightly lower but still above five-year averages.

Wool: Reduced wool supplies are expected to support prices, but weak export demand will limit significant price increases in the next six months.

Growth and expansion at Raine & Horne Rural

On the Raine & Horne Rural front, the network now has 30 dedicated rural property sales offices servicing rural communities in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. This growth highlights the firm's commitment to supporting rural property markets across Australia.

The Raine & Horne Foundation has also proudly supported its partnership with Rural Aid, Australia’s most trusted rural charity throughout 2024. As a Bronze Partner, the foundation continues to enhance support for farmers and rural communities during challenging times. In 2024, Rural Aid provided $5 million in support to the rural community including 50 families struggling with the drought in South Australia. 

“We’ve just finished our first 12 months with Rural Aid, and we’re pleased with their work and direction,” Travis noted. “We will continue this partnership in 2025 and further support the rural community, particularly those in SA and WA, which are doing it a bit tough.”

Rebranding and technology integration

This year, the Raine & Horne Rural network was rebranded, with feedback indicating that the modern, fresh look reflects the company’s evolution into 2024. Travis underlined the importance of the brand’s rejuvenation, saying, “The new look is crisp, clean, and modern while still retaining the iconic fabric of Raine & Horne, which started in 1883 managing significant rural estates on Sydney’s then eastern fringes.”

Raine & Horne Rural’s technology-first approach, with tools such as the social media marketing platform Amplify and digital appraisal tool DigiKitPlus, has been integral to supporting the network’s 30 dedicated rural offices around Australia. Travis said, “Our technology ecosystem is among the best in the market, ensuring the rural network remains competitive and well-equipped to serve our clients effectively.”

If you’re considering buying or selling rural property in 2025, contact your local Raine & Horne Rural office for expert advice and more information.