Words from Richard Foxon, managing director.
Our review of 2025
As we near the end of 2025, we reflect on what has been a successful year of growth at Newton, and influences that have defined our industry over the past 12 months.
We are proud to have added three new members to our team, Olivia Barker joined us at the start of the year as a graduate surveyor, Cathy Dudey as executive assistant, and most recently Louise Duffin as associate director, all bringing a wealth of expertise to the business.
We have further recruitment on the immediate horizon, and to support this growth, we have moved into a larger office at @Stockton House, setting the stage for an exciting future.
As a business, we continue to position ourselves as industry experts across the land, development and rural sectors. The unrelenting dedication, commitment and hard work of the team throughout 2025 paid off as we overcame strong headwinds to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Amongst our achievements, the transactions we completed at Pickford Gate, Coventry were awarded ‘property deal of the year’ at the Insider West Midlands Property Awards. Our apprentice, Jessica Hopkins was also nominated for - Agricultural Student of the Year at the British Farming Awards and Young Farmer of the Year by Farmers Weekly, which is testament to her efforts.
Despite the market lacking confidence, we bucked the trend through 2025 with 15 consented development land transactions, which have capacity to deliver almost 3,000 new homes and generate almost £175 million in land value. This wouldn’t be possible without the perseverance of the team, who have had to overcome many bumps in the road, but have always found a way to get these deals over the line.
Our rural team has concluded some excellent off-market farmland transactions and continue to provide valuation and professional advice to assist with succession and inheritance tax planning. They have also been busy helping farmers and landowners adjust to changing Government support policy and dealing with a significant number of grant funding applications, ensuring clients remain resilient in a challenging environment.
Beyond our day-to-day work, our community and charitable efforts continue to be a key focus for us throughout the year. Our annual charity clay shoot raised over £50,000 for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and Cancer Research– this takes the total amount raised at the event to over £135,000 across the past four years. Next year’s date is already in the diary - Thursday 14 May 2026.
The team also tackled the Cotswold’s Way Challenge, trekking 50km in aid of the Spinal Injuries Association.
Our 2025 industry insights:
This year has been marked by a noticeable rise in demand for strategic land, driven by a more positive planning climate following changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2024. These adjustments have helped unlock opportunities, with planning applications and consents increasing across the board.
The recent Autumn Budget had a part to play this year with speculation around potential tax changes beginning way back in July, causing a period of uncertainty that slowed momentum and dented confidence, as many proceeded with caution until the waters cleared.
The residential sector urgently needs additional support through a form of ‘help to buy’ (or similar) and additional funding for S106 affordable housing, the lack of which is having a significant impact on viability and the delivery of schemes.
Also, years of under investment in utilities and infrastructure has led to capacity issues with the likes of clean water and electricity in certain areas, factors which again are likely to have an impact on delivery.
On a more positive note, we hope the recent interest rate reduction, with the prospect of further cuts in 2026, will be the catalyst for the return of confidence and economic growth in 2026.
From a rural perspective, 2025 has been tough for UK farmers, with high input costs, lower yields and commodity prices, changes to policy support and challenging weather conditions. Yet, as we look ahead, the landscape is looking more positive, crops are in the ground and looking better than they have done for many years.
Final thoughts for 2025
Before we turn off our computers to celebrate the festive season with friends and family, I would like to say a huge thank you to the incredible team at Newton LDP who continue to go above and beyond on a daily basis for the benefit of our clients.
Without our loyal clients and supporters, the growth and success we have encountered this year would simply not be possible. We cannot thank you enough for your continued support, it is very much appreciated.
We look forward to working with you all in 2026, strengthening existing relationships and building new ones.
Wishing all clients and contacts a Merry Christmas and prosperous, happy and healthy New Year.
See you in 2026.