Why garden centres are attracting serious investment in 2025

2025 is proving to be a strong year for garden centre transactions, and at Christie & Co we have so far completed 18 deals since the start of the year, including eight leasehold sales, which indicates a noticeable shift from the traditionally freehold-dominated market. These longer leases, typically structured over 30-year terms, are mostly being taken up by larger garden centre groups, reflecting their confidence in long-term operational performance and strategic site planning.

This trend was particularly evident in the re-letting of many of the former Dobbies sites, which were taken on by other major operators following Dobbies’ restructuring. We have seen smooth transitions at several former Dobbies sites, with leading garden centre groups stepping in to take long leases and invest in refurbishment and restocking. It’s a clear vote of confidence in the strength of these locations and the long-term prospects of the sector. Importantly, landlords have also benefited from the depth of operator demand, which reinforces the attractiveness of garden centres as freehold investments.

What’s more, 33% of buyers this year were new to the sector, highlighting the broadening appeal of garden centres to entrepreneurs and investors from outside horticulture. This influx of fresh capital and new ideas is helping to reshape the market, with buyers increasingly drawn to the sector’s blend of lifestyle, hospitality, and retail.

According to the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), outdoor plant sales rose by 12% this spring, driven by favourable weather and a renewed consumer focus on sustainable gardening. Plants remain the cornerstone of the sector’s performance, with strong seasonal demand helping many operators deliver solid year-on-year growth.

Alongside this, garden centre restaurants and cafés have become increasingly important, contributing significantly to footfall and revenue. HTA data shows catering sales were up 16% year-on-year in March, and this strength has continued through the summer. Hospitality is no longer a secondary offering, it’s a core part of the garden centre experience and a key driver of profitability.

With strong trading fundamentals, diversified income streams, and increasing flexibility in ownership models, garden centres are proving to be a compelling investment opportunity in today’s retail landscape.

Christie & Co will be attending GLEE in September, with Tom Glanvill, Mark Lavery, and Andy Birnie on hand to meet garden centre owners and operators. They look forward to discussing your plans and aspirations for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.

For a confidential discussion about your garden centre property, disposals or acquisitions, contact Tom Glanvill, Director – Garden Centres & Retail, at tom.glanvill@christie.com or +44 7526 176391.