Garden Centres
In this section, we explore the garden centre markets in 2024 and provide predictions for the sector in 2025.
Market Overview
In the first half of 2024, we transacted more garden centres than in the whole of 2023. The sales were across the board from large disposals such as Langlands to British Garden Centres and Pacific Nurseries to Planters, but also many smaller sites and a number of high-profile heritage brands including Peter Beales Roses and Hayloft Plants.
Half of all garden centres sold were bought by new-to-industry purchasers with over 90% of the transactions being on a freehold basis. 50% of the transactions included bank funding.
The much-discussed changes to planning policy are certainly helping to drive the pricing of freehold garden centres. Most are still sold on a going concerns, with just under 10% of sales in 2024 going for alternative use.
Tom Glanvill
Director - Retail & Leisure SE
Key Market Trends
As of 31 March 2024 compared with figures taken on 31 March 2023:
New Instructions and Viewings
Market Predictions 2025
- Given the high percentage of garden centres that are sold on a freehold basis, it is likely that the falling cost of borrowing in 2025 will help drive further garden centre sales and make it easier for existing operators to expand, as well as continue to spend on improvements at existing sites
- 2024 was impacted by poor weather and a very wet spring and summer. It is likely that sales of big-ticket items, such as garden furniture will be stronger in 2025
- 2024 saw more garden centre sales for Christie & Co and 2025 looks likely to see similar or higher volumes of transactions based on the current pipelines
- Garden centre groups will continue to expand through acquisition (perhaps with the exception of Dobbies)
- The impact of Government changes to the planning system could make alternative uses easier for garden centres and plant nursery buyers. This will continue to drive demand for freehold sites
Case Studies
Peter Beales Roses, Norfolk
Christie & Co were instructed to market Peter Beales Roses and the sale completed in early 2024. The business sale included the online business and all plant rights to the Peter Beales brand, which is one of the most loved heritage brands in the sector and a company with 18 Chelsea Gold Medals. The sale also included the freehold garden centre site in Norfolk.
Langlands, UK-wide
In August 2024 we completed the sale of Langlands to British Garden Centres. The sale was one of the largest transactions in the market this year and saw British Garden Centres grow to 65 sites.
Garden World, North Wales
In October 2024 the sale of two freehold garden centres trading under that Garden World brand were sold to Russell Booth, who also owns Tweedmill Shopping Outlet in Denbighshire. The sale was an extremely speedy transaction with completion occurring within three months from the commencement of marketing.