2025 marked a strong year for the garden centre sector, with Christie & Co recording a significant increase in transactional activity. The number of garden centres we sold rose by 29% compared with 2024, signalling renewed confidence and sustained buyer interest, and reflecting the growth of our team in the North and Scotland. This growth was supported by favourable trading conditions, strategic acquisitions, and the successful re-letting of key sites.

We have also seen strong demand from corporate operators, with sales to Blue Diamond, British Garden Centres, Otter Nurseries, Gates, Mole Avon, J. Parker’s and Simpsons, as well as a rise in leasehold transactions, with 43% of sales this year being leases compared to less than 10% in 2024, driven in part by the re-letting of many former Dobbies sites. Most centres have traded well, supported by favourable weather conditions in Spring, meaning most have total revenues of 10% or more higher than 2024.

Looking ahead, we expect to see continued momentum in the garden centre market. Transaction volumes are likely to remain high, with a healthy pipeline of opportunities already in place. Corporate buyers will continue to dominate, although private investors and lifestyle buyers are also expected to remain active, particularly in regional and rural areas.