Listing & Selling Exceptional Farms in Charlottesville & Central Virginia
Across the rolling hills of Charlottesville and Central Virginia, pastures, barns, and
woodlands reflect generations of stewardship. The sale or purchase of a farm represents more than acreage—it is
a legacy, a working landscape, and a rare opportunity to own part of Virginia’s agricultural heritage. We bring
sophisticated, story-driven marketing to a market built on authenticity, offering full-service representation
for farms for sale in Charlottesville and Central Virginia with deep understanding of land,
soil, infrastructure, and the people who make these properties thrive.
Farm Seller FAQs: Listing, Valuation & Marketing in Central Virginia
How do I determine the right price for my Virginia farm?
Pricing a farm blends data, experience, and agricultural insight. We evaluate recent MLS farm sales,
Virginia Tech land value trends, soil quality, water, and the condition of barns, fencing, and farm roads.
In Charlottesville and Albemarle County, verified sales often support an average value of
$6,000–$6,500 per acre, adjusted for improvements, location, and agricultural productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working Farms in Central Virginia
What defines a “working farm” in Central Virginia?
A working farm is actively engaged in agricultural production—cattle, hay, row crops, equestrian operations,
orchards, vineyards, or mixed-use agriculture. These farms include critical infrastructure such as
tillable acreage, fenced pastures, barns, equipment buildings, and reliable water systems to
support daily operations and long-term sustainability.
How much land do I need for livestock or crop production?
The acreage needed depends on your intended operation:
- Cattle or horse farms typically begin around 15–30 acres, with additional acreage preferred for grazing rotation.
- Row crop and hay production require larger contiguous fields with highly productive soils.
- Diversified farms benefit from a mix of pasture, tillable land, and woodland.
We help buyers understand soil type, slope, drainage, water access, and long-term goals to determine ideal acreage.
What factors most influence farm values in Central Virginia?
Farm value is shaped by multiple agricultural and geographic factors:
- Acreage type — pasture, tillable land, woodland, mixed-use
- Soil quality and productivity
- Infrastructure — barns, fencing, equipment buildings
- Water resources — wells, springs, ponds, creeks
- Topography, access & road frontage
- Location within Albemarle and surrounding counties
- Income potential — livestock, hay, crops, leases
Unlike residential properties, farm values are driven by land, water, and agricultural capability.
Are working farms eligible for Virginia’s land use tax program?
Yes. Many working farms qualify for Virginia’s Land Use Assessment Program, which taxes
agricultural land on use value rather than market value. Requirements vary by county but typically
include minimum acreage, documented agricultural production, and periodic revalidation.
What should I look for in farm infrastructure when buying?
Key considerations include:
- Barn condition, ventilation, utilities & layout
- Quality of fencing & cross-fencing
- Water systems — troughs, hydrants, wells, springs
- Farm lanes, gates, and equipment access
- Hay, feed & equipment storage
- Soil maps, flood zones, crop history
- Expansion potential & efficiency of layout
Do conservation easements affect resale or land use?
Conservation easements restrict subdivision but preserve open space and agricultural use. Many equestrian and
agricultural buyers prefer eased farms for the protected landscape and long-term stability. Easements may also
offer federal and state tax benefits for qualifying landowners.
How long does it take to sell a working farm in Central Virginia?
Working farms usually take longer to sell due to higher price points and a specialized buyer pool. With strategic
pricing, professional photography, drone media, mapping, and targeted outreach through
McLean Faulconer, well-positioned farms attract qualified buyers efficiently.
Why work with a farm and estate specialist?
Farm transactions involve land valuation, infrastructure analysis, land use programs, and niche marketing.
Specialists like Bridget Archer bring expert guidance, nuanced pricing, and elevated storytelling—
all with no dual agency, ensuring dedicated representation tailored to your goals.