# Duchy tenants may have to buy farms or leave as Prince William plans sell-off

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/duchy-tenants-may-have-to-buy-farms-or-leave-as-prince-william-plans-sell-off/
- Published: 2026-11-11T00:35:14+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T01:22:22+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Science (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwm242plggldo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Science, UK, World

## Key points

- Duchy plans to sell up to 20% of its estate.
- Up to 40 farm holdings could be affected.
- Sales are intended to raise £500 million for housing, communities and nature.

## Summary

The Duchy of Cornwall plans to sell up to 20% of its land and property over the next decade, prompting some tenant farmers to consider buying their farms or facing a move. The proposed sales have caused distress and uncertainty among tenants, while the Duchy says it is working with each family to find a suitable outcome.

The Tenant Farmers Association estimates that up to 40 farm holdings across Devon, Cornwall, Herefordshire and the Midlands could be affected. The Duchy has about 700 agricultural lettings, including around 300 whole farm holdings, and expects the sales to raise £500 million for investment in local communities, affordable housing and environmental projects. Its rural director says the estate hopes, where possible, to sell farms to their tenants, but the association says fair alternatives are needed for those unable or unwilling to buy.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.