125 Years Director Spotlight – Katie Hurley
From microscopes to mud-splattered maps, Katie Hurley’s path to the rural property world started with a Biology degree from the University of Edinburgh, followed by a Master’s at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester. While she left the lab behind, she kept her curious mind and love for the great outdoors which is just as well, because April on the family farm means one thing: lambing season! (Katie affectionately refers to it as her “holiday”… and yes, it’s every bit as glamorous as it sounds.)
125 Years Director Spotlight – Jon Booth
After ten years working in London post-university, Jon decided it was time for a career change. A master’s degree later, Lambert & Foster welcomed him as a graduate surveyor -and the rest, as they say, is history. Now a Director, he’s proud to have grown within a company that’s as rooted in tradition as it is open to evolution.
ITV Meridian Showcase Grand 2025 Reunion of Vintage Steam Engines
One of the standout moments saw Lambert & Foster Director and Auctioneer, Alan Mummery, recreate history with a lively mock auction from the back of a traction engine, just as it would have been done in 1955.
125 Years Director Spotlight – Dan Page
Dan Page isn’t just navigating planning policies—he’s navigating life at full speed (often on two wheels). Since joining Lambert & Foster in 2020, he’s earned a reputation for taking on complex planning challenges with calm confidence, a farmer’s instinct, and the sort of dry wit that makes even the trickiest cases feel manageable.
Grand 2025 Reunion of Vintage Steam Engines
As part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, Lambert & Foster is supporting a grand reunion of Lambert and Horsmonden steam engines at an event that marks the 70th anniversary of the passing of Christopher Lambert and the famous Lambert Steam Auction.
Curling is Back in Kent – And We’re Delighted to Be Part of It!
We’re thrilled to have played a key role in the exciting return of #curling to Kent!
125 Years Director Spotlight – Alan Mummery
Walk into Lambert & Foster on any given day, and chances are you’ll spot Alan—quietly getting things done, sharing a laugh with a colleague, or catching up with a long-time client who’s more like an old friend. Find out more…
Capital Grants open for applications
Defra have announced that the Capital Grants scheme opens for applications today. It is available to all farmers, land managers and rural businesses, as a stand alone grant or as part of a CSS, SFI or HLS agreement.
New homes at Meadowbank, Iden Green
An individual development of just five distinctive homes by independent developer Meadow Bank Homes with an attention to detail and workmanship, enjoying a semi rural location, set within this much favoured residential lane. Cranbrook School Catchment area.
Special 125 years feature in South East Farmer
This exciting milestone in our history is testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team. Have you seen the 12 page feature in June’s South East Farmers?
Rights over land for electricity infrastructure
The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, the RICS and Energy Networks Associations have recently published a Code of Practice intended to…
Farming Equipment and Technology Fund
The FETF is now open for applications, a grant fund which covers part of the costs of equipment and technology that improve productivity, manage slurry, and support animal health and welfare. The application window is open now and will close at midday on 10 July 2025.
SFI Update – decision to allow saved applications to proceed
Defra has confirmed that they will now accept applications for an SFI agreement from those that started and saved, but did not submit, an application in the 2 months leading up to the closure date. The detail is yet to come but we know from the Farming Minister’s announcement the following…
Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025: guidance now available
Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025: guidance now available FETF provides grants for machinery, equipment and technology items to ‘help cut costs and boost efficiency’.
Green light for 120 zero carbon ready homes
Lambert & Foster acted for a fruit farming client whose land was identified for development in the emerging Tunbridge Wells Local Plan.
117 new homes in Marden
After negotiating an Option Agreement on behalf of a landowner, we are pleased to report that our clients have won an appeal for 117 new homes with associated affordable housing and infrastructure in Marden.
How do estate agents decide on a value for your home?
Ever wondered how estate agents come up with that “magic number” for your home? Is it science, guesswork… or just pulling a figure out of a hat? Truth is, there is a process — and yes, you can trust it (well, at least if you’re working with someone who knows their stuff!). For most people, their home is their biggest financial asset, so getting the price right really matters. And we take that responsibility seriously.
What do the recent stamp duty changes mean?
Here’s a quick look at what’s changing and what it means for you: Stamp duty has made its comeback. Around 4 in 5 homeowners (that’s 83%) will now have to pay it, up from just under half.
SFI closed to new applicants
The news this week that the SFI Scheme will be closed to new applicants could not be more disappointing, especially on the back of the unexpected reductions to delinked BPS payments.
The Lambert & Foster Paddock Wood Half Marathon 2025
Lambert & Foster were delighted to once again show this commitment by continuing their sponsorship of the ever-popular Lambert & Foster Paddock Wood Half Marathon.
DEFRA announces a raft of updates
View the latest announcements, including; Capital Grants – wide ranging farm capital grants scheme, with those applications which were on hold from 2024 now to be processed in 2025 and new applications will be accepted later in 2025 but with funding limits.
Stamp Duty Price Lock Event – 1st & 2nd March
Brook Place is an exclusive development of individually designed 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom homes, where inspirational design meets exceptional craftsmanship.
Our dear colleague & friend, John Butler
John was a true leader and much cherished by clients for his relentless pursuit of ‘the deal’ whether expertly selling at an auction or negotiating a property sale. John was equally kind and thoughtful and always had your back. We have lost a real friend who will be sorely missed.
Proud Supporters of RABI
As part of our 125 years celebrations we are pleased to be supporting RABI.
We will be at Farm Expo 2025
We are once again pleased to be attending Farm Expo taking place at Kent Showground on 5th March.
Promising start to 2025 for the Property Market but challenges persist
MARKET UPDATE Promising start to 2025 for the Property Market but challenges persist As we welcome 2025, Lambert & Foster report a record number of
Lambert & Foster continue their sponsorship of the Paddock Wood Half Marathon
Now in its 33rd year it has become one of the most successful races not just in Kent, but in the South East!
New development to help Almshouse Charity
Lambert & Foster have exchanged contracts on the sale of a parcel of development land in a village in the Weald of Kent for a local Charity.
Resolution to grant planning permission for 150 houses
Lambert & Foster, acted on behalf of landowners to set up a Promotion Agreement with Gladman for a proposed development of 150 dwellings with associated affordable housing and open space.
37 years on, Lambert & Foster are ready to sell Lovehurst Manor Farm again!
37 years on, Lambert & Foster are ready to sell Lovehurst Manor Farm again! Lambert & Foster is celebrating 125 years of excellence in 2025.
Celebrating 125 Years
Celebrating 125 Years: Lambert & Foster Marks a Century and a Quarter of Service in the south east Property professionals Lambert & Foster are proud to announce
Christmas & New Year
View our Christmas & New Year opening times. This year we are proudly donating to the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre in Tunbridge Wells instead of sending out Christmas Cards.
Telecom Mast Leases – worth a review?
Telecom Mast Leases – worth a review? In recent years there has been a lot of negative press when it comes to telecom masts, and
25th Sept – East Kent Ploughing Match
The East Kent Ploughing Match is an annual event that has been running for nearly 80 years. We would be delighted if you can join us for refreshments and the opportunity to meet the team to talk about your property and planning needs.
21st Sept – Weald of Kent Ploughing Match
We would be delighted if you can join us in our marquee from 9.00am for BBQ delights and tasty refreshments. Take the opportunity to meet the team and talk to us about your property and planning needs.
18th Sept – Laughton & District Ploughing Match
We would be delighted if you can join us for refreshments and the opportunity to meet the team to talk about your property and planning needs.
New homes at Sissinghurst
Lambert & Foster are delighted to be working with Fernham Homes again following the successful sale of new homes on their Matfield site. This development of 19 new homes in Sissinghurst Kent is beautifully designed…
Rural England Prosperity Fund
Grants for diversification projects remain available for rural businesses.
Having previously reported the availability of grants under the Rural England Prosperity Fund, we provide an update from each Local Authority still welcoming grant applications.
Sustainable Farming Incentive – Update
Expected this summer, the new Actions will include ‘creation’ Actions supporting the creation of habitats, but also more ‘maintenance’ actions to pay farmers already maintaining existing habitats. Other Actions will incentivise the use of precision farming technology to reduce costly pesticide and fertiliser use. There is more detail to come, but DEFRA have announced the following ‘High Priority for 2024’ Actions.
Byrne v Harwood-Delgado: Invalid s.21 Notice on failure to provide Gas Safety Certificate
A non-binding County Court decision but one that provides a warning to Landlords to make sure they are adhering to matters of regulatory compliance.
West Kent Rural Grants
ough the Rural England Prosperity Fund, grants of £2,000 to £24,999 are available to rural businesses that have an eligible project that will create jobs, or support communities and economic growth.
Successful sale of development land in East Sussex
Lambert & Foster have completed on the sale of a greenfield development site for 65 houses in Ninfield, East Sussex. It is pleasing to know that the funds raised from the sale of this site will go to a good charitable cause.
Tunbridge Wells Foresters Falcons
Congratulations to Tunbridge Wells Foresters Falcons at the end of another great season, and to Robbie (son of Director, Dan Page) winning player of the season!
Dispersal Sale : Beech Farm, Marden
We were delighted to be asked by John, Sheila and Andrew Adams to hold their retirement sale at Marden last week. Farm Dispersal sales are few and far between and the sale was extremely well supported by the local farming community.