The rural property market is continuing its long-term recovery.
Latest figures from the Real Estate Institute show 257 farms were sold in the three months to September.
The figure is slightly down on the previous three month period, but more than 90 higher than the same period last year.
Farm prices have also been creeping up again, although not for dairy farms.
The median sales price per hectare for dairy farms eased back almost $1400 a hectare to $29,600 for the three months to September, compared with the three months to August.
The median dairy farm price is also $8000 a hectare lower than a year ago.
Real Estate Institute rural market spokesperson Brian Peacock says dairy farm prices are readjusting to more realistic levels after getting out of kilter.
He says banks' tight rein on lending has eased up a little, under the influence of the best growing conditions in years in many areas and strong farm income levels.
However, Mr Peacock says banks are still keeping a firm hold on lending conditions.
