Its spring and the sap is rising. And so too are the number of farm sales, up 56.7 per cent on this time last year.

According to Real Estate Institute of New Zealand figures 257 farms were sold in July and September compared with 164 the same time last year.

The median price per hectare was $17, 694, up about $250 on last year.

Grazing properties top the list of properties with 56 per cent of the sales, and dairy and horticulture made 7.4 per cent.

Brian Peacocke, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand rural market spokesperson says the banks appear to have an increased appetite for lending to farmers, with the excellent spring creating the best growing conditions for years, and strong income levels.

And lifestyle properties in Canterbury have been selling fast due to a rush of Christchurch red-zoned residents moving out to the country, contributing to a massive 22 per cent lift in overall sales.

Agencies report demand in the region increasing tenfold in the past few months.