How do I sell my land for development?
At this time of year we see a real surge in enquires from landowners looking to sell their land for development. They range from farmers and beneficiaries to charities, trusts and local council and Government estate departments.
Reasons for selling land include retirement, change of lifestyle and to release funds. The start of the year offers the perfect time to plan ahead.
Selling land for development can be a very complex and time consuming process, so read on for our advice.
Does my land have development potential?

You should first find out if your land is suitable for development.
While the UK has a major housing shortage, you should find out if more new homes are needed in your area. The best way to do this is to research your Local Authority’s Local Plan and five-year housing land supply position.
You also need to consider your site’s location. Is it sustainable, with amenities nearby that new homeowners could use?
As developers usually prefer to buy land that is build-ready, you will need to be able to facilitate infrastructure improvements. These include vehicle access, suitable drainage, and broadband connectivity. Reports on ground conditions, ecology, air quality and rights of way will also be required.
How to get planning permission for your land
Securing residential planning permission will help you achieve best value for your land. Most developers want this to be in place as it de-risks the site for them.
The planning process includes:
- designing a masterplan for the proposed development
- seeking feedback from your local community and stakeholders
- securing an allocation in the Local Plan
- submitting a planning application to your local authority for consideration
Of course, there is no guarantee you will secure planning permission, with many cases going to appeal.
We can help you sell your land at no cost to you

Selling your land is an extremely complex business and we recommend you seek professional advice.
As a land promoter with nearly 20 years’ experience of quickly securing planning permission for clients, we can handle the process for you and make it stress free.
We will first assess if your land is viable before entering into a Promotion Agreement – currently the most popular way of selling land as it aligns the interests of both the landowner and promoter.
Our team will:
- commission technical and environmental assessments
- design a masterplan
- progress the scheme through the planning process
- prepare the site to be competitively marketed to developers for the best price
- seek your input and approval at every step to ensure your land leaves a lasting legacy
This is all done at our own cost. You won’t need to pay a penny to us until your land is sold.
Take a look at these case studies to find out how landowners have benefitted from working with us:
If you would like more advice, we are here to help: info@richborough.co.uk 0121 633 4929.