Selling land without planning permission
You can start a conversation with Land Offers without obtaining planning permission first. We help owners explore a sale while keeping the land’s present position separate from a buyer’s proposed use.
Tell us about your landDescribe what is there now
Start with the land’s location, approximate size, current use and access. Tell us whether there are buildings, occupiers or restrictions you already know about.
State the planning position plainly: no application, an application under consideration, refusal, expired permission or not known. A buyer’s idea for the land should not be presented as an approved scheme.
- Any application reference and decision already received.
- Previous plans or written feedback from the planning authority.
- What you want to sell, and anything you would retain.
Decide whether to investigate planning before a sale
Seeking advice or permission before marketing may involve fees, reports and time. Selling in the land’s present state is a different proposal from asking a buyer to pursue a new permission. Discuss both the cost and who would carry the uncertainty.
Use the planning authority and rules for the country where the site lies. A planning consultant can advise on a proposal. In England, official guidance makes clear that pre-application advice does not decide the outcome of a later application.
Understand an offer that depends on permission
If a buyer proposes a purchase subject to planning, ask what permission they intend to seek and what would trigger completion. Establish who pays the costs, how long the terms would last and whether the price could change.
Ask your solicitor to review any conditional contract, option, promotion or exclusivity agreement before signing. Be clear about what happens if an application fails or the buyer does not proceed.
Enquire with what you already know
You do not need to commission a planning application to make an initial enquiry. Tell us the location, land type and your plans, and include any known history. We can discuss whether we can help and agree the work and fees before introducing potential buyers.
Questions about selling your land
Do I need planning permission before contacting you?
No. We consider land with or without permission. An initial enquiry is a discussion about the property and your plans, not a planning assessment or approval.
Can I enquire after a refusal or if permission has expired?
Yes. Mention the decision and application reference if you have them. We cannot assume that a refused scheme will be approved later or that an expired permission can be renewed.
What if I do not know the planning history?
Choose ‘Not sure’ in the form and describe what you know. Planning records and any existing documents can be checked before a buyer relies on a particular position.