FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We are interested in acquiring various types of land including large back gardens, corner plots, sites currently used for garages or car washes and vacant or derelict buildings and homes.

You’ll gain a higher return on your land in comparison to selling it without planning permission—all without dealing with the complexities or costs of the planning process. We handle the hard work, so you can simply enjoy the rewards. We also conduct free land appraisals and cover legal costs (up to £2500+ VAT).

An option agreement is a legally binding contract between a landowner and a buyer, granting the buyer the option to purchase the land within a specified timeframe, subject to planning permission being obtained.

After conducting a site visit, we will collaborate with our team of specialist planners and architects who will evaluate the feasibility of your land and propose a suitable scheme. Draft sketches of the development plan will be drawn up - completely free of charge. Once these are complete (typically within 2-4 weeks), we will reach out to discuss our offer. We may also ask for an initial indication of your expectations beforehand.

Yes.

No, the agreed offer price will be set in the option agreement and will remain the amount you receive at the final point of sale.

Typically, the option agreement will be for 12 months, with a 6-month extension clause if a planning application needs to be resubmitted or unexpected circumstances arise.

Yes. While we set 12 months as a worst-case scenario, we typically aim to secure planning approval sooner. We will keep you updated on key milestones throughout the process and have the right to proceed with the option agreement as soon as planning is granted.

Yes, you will need to appoint a Commercial Solicitor with experience in option agreements. You are free to choose your own, or we can provide recommendations.

We are unable to provide cash purchase options because obtaining planning permission is never guaranteed.

You will need to ensure that you have read and understood the option agreement and the transfer deed, with the assistance of your solicitor. Additionally, you will be required to complete a ‘Standard TA6 Property Information’ Form and an ‘Additional Development Enquiries’ form.

Yes, we will need access to conduct necessary searches and investigations. These may include a topographical survey, an ecology survey, and a site investigation. We will provide at least 48 hours’ notice before any site visit.

Yes. If you have a mortgage and are selling part of your title, you must seek permission from your lender. Even if you are selling your full title, we recommend consulting your lender for clarification.

We aim to submit the planning application within four months of signing and exchanging the option agreement.

The council typically decides within 12 to 16 weeks, though this timeframe may vary depending on the region.

The titles will be split at the point of final sale.

The value of your house itself will not be affected, as properties are typically valued based on price per square foot or metre. There may be a slight reduction in the overall value of your estate to potential buyers. However, our offer price for your land will far outweigh any potential loss.

Yes, we can arrange a delay between the final exchange and completion of the sale to give you sufficient time to move.

If we are unable to sell the land after obtaining planning permission, we will have to withdraw from the option agreement. However, you will then own land with approved planning permission and be free to use or sell it as you see fit.

This will depend on your individual circumstances. We would always recommend consulting a CGT specialist for tailored advice. Currently, the HMRC are saying:

You’ll be entitled to full relief where all the following conditions are met:

the dwelling house has been your only or main residence throughout your period of ownership

you have not been absent, other than for an allowed period of absence or because you have been living in job-related accommodation, during your period of ownership.

the garden or grounds including the buildings on them are not greater than the permitted area. (The area of garden and grounds of a person’s residence that qualifies for relief is referred to in the legislation as the permitted area. The permitted area includes the site of the dwelling-house. S222(2) TCGA92 defines the permitted area as 0.5 hectares. If the garden and grounds of the residence, including the site of the dwelling-house, do not exceed the permitted area then relief is automatically due for that whole area).

no part of your home has been used exclusively for business purposes during your period of ownership. Working from home using a room that is also used for non-business purposes will not prevent entitlement to full relief.

If you meet all of these conditions, you will not have to pay CGT on the disposal.