Frequently Asked Questions

Following a site visit with you, we will work with our team of specialist planners and architects to draft a proposed scheme. Once this has been completed, we will be back in touch to discuss the offer (4–6 weeks). We may ask for an indication of your expectation beforehand.

Yes.

No, this will be written into the Option Agreement and will be the amount you receive at the final point of sale.

Typically, we do not offer cash-purchase options as there is always an element of risk with any site. Whilst we only offer on sites we are very confident in, the Option Agreement is our preferred method of purchase.

Typically, we will enter into a 12-month Option Agreement with you, with a 6-month extension option should we need to re-submit a planning application or deal with unforeseen circumstances.

Yes. We aim for 12 months as a worst-case scenario but typically look to achieve planning before this. We will keep you informed on key stages of progress throughout the process but have the right to exercise the Option Agreement as soon as planning has been approved.

Yes, you will need to instruct a commercial solicitor who understands Option Agreements. We can offer recommendations.

We work with a team of experts in their field, and our immediate business partner has over 10 years’ experience in planning uplift and land development. We will be more than happy to share some example schemes that have been completed in the past.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes, as many times as you require.

This depends on the complexity of the scheme. It could be as little as 4 months or up to 12 months+.

You won’t have to pay anything. We will cover your legal costs up to £2,500 (plus VAT) and all planning costs.

You will need to satisfy yourself that you have read and understood the Option Agreement and the Transfer Deed. Your solicitor will help with this. You will also be asked to fill in a Standard TA6 Property Information Form and an Additional Development Enquiries form.

Yes, we will need to liaise with you for relevant searches and investigations to be carried out. These will include (but may not be limited to) a topographical survey, an ecology survey and a site investigation. We will give over 48 hours’ notice for any site visit required.

Yes, if you have a mortgage and you are entering into an agreement to sell part of your title, you will need to contact your lender to get permission. If you are selling your full title, we still advise speaking to your lender for clarification.

We will aim to submit the planning application within 4 months of the Option Agreement being signed and exchanged.

A council will usually make their decision within 12 to 16 weeks, but this can differ from region to region.

We will start marketing your land to our network of developers during the planning application process. We will aim to have a buyer in place as soon as planning is granted.

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

The value of your house won’t be affected, as houses are valued on a price per square foot/metre of the property itself. There may be a small reduction in what your overall estate may be worth to a buyer. However, our offer price for your land will far outweigh any potential loss.

Yes, we can arrange for there to be a delay between final exchange and completion of sale.

We will have no choice but to withdraw from the Option Agreement, but you will then own land with planning permission on it and be free to do with it as you please.

This will depend on your personal circumstances, and we always advise that our customers speak to a capital gains tax specialist if unsure. However, here is what 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

The garden or grounds, including the buildings on them, are not greater than the permitted area

No part of your home has been used exclusively for business purposes during your period of ownership

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

You may not need to pay capital gains tax when selling part of your land.

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.

The garden or grounds, including the buildings on them, are not greater than the permitted area, and no part of your home has been used exclusively for business purposes during your period of ownership.

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

* The permitted area is defined under S222(2) TCGA92 as 0.5 hectares. If the garden and grounds of the residence, including the site of the dwelling house, do not exceed this area, relief is automatically due.

We are not tax specialists and cannot offer definitive advice. Please refer to HMRC guidance. Every landowner’s personal situation is different, so we recommend carrying out your own due diligence and speaking to a tax adviser if required.

In the majority of cases, if HMRC conditions are met, a landowner will not have to do anything and HMRC will not investigate the sale. However, if you would like additional reassurance, a CGT specialist may be able to provide a Letter of Advice, which can strengthen your position should HMRC review the transaction.

This letter can be obtained after planning permission has been granted, helping to avoid unnecessary cost.

Whether you are seeking guidance, a letter of advice, or need to submit a return to HMRC, working with a tax specialist has clear advantages.

A CGT specialist will have more in-depth knowledge than a general accountant. Even where HMRC conditions are not fully met, a landowner may still be eligible for some relief. A specialist will ensure paperwork is correctly completed and that overpayments are avoided.

HMRC can investigate a land sale for up to 6 years (or 20 years in cases of suspected tax evasion). Having a specialist involved offers peace of mind and strong financial protection.