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Sell brownfield land

Brownfield land, or previously developed land, is land that has had a permanent building or structure on it, together with its surrounding hardstanding. National policy in both England and Wales encourages reusing suitable brownfield land for homes.

Brownfield sites often carry baggage: contamination, old foundations, tricky neighbours. They're also some of the best places for new homes, and policy generally supports their reuse.

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  • No pressure to decide
  • Independent advice encouraged

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Cleared former industrial site with cracked concrete and weeds beside terraced houses

What we look for

  • Former workshops, depots and yards
  • Cleared sites with old hardstanding
  • Sites on the council's brownfield land register
  • Redundant commercial buildings in residential areas
  • Sites next to canals, railways or town centres
  • Land with known or suspected contamination
  • Sites where previous schemes stalled

We buy cleared sites, derelict buildings and yards, and price in the clean-up so you don't have to deal with it first.

What affects the price of brownfield land

Contamination

Investigation and remediation costs come straight off the land value.

Demolition

Removing buildings and old foundations is a significant cost on many sites.

Brownfield register

Inclusion on the council's brownfield land register can support permission in principle.

Existing use value

If the site has a viable current use, that sets the floor for an offer.

Neighbouring uses

Noise or smells from nearby businesses affect design and value.

Flood risk

Many brownfield sites are near rivers and canals, so flood risk is checked early.

Viability

Councils may accept lower obligations where clean-up costs are high.

Ways to sell brownfield land

If your site has sat empty because it looks too complicated, we'll investigate the ground and planning position and give you a straight offer.

Outright purchase

We take on the site and its problems for an agreed price.

Subject-to-planning sale

We complete once permission is granted for a housing scheme.

Option agreements

Can suit larger brownfield sites with a longer planning route.

Joint ventures

Worth discussing if you want to share in the regeneration value.

When the land isn't straightforward

You're worried about contamination liability

Contracts can deal with who takes responsibility for contamination. Take advice from your solicitor on the wording.

The buildings are being vandalised

A quick exchange can transfer risk and security responsibility sooner. We'll talk through timing.

A previous buyer pulled out after surveys

We'd like to see any reports. Problems can often be priced rather than walked away from.

What happens next

  1. Tell us about your land

    Send the address or postcode, a rough size and anything you know about planning. A plan or a photo helps but isn't essential.

  2. We check it properly

    We look at the title, planning history, access, flood maps and local policy, then call you to talk it through.

  3. You get a written offer

    We put the offer in writing with the main figures behind it, so you or your adviser can check it. There's no obligation and no deadline we impose.

  4. Solicitors do the legal work

    Your solicitor and ours deal with the contract. On an outright sale we exchange and complete; on a conditional deal we exchange now and complete when the condition is met.

England and Wales: what's different

We buy land in both countries. These are the rules most likely to affect brownfield land.

England

Planning framework

Planning decisions in England follow the National Planning Policy Framework, revised in August 2026, and the local plan, prepared by the council or, in a national park, the park authority. Plans are reviewed periodically, which is when new housing sites are usually allocated.

Section 106 and CIL

Larger schemes often need a Section 106 agreement for affordable housing or contributions, and councils that have adopted the Community Infrastructure Levy charge it per square metre of new floorspace.

Brownfield first

National policy gives substantial weight to reusing suitable brownfield land for homes. Councils keep brownfield land registers, and some sites can gain permission in principle.

Flood risk

Environment Agency flood maps and the sequential test steer new homes away from areas at highest risk of flooding.

Wales

Planning framework

Planning in Wales follows Planning Policy Wales, the national plan Future Wales and the Local Development Plan, prepared by the council or, in a national park, the park authority. When plans are reviewed, landowners can put land forward as a candidate site.

Section 106 and CIL

Section 106 agreements apply in Wales, and a small number of Welsh councils charge the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Previously developed land

Welsh policy prefers reusing suitable previously developed land in sustainable locations before greenfield sites.

Flood risk

Natural Resources Wales flood maps and Technical Advice Note 15 guide where new homes can go. Phosphate limits in some river catchments have also affected new housing.

Questions about brownfield land

What counts as brownfield land?

Land that has been occupied by a permanent structure and its associated fixed surface infrastructure. Some exceptions apply, such as agricultural buildings and residential gardens in built-up areas.

Do you buy contaminated land?

Yes. We investigate and price the remediation, so you don't need to clean the site first.

Is it easier to get planning on brownfield land?

National policy in England and Wales gives weight to reusing suitable brownfield land, so the starting point is often positive. Each site is still judged on its merits.

Will you buy a site with tenants?

Yes. We look at the leases and how and when vacant possession can be achieved.

What is a brownfield land register?

In England, councils keep a register of brownfield sites they consider suitable for housing. Being on it can help the planning case.

Do I need a contamination report before selling?

No, though any reports you have will help us price more accurately.

Related guides

Other land we buy

Brownfield land by county

England

Wales

Find out what we'd pay for your land

Send us the postcode and a rough size. We'll check the title and planning position and come back with a straight answer.

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248