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Sell brownfield land in Reading

For owners of brownfield land in and around Reading, we offer four ways to sell, from a clean outright purchase to deals that pay more once planning is granted.

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.

  • Figures explained, so you can check them
  • No pressure to decide
  • Independent advice encouraged

Tell us about your land

Free, no-obligation appraisal.

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Free and no obligation. We're the buyer, so there's no commission.

Where Reading sits

The land we're most interested in near Reading sits on the edge of the built-up area or in the villages towards Lower Earley (3 miles) and Wokingham (7 miles).

The Thames valley towns are under steady pressure for new homes. Much of east Berkshire is Metropolitan Green Belt, and the west takes in part of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.

TownReading
CountyBerkshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtRG1
OS grid squareSU77
Nearest towns we coverLower Earley (3 mi), Wokingham (7 mi), Crowthorne (10 mi)
Planning systemNational Planning Policy Framework and local plan
Ways to sellOutright, subject to planning, option or joint venture
Cleared former industrial site with cracked concrete and weeds beside terraced houses

Land we're keen to see around Reading

  • Cleared sites with old hardstanding
  • Sites on the council's brownfield land register
  • Land with known or suspected contamination
  • Sites where previous schemes stalled

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.

The things that move our offer

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.

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.

Four routes to a sale

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.

What happens next

  1. Send us the address

    A postcode, a plan or a what3words location is enough to start.

  2. We do the homework

    We read the title and planning record and check flood risk and access.

  3. You get a written offer

    With the main figures behind it, so your adviser can check it.

  4. Solicitors complete the sale

    Exchange and complete, or exchange now and complete when planning is granted.

What England's rules mean for your land

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.

When the land isn't straightforward

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.

Useful to send us

  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Any planning applications or letters
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
  • How soon you'd ideally like to sell

What people ask us about brownfield land

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 you buy land in Reading?

Yes. We consider land in and around Reading and across Berkshire. Whether we can make an offer depends on the land itself, especially its access and planning prospects, and we'll tell you either way.

Nearby towns

Other land types and routes

Find out what we'd pay for your land near Reading

Call 0800 088 6248 or send the details. There's no obligation.

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248