Sell brownfield land in East Sussex
If you're looking to sell brownfield land anywhere in East Sussex, we'll appraise it for free and explain our offer in writing.
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.
- No commission: we're the buyer
- Figures explained, so you can check them
- Independent advice encouraged
Get an offer for land in East Sussex
Send the postcode and a rough size.
Brownfield land in East Sussex at a glance
Much of the county lies in the South Downs National Park or the High Weald National Landscape, which limits greenfield development outside the towns.
| County | East Sussex |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Towns we cover here | 10 |
| Main town | Brighton |
| Example postcode districts | BN2, BN3, BN21, BN25, BN27 |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
Land we're keen to see in East Sussex
- Former workshops, depots and yards
- 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
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.
What affects the price
Contamination
Investigation and remediation costs come straight off the land value.
Demolition
Removing buildings and old foundations is a significant cost on many sites.
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.
Ways to sell this land
We buy cleared sites, derelict buildings and yards, and price in the clean-up so you don't have to deal with it first.
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
Send us the address
A postcode, a plan or a what3words location is enough to start.
We check it properly
Title, planning history, access, flood maps and local policy.
We put an offer in writing
It shows how we got there. There's no obligation to accept.
Solicitors complete the sale
Exchange and complete, or exchange now and complete when planning is granted.
Planning and legal points for land in East Sussex
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.
Common problems, and how we handle them
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
- The address or postcode
- Your title number, if you know it
- Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
- Photos of the land and its access
Your questions answered
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.
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.
Do you buy land in East Sussex?
Yes. We consider land across East Sussex, from Brighton to the smaller towns and villages. Whether we can make an offer depends on the land itself, and we'll tell you either way.
Brownfield land by town in East Sussex
Find out what we'd pay for your land in East Sussex
Send the postcode and a rough size and we'll come back with a straight answer.