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Sell brownfield land in Hitchin

If you own land around Hitchin and want a straight answer about it, we'll tell you whether we can buy it, on what terms, and what the offer is based on.

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.

  • Free appraisal and written offer
  • Figures explained, so you can check them
  • No pressure to decide

Tell us about your land

We'll check the title and planning, then call you.

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Please enter a postcode, or at least the first half.
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Free and no obligation. We're the buyer, so there's no commission.

Land around Hitchin

Hitchin lies in Hertfordshire, some 21 miles north of Watford. Nearby, we also look at land around Letchworth Garden City (3 miles), Stevenage (5 miles) and Henlow (6 miles).

Most of the county is Metropolitan Green Belt, which makes land with genuine development prospects scarce and keenly contested.

TownHitchin
CountyHertfordshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtSG4
OS grid squareTL12
Nearest towns we coverLetchworth Garden City (3 mi), Stevenage (5 mi), Henlow (6 mi)
Distance from WatfordAbout 21 miles north
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

What we look for around Hitchin

  • Former workshops, depots and yards
  • Sites on the council's brownfield land register
  • Redundant commercial buildings in residential areas
  • 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 decides the value of brownfield land near Hitchin

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.

What happens next

  1. Tell us about your land

    Send the postcode or address and a rough size.

  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.

Rules that apply in 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.

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

You're worried about contamination liability

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

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 rough size, in acres or hectares
  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Your title number, if you know it
  • How soon you'd ideally like to sell

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.

How do I get an offer for land in Hitchin?

Use the form on this page or call 0800 088 6248. Tell us the postcode, the rough size and anything you know about planning, and we'll come back to you.

Ready to talk about your land in Hitchin?

Send the postcode and a rough size. We'll check the title and planning position and come back to you.