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Sell redundant commercial or industrial land in Ely

Thinking about whether to sell redundant commercial or industrial land in Ely? A free appraisal tells you what we'd pay and how we got there, with no obligation to go further.

Redundant commercial and industrial land is a business site no longer needed for its original use, such as a small industrial unit, haulage yard or showroom. Where the site sits among homes, redevelopment for housing is often the best long-term use, subject to planning policy on employment land.

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

Selling land near Ely?

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

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

Land around Ely

From Ely, it's 11 miles to Mildenhall and 12 miles to Newmarket. We buy land across that whole stretch of Cambridgeshire, not only within the town.

Flat arable fenland in the north contrasts with a fast-growing Cambridge area in the south, where the Cambridge green belt surrounds the city.

TownEly
CountyCambridgeshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtCB7
OS grid squareTL58
Nearest towns we coverMildenhall (11 mi), Newmarket (12 mi), March (13 mi)
Distance from PeterboroughAbout 25 miles south-east
Planning systemNational Planning Policy Framework and local plan
Ways to sellOutright, subject to planning, option or joint venture
Redundant small industrial yard with a grey steel shed, gravel yard and chain-link fence

What we look for around Ely

  • Small industrial units and yards in residential areas
  • Haulage yards, builders' yards and depots
  • Commercial buildings with permitted development potential
  • Businesses looking for a sale and short leaseback

If your business has moved, closed or outgrown its premises, the site may be worth more as housing than as commercial space.

What decides the value of redundant commercial land near Ely

Employment land policy

Some councils require evidence that commercial use is no longer viable before allowing homes.

Existing use value

A let or lettable commercial site has a value that a housing offer must exceed.

Permitted development

Some commercial buildings can change to homes through prior approval, within limits.

Demolition and contamination

Industrial uses can leave contamination that needs investigating.

Four routes to a sale

Outright purchase

A clean exit for business owners, sometimes with a short leaseback.

Subject-to-planning sale

We complete once housing is approved, with your business using the site meanwhile.

Option agreements

Useful where vacant possession is some way off.

Joint ventures

Possible for larger sites.

How a sale works

  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.

What England's rules mean for your land

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.

Tax on the sale

The buyer pays Stamp Duty Land Tax. As the seller you may owe capital gains tax, and some commercial land carries VAT. Take advice from an accountant.

Awkward details we deal with

You still need the premises for now

A conditional deal or a short leaseback lets you keep operating until you're ready to move.

The council protects employment land

We look at marketing evidence and viability. Some sites won't qualify, and we'll say so.

Useful to send us

  • The address or postcode
  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Any planning applications or letters
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements

Common questions

Can I keep running my business after selling?

Yes, through a conditional contract or a short leaseback agreed as part of the deal.

Do you buy sites with tenants in place?

Yes. We review the leases and allow for the time and cost of obtaining vacant possession.

What is prior approval for commercial to residential?

In England, permitted development rights allow some commercial buildings to change to homes through a prior approval process, within set limits.

Can you visit land near Ely?

Yes. Once we've looked at the title and planning position, we arrange a site visit if the land looks suitable. Send the address or postcode to start.

Also near Ely

More land we buy in Ely

Ready to talk about your land in Ely?

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

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248