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Sell land for affordable homes in York

We consider land for affordable housing in York and across North Yorkshire, from sites close to the YO1 postcode district out towards Selby and Harrogate.

Many landowners like the idea of land helping local families. We explain how exception sites work, what the price is based on and how local need is shown.

  • Free appraisal and written offer
  • Figures explained, so you can check them
  • Independent advice encouraged

Get an offer for land in York

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 York

The land we're most interested in near York sits on the edge of the built-up area or in the villages towards Selby (12 miles) and Harrogate (19 miles).

England's largest county, taking in the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, with green belt around York.

TownYork
CountyNorth Yorkshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtYO1
OS grid squareSE65
Nearest towns we coverSelby (12 mi), Harrogate (19 mi), Goole (19 mi)
Planning systemNational Planning Policy Framework and local plan
Ways to sellOutright, subject to planning, option or joint venture
Small group of new brick homes with slate roofs on the edge of a village

What we look for around York

  • Small fields or paddocks adjoining a village
  • Sites with safe access and walking routes to village facilities
  • Parish councils open to a community-led scheme
  • Land owned by families, estates, churches or charities

Exception sites work differently from normal housing land. The price is lower than open-market development land but well above agricultural value, and the homes stay affordable for the community.

The things that move our offer

Housing need

A local housing needs survey usually has to show demand for the homes.

Land price norms

Exception site land is typically priced well above farmland but below open-market housing land.

Tenure mix

Social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership homes produce different values.

Long-term control

Legal agreements keep the homes affordable, often with local occupancy rules.

Choosing how to sell

Outright purchase

Possible once an exception scheme has permission.

Subject-to-planning sale

The usual route: we agree a price and complete when permission is granted.

Option agreements

Useful while housing need is evidenced and a scheme is prepared.

Joint ventures

Can suit estates and charities that want an ongoing say in the homes.

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. We put an offer in writing

    It shows how we got there. There's no obligation to accept.

  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.

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.

Rural exception sites

The National Planning Policy Framework supports small rural exception sites for affordable homes that meet a local need.

Common problems, and how we handle them

You're worried about the price

Exception site land sells for less than market housing land by design. We'll show you the basis so you can compare it with farmland value.

The village has no recent housing survey

Need can be evidenced through a new survey with the parish council and the council's housing team.

Useful to send us

  • A rough size, in acres or hectares
  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
  • How soon you'd ideally like to sell

Your questions answered

What is a rural exception site?

It is a small site, usually next to a village, where planning permission can be granted for affordable homes as an exception to normal policy, to meet a proven local need.

Do rural exception sites exist in Wales?

Yes. Welsh planning policy also supports rural exception sites for affordable housing that meets local need.

Can some homes be sold on the open market?

Some councils allow a small number of market homes to make a scheme viable. It depends on local policy.

How do I get an offer for land in York?

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.

Land for affordable homes near York

Other land types and routes

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

A free appraisal tells you what we'd pay and why.

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248