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Sell land for affordable homes in Bath

Whether your land is in Bath itself or in the villages between Bath and Neston, we'll look at it properly before making any offer.

A rural exception site is a small site on the edge of a village, where housing would not normally be allowed, that can be granted permission for affordable homes to meet a local need. Land sold for this purpose usually achieves more than farmland value, though less than open-market housing land.

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

Get an offer for land in Bath

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.

Where Bath sits

Bath (BA1) sits in OS grid square ST76, where it is the main town we cover. Sites between here and Neston or Kingswood are just as much of interest to us.

The Levels and Moors, where flooding and nutrient rules are major planning issues, plus Exmoor, the Mendip Hills, and green belt around Bath.

TownBath
CountySomerset
CountryEngland
Postcode districtBA1
OS grid squareST76
Nearest towns we coverNeston (7 mi), Trowbridge (8 mi), Kingswood (8 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 Bath

  • Small fields or paddocks adjoining a village
  • Sites with safe access and walking routes to village facilities
  • Land suitable for a handful of homes up to a small scheme
  • Parish councils open to a community-led scheme

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.

What decides the value of land for affordable housing near Bath

Local policy

Each council sets its own rules for exception sites, including whether any market homes are allowed.

Housing need

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

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. 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. The legal work

    Your solicitor and ours handle the contract through to completion.

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.

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.

When the land isn't straightforward

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.

You're a charity or trust

Charity trustees usually need advice from a designated adviser before disposing of land. We'll work with your adviser.

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
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements

Your questions answered

Do rural exception sites exist in Wales?

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

Will I get open-market land value?

No. Exception sites are priced below open-market housing land because the homes must stay affordable. The price is still usually well above agricultural value.

Who lives in the homes?

Usually people with a local connection who can't afford market housing, chosen under rules set in a legal agreement.

How do I get an offer for land in Bath?

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.

Also near Bath

Other land types and routes

Get a straight answer about your land

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

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248