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Sell a small development site in Bedford

Thinking about whether to sell a small development site in Bedford? A free appraisal tells you what we'd pay and how we got there, with no obligation to go further.

Government policy has repeatedly emphasised the role of small sites in housing supply. We'll check how your council's plan supports them.

  • Free appraisal and written offer
  • No commission: we're the buyer
  • Independent advice encouraged

Get an offer for land in Bedford

Free, no-obligation appraisal.

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

Where Bedford sits

From Bedford, it's 2 miles to Kempston and 8 miles to Sandy. We buy land across that whole stretch of Bedfordshire, not only within the town.

Clay-vale farmland rises to the chalk of the Chilterns around Dunstable, and the Metropolitan Green Belt covers much of the south of the county around Luton.

TownBedford
CountyBedfordshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtMK40
OS grid squareTL04
Nearest towns we coverKempston (2 mi), Sandy (8 mi), Ampthill (8 mi)
Distance from LutonAbout 18 miles north
Planning systemNational Planning Policy Framework and local plan
Ways to sellOutright, subject to planning, option or joint venture
Small grassy corner plot with mature trees at the end of a cul-de-sac of brick houses

What we look for around Bedford

  • Corner plots, odd-shaped parcels and leftover land
  • Land at the end of cul-de-sacs
  • Sites with an existing permission for a small scheme
  • Small sites in villages where policy supports limited growth

Small sites are a focus for us. They're too small for many national housebuilders, and too complicated for many self-builders, which can leave owners without an obvious buyer.

The things that move our offer

Access

A short private drive can serve a few homes; more need an adoptable road.

Drainage

Sustainable drainage must fit within the site.

Biodiversity net gain

Since 6 August 2026, sites of 0.2 hectares or less are exempt unless priority habitat is affected; larger sites must still deliver at least a 10% gain.

Build costs

Small sites cost more per home to build, which the land price reflects.

Four routes to a sale

Outright purchase

Simple where permission exists or you need certainty now.

Subject-to-planning sale

The most common route for small unconsented sites.

Option agreements

Useful if land needs assembling from more than one owner.

Joint ventures

Can suit owners who'd like to share in the homes' sale value.

How a sale works

  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. Solicitors complete the sale

    Exchange and complete, or exchange now and complete when planning is granted.

Planning and legal points for land in Bedfordshire

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.

Biodiversity net gain

Under the Environment Act 2021, most developments in England must deliver at least a 10% gain in biodiversity. Since 6 August 2026, sites of 0.2 hectares or less are exempt unless priority habitat is affected.

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.

Common problems, and how we handle them

The site is an awkward shape

Odd shapes often still work for a short terrace or a pair of homes. We test layouts before offering.

There's a protected tree

We design around it and allow for root protection areas.

Useful to send us

  • The address or postcode
  • Any planning applications or letters
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
  • Photos of the land and its access

Questions from landowners near Bedford

Do small sites need affordable housing?

In England, national policy generally doesn't seek affordable housing on schemes below ten homes, though some rural areas set lower thresholds. In Wales, many Local Development Plans seek contributions from smaller sites. We check the local policy.

How do you value a small site?

We work out what the homes would sell for, then deduct build costs, fees, finance, planning costs and a profit margin. What's left is the land value.

Will you build the homes yourselves?

That's the aim of the land-to-homes work we're setting out to do: buying the land, getting permission and building the homes.

How do I get an offer for land in Bedford?

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.

Small sites near Bedford

Other land types and routes

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

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

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248