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Sell a small development site in Cambridge

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

A small site is a piece of land that could take a handful of homes, typically up to around nine. National housebuilders often overlook small sites, which is where a regional builder buying direct can offer a better route to sale.

  • Figures explained, so you can check them
  • No pressure to decide
  • Independent advice encouraged

Selling land near Cambridge?

Send the postcode and a rough size.

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

Where Cambridge sits

Cambridge (CB21) sits in OS grid square TL45, some 30 miles south-east of Peterborough. Sites between here and St Ives or Ely are just as much of interest to us.

TownCambridge
CountyCambridgeshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtCB21
OS grid squareTL45
Nearest towns we coverSt Ives (12 mi), Newmarket (13 mi), Ely (15 mi)
Distance from PeterboroughAbout 30 miles south-east
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

Land we're keen to see around Cambridge

  • Sites for two to around nine homes
  • Land at the end of cul-de-sacs
  • Sites with an existing permission for a small scheme
  • Land within a settlement boundary

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

The things that move our offer

Affordable housing thresholds

In England, schemes under ten homes usually fall below the national threshold; many Welsh plans seek affordable housing from smaller sites.

Access

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

Trees and boundaries

Mature trees and hedges on small sites have a big effect on layout.

Drainage

Sustainable drainage must fit within the site.

Choosing how to sell

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.

From first call to completion

  1. Send us the address

    A postcode, a plan or a what3words location is enough to start.

  2. We check it properly

    Title, planning history, access, flood maps and local policy.

  3. We put an offer in writing

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

  4. The legal work

    Your solicitor and ours handle the contract through to completion.

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.

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.

When the land isn't straightforward

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

  • A rough size, in acres or hectares
  • Any planning applications or letters
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
  • Photos of the land and its access

What people ask us about small development sites

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.

Can I see your appraisal?

We'll explain the main figures behind our offer so you can compare it with independent advice.

How do I get an offer for land in Cambridge?

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 Cambridge

Other land in Cambridge

Get a straight answer about your land

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

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248