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Sell a small development site in Durham

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

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.

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

Get an offer for land in Durham

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.

Durham at a glance

Durham lies in County Durham, about 17 miles north of Darlington. Nearby, we also look at land around Chester-le-Street (6 miles), Houghton-le-Spring (6 miles) and Stanley (8 miles).

Former coalfield villages in the east, the North Pennines National Landscape to the west, and green belt around Durham city linking with Tyne and Wear.

TownDurham
CountyCounty Durham
CountryEngland
Postcode districtDH1
OS grid squareNZ24
Nearest towns we coverChester-le-Street (6 mi), Houghton-le-Spring (6 mi), Stanley (8 mi)
Distance from DarlingtonAbout 17 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

Is your land near Durham a good fit?

  • Land at the end of cul-de-sacs
  • Old yards, depots and lock-up sites
  • Land within a settlement boundary
  • Small sites in villages where policy supports limited growth

A corner of land, an old yard or a large garden can make a small site for a few homes. We buy them, and our aim is to take them through planning to new homes.

What affects the price

Affordable housing thresholds

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

Trees and boundaries

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

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.

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.

What happens next

  1. Tell us about your land

    Send the postcode or address and a rough size.

  2. We check it properly

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

  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.

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.

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.

The access is tight

We check whether it can serve the number of homes proposed.

Useful to send us

  • A rough size, in acres or hectares
  • Your title number, if you know it
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
  • Photos of the land and its access

Common questions

What is a small site?

Usually a site for fewer than ten homes. Definitions vary, but these are the sites larger builders often pass over.

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.

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 you visit land near Durham?

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.

Small sites near Durham

Other land types and routes

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

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

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248