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Sell a small development site in Derby

If you want to sell a small development site in Derby, you can deal with the buyer directly. We look at the land, explain what it's worth and why, and leave the decision with you.

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.

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

Selling land near Derby?

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 Derby sits

Our appraisals for Derby start with the DE1 postcode district and the OS grid square SK33, then widen out to Belper, Ilkeston and Heanor, all within about 8 miles.

Ranges from the Peak District National Park in the north-west to lowland farmland and former coalfield towns in the east, with green belt between Derby and Nottingham.

TownDerby
CountyDerbyshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtDE1
OS grid squareSK33
Nearest towns we coverBelper (7 mi), Ilkeston (8 mi), Heanor (8 mi)
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 Derby

  • Corner plots, odd-shaped parcels and leftover land
  • Old yards, depots and lock-up sites
  • 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.

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.

Access

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

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.

Ways to sell this land

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. 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. 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.

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

There's a protected tree

We design around it and allow for root protection areas.

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
  • How soon you'd ideally like to sell

What people ask us about small development sites

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.

How do I get an offer for land in Derby?

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 Derby

More land we buy in Derby

Ready to talk about your land in Derby?

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

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248