Sell a small development site in Essex
We buy small development sites across Essex, including around Southend-on-Sea, Basildon and Colchester. You deal with the buyer directly and there's no commission to pay.
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.
- No commission: we're the buyer
- No pressure to decide
- Independent advice encouraged
Get an offer for land in Essex
Send the postcode and a rough size.
Small sites in Essex at a glance
Metropolitan Green Belt covers the south and west of the county, while mid and north Essex have larger areas of farmland around growing towns.
| County | Essex |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Towns we cover here | 22 |
| Main town | Southend-on-Sea |
| Example postcode districts | CM1, CM7, CM8, CM9, CM11 |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
What we look for in Essex
- 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
- 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 decides the value of small development sites in Essex
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.
Choosing how to sell
Government policy has repeatedly emphasised the role of small sites in housing supply. We'll check how your council's plan supports them.
How a sale works
Send us the address
A postcode, a plan or a what3words location is enough to start.
We check it properly
Title, planning history, access, flood maps and local policy.
You get a written offer
With the main figures behind it, so your adviser can check it.
Solicitors complete the sale
Exchange and complete, or exchange now and complete when planning is granted.
Planning and legal points for land in Essex
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.
The access is tight
We check whether it can serve the number of homes proposed.
Useful to send us
- The address or postcode
- A rough size, in acres or hectares
- Your title number, if you know it
- Photos of the land and its access
Your questions answered
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 I see your appraisal?
We'll explain the main figures behind our offer so you can compare it with independent advice.
Do you buy land in Essex?
Yes. We consider land across Essex, from Southend-on-Sea to the smaller towns and villages. Whether we can make an offer depends on the land itself, and we'll tell you either way.
Small sites by town in Essex
Find out what we'd pay for your land in Essex
Send the postcode and a rough size and we'll come back with a straight answer.