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Sell a small development site in Harlow

Our interest in small development sites around Harlow is simple: we're buying land to build homes on, so we look for sites where homes are realistic and price them on that basis.

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 Harlow?

Free, no-obligation appraisal.

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

Harlow at a glance

Harlow (CM17) sits in OS grid square TL41, about 31 miles north-west of Southend-on-Sea. Sites between here and Hoddesdon or Waltham Abbey are just as much of interest to us.

Metropolitan Green Belt covers the south and west of the county, while mid and north Essex have larger areas of farmland around growing towns.

TownHarlow
CountyEssex
CountryEngland
Postcode districtCM17
OS grid squareTL41
Nearest towns we coverHoddesdon (5 mi), Bishops Stortford (7 mi), Waltham Abbey (8 mi)
Distance from Southend-on-SeaAbout 31 miles north-west
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 Harlow

  • Sites for two to around nine homes
  • Sites with an existing permission for a small scheme
  • 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.

How we arrive at a figure for land in Essex

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.

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.

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. 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. The legal work

    Your solicitor and ours handle the contract through to completion.

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

  • A rough size, in acres or hectares
  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Your title number, if you know it
  • Any planning applications or letters

Questions from landowners near Harlow

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.

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 Harlow?

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 Harlow

Other land in Harlow

Get a straight answer about your land

Send the postcode and a rough size. We'll check the title and planning position and come back to you.

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248