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Sell a small development site in Canary Wharf

We buy small development sites across Greater London. In Canary Wharf, as everywhere, the offer depends on the land itself: its access, its planning prospects and what can sensibly be built.

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.

  • No commission: we're the buyer
  • Figures explained, so you can check them
  • Independent advice encouraged

Selling land near Canary Wharf?

Free, no-obligation appraisal.

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

Land around Canary Wharf

The land we're most interested in near Canary Wharf sits on the edge of the built-up area or in the villages towards Bow (1 mile) and Canning Town (2 miles).

Land is scarce and mostly brownfield. The outer boroughs contain Metropolitan Green Belt and metropolitan open land, both closely protected.

TownCanary Wharf
CountyGreater London
CountryEngland
Postcode districtE14
OS grid squareTQ38
Nearest towns we coverBow (1 mi), Canning Town (2 mi), Greenwich (2 mi)
Distance from central LondonAbout 5 miles 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

What we look for around Canary Wharf

  • Sites for two to around nine homes
  • Old yards, depots and lock-up sites
  • 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 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.

Drainage

Sustainable drainage must fit within the site.

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.

From first call to completion

  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. 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.

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.

Awkward details we deal with

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

  • The address or postcode
  • Your title number, if you know it
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
  • How soon you'd ideally like to sell

Common questions

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.

Do you cover the villages around Canary Wharf?

Yes. Villages between Canary Wharf, Bow and Canning Town often have the kind of edge-of-settlement land we're looking for.

Also near Canary Wharf

Other land in Canary Wharf

Get a straight answer about your land

A free appraisal tells you what we'd pay and why.

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248