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Sell a small development site in Ilford

We buy small development sites across Greater London. In Ilford, 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.

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

Selling land near Ilford?

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 Ilford sits

Ilford lies in Greater London, some 9 miles east of central London. Nearby, we also look at land around Barking (2 miles), Becontree (2 miles) and Leytonstone (3 miles).

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

TownIlford
CountyGreater London
CountryEngland
Postcode districtIG1
OS grid squareTQ48
Nearest towns we coverBarking (2 mi), Becontree (2 mi), Leytonstone (3 mi)
Distance from central LondonAbout 9 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 Ilford

  • Sites for two to around nine homes
  • Old yards, depots and lock-up sites
  • Sites with an existing permission for a small scheme
  • Land within a settlement boundary

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 near Ilford

Number of homes

Each additional home a site can take adds value, if the layout works.

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.

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 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. The legal work

    Your solicitor and ours handle the contract through to completion.

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.

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.

There's a protected tree

We design around it and allow for root protection areas.

Useful to send us

  • The address or postcode
  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Your title number, if you know it
  • Any planning applications or letters

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.

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.

Do you buy land in Ilford?

Yes. We consider land in and around Ilford and across Greater London. Whether we can make an offer depends on the land itself, especially its access and planning prospects, and we'll tell you either way.

Also near Ilford

Other land types and routes

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

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