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Sell a small development site in Bishops Stortford

If you want to sell a small development site in Bishops Stortford, 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.

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.

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

Tell us about your land

Send the postcode and a rough size.

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

Bishops Stortford at a glance

Land around Bishops Stortford falls under England's planning system. The closest towns we also cover are Harlow, 7 miles away, and Hoddesdon, 10 miles away, and Watford is 28 miles away.

TownBishops Stortford
CountyHertfordshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtCM23
OS grid squareTL42
Nearest towns we coverHarlow (7 mi), Hoddesdon (10 mi), Hertford (11 mi)
Distance from WatfordAbout 28 miles north-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 Bishops Stortford

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

What decides the value of small development sites near Bishops Stortford

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.

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.

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. 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.

Awkward details we deal with

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
  • Photos of the land and its access

Questions from landowners near Bishops Stortford

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 buy a site that needs demolition?

Yes. We price in demolition and any contamination clean-up.

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.

Can you visit land near Bishops Stortford?

Yes. Once we've looked at the title and planning position, we arrange a site visit if the land looks suitable. Send the address or postcode to start.

Also near Bishops Stortford

Other land in Bishops Stortford

Get a straight answer about your land

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

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248