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Sell a small development site in Harpenden

We buy small development sites across Hertfordshire. In Harpenden, 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 pressure to decide
  • Independent advice encouraged

Selling land near Harpenden?

Send the postcode and a rough size.

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

Harpenden at a glance

Land around Harpenden falls under England's planning system. The closest towns we also cover are St Albans, 5 miles away, and Luton, 5 miles away, and Watford is 11 miles away.

Most of the county is Metropolitan Green Belt, which makes land with genuine development prospects scarce and keenly contested.

TownHarpenden
CountyHertfordshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtAL5
OS grid squareTL11
Nearest towns we coverSt Albans (5 mi), Luton (5 mi), Hemel Hempstead (6 mi)
Distance from WatfordAbout 11 miles north
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

Land we're keen to see around Harpenden

  • Corner plots, odd-shaped parcels and leftover land
  • Land at the end of cul-de-sacs
  • Old yards, depots and lock-up sites
  • Land within a settlement boundary

Government policy has repeatedly emphasised the role of small sites in housing supply. We'll check how your council's plan supports them.

What decides the value of small development sites near Harpenden

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.

Trees and boundaries

Mature trees and hedges on small sites have a big effect on layout.

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.

Four routes to a sale

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. 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. 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.

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.

Common problems, and how we handle them

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
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements

What people ask us about small development sites

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.

Can I see your appraisal?

We'll explain the main figures behind our offer so you can compare it with independent advice.

How do I get an offer for land in Harpenden?

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 Harpenden

More land we buy in Harpenden

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

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

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248