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Sell a small development site in Canterbury

Selling small development sites near Canterbury doesn't have to start with an agent and a marketing campaign. You can talk to a buyer first and still take independent advice before you decide.

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.

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

Selling land near Canterbury?

Send the postcode and a rough size.

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

Canterbury at a glance

From Canterbury, it's 6 miles to Whitstable and 7 miles to Herne Bay. We buy land across that whole stretch of Kent, not only within the town.

Metropolitan Green Belt in the west, the Kent Downs and High Weald National Landscapes, and growth around Ashford, Maidstone and the Medway towns.

TownCanterbury
CountyKent
CountryEngland
Postcode districtCT1
OS grid squareTR15
Nearest towns we coverWhitstable (6 mi), Herne Bay (7 mi), Faversham (9 mi)
Distance from MaidstoneAbout 24 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 Canterbury

  • Sites for two to around nine homes
  • Land at the end of cul-de-sacs
  • Old yards, depots and lock-up sites
  • Sites with an existing permission for a small scheme

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.

The things that move our offer

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.

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.

How a sale works

  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.

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

  • The address or postcode
  • Your title number, if you know it
  • Any planning applications or letters
  • Photos of the land and its access

Your questions answered

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.

Do you buy land in Canterbury?

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

Ready to talk about your land in Canterbury?

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