Sell a small development site in Formby
We buy small development sites across Merseyside. In Formby, 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
- Figures explained, so you can check them
- No pressure to decide
Selling land near Formby?
Free, no-obligation appraisal.
Formby at a glance
Our appraisals for Formby start with the L37 postcode district and the OS grid square SD20, then widen out to Maghull, Southport and Bootle, all within about 7 miles.
Largely urban, with substantial brownfield land in Liverpool and the surrounding boroughs and green belt around the edges.
| Town | Formby |
|---|---|
| County | Merseyside |
| Country | England |
| Postcode district | L37 |
| OS grid square | SD20 |
| Nearest towns we cover | Maghull (6 mi), Southport (7 mi), Bootle (7 mi) |
| Distance from Liverpool | About 11 miles north |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
| Ways to sell | Outright, subject to planning, option or joint venture |
What makes small development sites near Formby worth an offer
- Sites for two to around nine homes
- Sites with an existing permission for a small scheme
- Land within a settlement boundary
- Small sites in villages where policy supports limited growth
Government policy has repeatedly emphasised the role of small sites in housing supply. We'll check how your council's plan supports them.
How we arrive at a figure for land in Merseyside
Trees and boundaries
Mature trees and hedges on small sites have a big effect on layout.
Drainage
Sustainable drainage must fit within the site.
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.
Four routes to a sale
From first call to completion
Tell us about your land
Send the postcode or address and a rough size.
We do the homework
We read the title and planning record and check flood risk and access.
You get a written offer
With the main figures behind it, so your adviser can check it.
Solicitors complete the sale
Exchange and complete, or exchange now and complete when planning is granted.
Planning and legal points for land in Merseyside
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.
There's a protected tree
We design around it and allow for root protection areas.
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
- 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.
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 Formby?
Yes. Villages between Formby, Maghull and Southport often have the kind of edge-of-settlement land we're looking for.
More land we buy in Formby
- Development land
- Land with planning permission
- Land without planning permission
- Large strategic sites
- Green belt and grey belt land
- Land for affordable homes
- Farmland and agricultural land
- Paddocks and equestrian land
- Barns and rural buildings
- Building plots
- Garden land and backland
- Infill plots and gap sites
- Garage sites
- Brownfield land
- Redundant commercial and industrial land
- Inherited and probate land
- Landlocked land and access problems
- Outright purchase
- Subject-to-planning sale
- Option agreements
- Joint ventures
- All land in Formby
- Small sites in Merseyside
Ready to talk about your land in Formby?
Send the postcode and a rough size. We'll check the title and planning position and come back to you.