Sell strategic land and large sites in County Durham
If you're looking to sell strategic land and large sites anywhere in County Durham, we'll appraise it for free and explain our offer in writing.
Large sites on the edge of towns are where much of the country's new housing ends up. Getting there takes local plan promotion, technical studies and patience, and the deal needs to reflect that.
- Free appraisal and written offer
- No pressure to decide
- Independent advice encouraged
Get an offer for land in County Durham
Send the postcode and a rough size.
Large strategic sites in County Durham at a glance
Former coalfield villages in the east, the North Pennines National Landscape to the west, and green belt around Durham city linking with Tyne and Wear.
| County | County Durham |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Towns we cover here | 12 |
| Main town | Darlington |
| Example postcode districts | DH1, DH3, DH8, DH9, DL3 |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
What we look for in County Durham
- Blocks of land of several acres on the edge of towns and larger villages
- Land being considered in a local plan review
- Holdings in a single ownership, or neighbours willing to work together
- Sites close to schools, shops and public transport
- Land where a phased scheme could start on a smaller first phase
Large sites on the edge of towns are where much of the country's new housing ends up. Getting there takes local plan promotion, technical studies and patience, and the deal needs to reflect that.
What affects the price
Local plan timing
A site that can be put forward at the next plan review has a clearer route to permission.
Landowner collaboration
Neighbouring owners agreeing to work together can unlock access and better layouts.
Minimum price
A floor price protects you if values fall during a long planning process.
Phasing
Large sites are often bought in phases, with payments staged to match.
Choosing how to sell
Large sites on the edge of towns are where much of the country's new housing ends up. Getting there takes local plan promotion, technical studies and patience, and the deal needs to reflect that.
Outright purchase
Rare on unallocated strategic land, but possible at a risk-adjusted price.
Subject-to-planning sale
A fixed or formula price paid once an acceptable permission is granted.
Option agreements
The usual route: an option fee now and a price based on market value later.
Joint ventures
Lets you share in the development value if you can wait for it.
How a sale works
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.
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.
Farm tenancies
Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies and farm business tenancies have their own notice and compensation rules, which affect when land can be developed.
When the land isn't straightforward
The land is farmed by a tenant
Tenancies need managing before building can start. We look at notice periods and compensation early.
You are worried about being tied up for years
We agree a term with clear milestones, so the agreement can end if planning stalls.
Useful to send us
- The address or postcode
- Your title number, if you know it
- Any planning applications or letters
- Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
Your questions answered
What counts as strategic land?
There's no legal definition. In practice it means larger sites, often over five acres, whose route to development runs through the local plan or a major planning application.
Can I farm the land while planning is pursued?
Usually, yes. Agreements normally let you keep using the land until the buyer needs it.
Should I take independent advice?
Yes. Strategic land agreements are complex and you should have your own solicitor and, ideally, a land agent or surveyor. Some agreements contribute to those costs; we will say up front whether ours does.
Do you buy land in County Durham?
Yes. We consider land across County Durham, from Darlington to the smaller towns and villages. Whether we can make an offer depends on the land itself, and we'll tell you either way.
Large strategic sites by town in County Durham
Find out what we'd pay for your land in County Durham
Send the postcode and a rough size and we'll come back with a straight answer.