Sell strategic land and large sites in East Sussex
If you're looking to sell strategic land and large sites anywhere in East Sussex, we'll appraise it for free and explain our offer in writing.
If you own a large block of land next to a town, the right partner and the right agreement matter more than a fast headline price. We explain each structure and what it means for you.
- Figures explained, so you can check them
- No pressure to decide
- Independent advice encouraged
Get an offer for land in East Sussex
Send the postcode and a rough size.
Large strategic sites in East Sussex at a glance
Much of the county lies in the South Downs National Park or the High Weald National Landscape, which limits greenfield development outside the towns.
| County | East Sussex |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Towns we cover here | 10 |
| Main town | Brighton |
| Example postcode districts | BN2, BN3, BN21, BN25, BN27 |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
What we look for in East Sussex
- Sites that can be reached from a main road or a new junction
- Land being considered in a local plan review
- Land without major heritage, ecology or flood constraints
- 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.
Price mechanism
Options and conditional contracts usually pay a share of market value at the time permission is granted.
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
If you own a large block of land next to a town, the right partner and the right agreement matter more than a fast headline price. We explain each structure and what it means for you.
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
Send us the address
A postcode, a plan or a what3words location is enough to start.
We do the homework
We read the title and planning record and check flood risk and access.
We put an offer in writing
It shows how we got there. There's no obligation to accept.
Solicitors complete the sale
Exchange and complete, or exchange now and complete when planning is granted.
Planning and legal points for land in East Sussex
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
Several family members own the land
We can work with all owners and their advisers, and agreements can set out how payments are split.
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
- Any planning applications or letters
- Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
- How soon you'd ideally like to sell
What people ask us about strategic land
How is the price worked out on an option?
Most options set the price as a percentage of market value once permission is granted, less agreed deductions, with a minimum price to protect you. We explain every deduction before you sign.
Do I pay for planning on strategic land?
Normally not. Under an option or conditional contract the buyer funds planning and technical work, and recovers those costs from the land price only if the agreement allows 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 East Sussex?
Yes. We consider land across East Sussex, from Brighton 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 East Sussex
Find out what we'd pay for your land in East Sussex
Send the postcode and a rough size and we'll come back with a straight answer.