Sell strategic land and large sites in York
Our interest in strategic land around York is simple: we're buying land to build homes on, so we look for sites where homes are realistic and price them on that basis.
Strategic land is a larger site, usually several acres or more, whose development depends on being allocated in a local plan or winning a major planning permission. Because that can take years, strategic land is usually sold on an option or a conditional contract rather than outright.
- Free appraisal and written offer
- Figures explained, so you can check them
- No pressure to decide
Get an offer for land in York
Free, no-obligation appraisal.
York at a glance
Our appraisals for York start with the YO1 postcode district and the OS grid square SE65, then widen out to Selby, Harrogate and Goole, all within about 19 miles.
England's largest county, taking in the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, with green belt around York.
| Town | York |
|---|---|
| County | North Yorkshire |
| Country | England |
| Postcode district | YO1 |
| OS grid square | SE65 |
| Nearest towns we cover | Selby (12 mi), Harrogate (19 mi), Goole (19 mi) |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
| Ways to sell | Outright, subject to planning, option or joint venture |
Is your land near York a good fit?
- Blocks of land of several acres on the edge of towns and larger villages
- Sites that can be reached from a main road or a new junction
- Holdings in a single ownership, or neighbours willing to work together
- Sites close to schools, shops and public transport
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.
How we arrive at a figure for land in North Yorkshire
Local plan timing
A site that can be put forward at the next plan review has a clearer route to permission.
Infrastructure
New roads, schools or drainage on a large scheme are paid for out of land value.
Term length
Longer agreements give more time for planning but tie up your land for longer.
Phasing
Large sites are often bought in phases, with payments staged to match.
Ways to sell this land
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 check it properly
Title, planning history, access, flood maps and local policy.
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 North Yorkshire
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 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
- A rough size, in acres or hectares
- Your title number, if you know it
- Any planning applications or letters
Questions from landowners near York
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.
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.
Can I farm the land while planning is pursued?
Usually, yes. Agreements normally let you keep using the land until the buyer needs it.
Do you buy land in York?
Yes. We consider land in and around York and across North Yorkshire. Whether we can make an offer depends on the land itself, especially its access and planning prospects, and we'll tell you either way.
Nearby towns
Other land in York
- Development land
- Land with planning permission
- Land without planning permission
- 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
- Small 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 York
- Large strategic sites in North Yorkshire
Ready to talk about your land in York?
Send the postcode and a rough size. We'll check the title and planning position and come back to you.