Sell strategic land and large sites in Surrey
Owners of strategic land in Surrey can sell directly to us, whether the land is near Woking, Guildford and Esher or in the villages between.
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.
- No commission: we're the buyer
- Figures explained, so you can check them
- No pressure to decide
Get an offer for land in Surrey
Send the postcode and a rough size.
Large strategic sites in Surrey at a glance
Most of the county is Metropolitan Green Belt, and the Surrey Hills National Landscape covers much of the rest.
| County | Surrey |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Towns we cover here | 19 |
| Main town | Woking |
| Example postcode districts | CR3, GU1, GU7, GU9, GU15 |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
What we look for in Surrey
- 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
- 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
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 decides the value of strategic land in Surrey
Landowner collaboration
Neighbouring owners agreeing to work together can unlock access and better layouts.
Price mechanism
Options and conditional contracts usually pay a share of market value at the time permission is granted.
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.
Choosing how to sell
Strategic land is a long game. We set out the planning route, who pays for what, and how the final price is worked out before you commit to anything.
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.
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.
Green belt and grey belt
Green belt land is protected from inappropriate development. National policy in England also recognises 'grey belt': green belt land that doesn't strongly contribute to key green belt purposes, where housing can be acceptable if further tests are met.
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 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
- How soon you'd ideally like to sell
Your questions answered
How long do strategic land deals last?
Terms vary with the site and the plan timetable. Several years is common, with options to extend if planning is progressing.
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 Surrey?
Yes. We consider land across Surrey, from Woking 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 Surrey
Find out what we'd pay for your land in Surrey
Send the postcode and a rough size and we'll come back with a straight answer.