Sell strategic land and large sites in Guildford
Our interest in strategic land around Guildford 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.
- Figures explained, so you can check them
- No pressure to decide
- Independent advice encouraged
Tell us about your land
Free, no-obligation appraisal.
Where Guildford sits
Guildford lies in Surrey, roughly 6 miles south of Woking. Nearby, we also look at land around Godalming (4 miles), Woking (6 miles) and Aldershot (8 miles).
Most of the county is Metropolitan Green Belt, and the Surrey Hills National Landscape covers much of the rest.
| Town | Guildford |
|---|---|
| County | Surrey |
| Country | England |
| Postcode district | GU1 |
| OS grid square | SU94 |
| Nearest towns we cover | Godalming (4 mi), Woking (6 mi), Aldershot (8 mi) |
| Distance from Woking | About 6 miles south |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
| Ways to sell | Outright, subject to planning, option or joint venture |
What makes strategic land near Guildford worth an offer
- 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
- 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.
The things that move our offer
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.
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.
Choosing how to sell
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.
From first call to completion
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.
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.
Planning and legal points for land in Surrey
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.
Awkward details we deal with
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
- Any planning applications or letters
- Photos of the land and its access
- How soon you'd ideally like to sell
Common questions
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 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.
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.
How do I get an offer for land in Guildford?
Use the form on this page or call 0800 088 6248. Tell us the postcode, the rough size and anything you know about planning, and we'll come back to you.
Other land in Guildford
- 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 Guildford
- Large strategic sites in Surrey
Get a straight answer about your land
Call 0800 088 6248 or send the details. There's no obligation.