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Sell strategic land and large sites in Sunderland

Thinking about whether to sell strategic land and large sites in Sunderland? A free appraisal tells you what we'd pay and how we got there, with no obligation to go further.

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.

  • No commission: we're the buyer
  • No pressure to decide
  • Independent advice encouraged

Tell us about your land

Send the postcode and a rough size.

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Free and no obligation. We're the buyer, so there's no commission.

Where Sunderland sits

Sunderland lies in Tyne and Wear, about 10 miles south-east of Newcastle upon Tyne. Nearby, we also look at land around Seaham (5 miles), Washington (5 miles) and Houghton-le-Spring (6 miles).

TownSunderland
CountyTyne and Wear
CountryEngland
Postcode districtSR1
OS grid squareNZ35
Nearest towns we coverSeaham (5 mi), Washington (5 mi), Houghton-le-Spring (6 mi)
Distance from Newcastle upon TyneAbout 10 miles south-east
Planning systemNational Planning Policy Framework and local plan
Ways to sellOutright, subject to planning, option or joint venture
Aerial view of several farm fields between a market town and a ring road

Land we're keen to see around Sunderland

  • 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
  • Land without major heritage, ecology or flood constraints

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.

The things that move our offer

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.

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.

From first call to completion

  1. Tell us about your land

    Send the postcode or address and a rough size.

  2. We do the homework

    We read the title and planning record and check flood risk and access.

  3. We put an offer in writing

    It shows how we got there. There's no obligation to accept.

  4. The legal work

    Your solicitor and ours handle the contract through to completion.

Planning and legal points for land in Tyne and Wear

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.

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
  • Any planning applications or letters
  • Photos of the land and its access
  • How soon you'd ideally like to sell

What people ask us about strategic land

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.

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.

How do I get an offer for land in Sunderland?

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.

Large strategic sites near Sunderland

Other land types and routes

Ready to talk about your land in Sunderland?

A free appraisal tells you what we'd pay and why.

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248