Sell strategic land and large sites in West Sussex
If you're looking to sell strategic land and large sites anywhere in West Sussex, we'll appraise it for free and explain our offer in writing.
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.
- No commission: we're the buyer
- Figures explained, so you can check them
- Independent advice encouraged
Get an offer for land in West Sussex
Send the postcode and a rough size.
Large strategic sites in West Sussex at a glance
The South Downs National Park, Chichester Harbour and High Weald National Landscapes, and water neutrality rules that have affected new homes in the north of the county.
| County | West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Towns we cover here | 10 |
| Main town | Crawley |
| Example postcode districts | BN11, BN17, BN43, PO19, PO21 |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
What makes strategic land in West Sussex 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
- Land without major heritage, ecology or flood constraints
- Sites close to schools, shops and public transport
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.
What affects the price
Infrastructure
New roads, schools or drainage on a large scheme are paid for out of land value.
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.
Four routes to a sale
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.
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 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.
What England's rules mean for your land
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.
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
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
- A rough size, in acres or hectares
- Any planning applications or letters
- How soon you'd ideally like to sell
Questions from landowners in West Sussex
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 West Sussex?
Yes. We consider land across West Sussex, from Crawley 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 West Sussex
Find out what we'd pay for your land in West Sussex
Send the postcode and a rough size and we'll come back with a straight answer.