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Option agreements for land in Ilford

If you own land near Ilford, you may be wondering whether an option agreement would suit you. The answer depends on your land's planning prospects and how soon you want to be paid.

An option agreement gives a buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy land within a set period, usually once planning permission is obtained. The landowner receives an option fee up front and, if the option is exercised, a price normally based on market value with permission, less agreed deductions.

  • Figures explained, so you can check them
  • No pressure to decide
  • We fund the planning work

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

Where Ilford sits

Our appraisals for Ilford start with the IG1 postcode district and the OS grid square TQ48, then widen out to Barking, Becontree and Leytonstone, all within about 3 miles.

Land is scarce and mostly brownfield. The outer boroughs contain Metropolitan Green Belt and metropolitan open land, both closely protected.

TownIlford
CountyGreater London
CountryEngland
Postcode districtIG1
OS grid squareTQ48
Nearest towns we coverBarking (2 mi), Becontree (2 mi), Leytonstone (3 mi)
Distance from central LondonAbout 9 miles east
Planning systemNational Planning Policy Framework and local plan
When you're paidOption fee now, price when the option is exercised
Planning costsOurs, sometimes recoverable from the price
Two people in outdoor jackets walking along a hedgerow, one pointing across the field

When an option agreement suits land near Ilford

  • Owners happy to wait several years for a higher price
  • Holdings where several owners need to work together
  • Land needing access or infrastructure to be unlocked
  • Owners who want to keep farming until development

If your land could be allocated in a future local plan, an option keeps it moving towards development without you funding the work.

What to check in an option agreement

Option fee

A payment on signing, which you usually keep even if the option isn't exercised.

Minimum price

A floor that protects you if values fall.

Deductions

Which planning and infrastructure costs come off the price before you're paid.

Exercise triggers

What has to happen before we can buy.

Land near Ilford that an option agreement suits

Land without planning permission in Ilford

We pay for the right to buy later and fund the planning work meanwhile.

Infill plots and gap sites in Ilford

Seldom needed for single infill plots.

Small sites in Ilford

Useful if land needs assembling from more than one owner.

Brownfield land in Ilford

Can suit larger brownfield sites with a longer planning route.

From first call to completion

  1. Send us the address

    A postcode, a plan or a what3words location is enough to start.

  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. Solicitors complete the sale

    Exchange and complete, or exchange now and complete when planning is granted.

What England's rules mean for your land

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.

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

You want to be sure we'll actually pursue planning

Agreements can include obligations to use reasonable endeavours and set milestones.

You'd like your advisers' costs covered

Many option agreements include a contribution to the landowner's legal and agent costs. We'll tell you if ours does.

Useful to send us

  • The address or postcode
  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Your title number, if you know it
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements

Your questions answered

Do I keep the option fee if you don't buy?

Normally, yes. The terms are set out in the agreement.

Can I sell to someone else during the option?

Not usually. The option binds the land, and it's normally registered against your title.

What's the difference between an option and a promotion agreement?

Under an option the buyer has the right to buy the land. Under a promotion agreement a promoter gets permission and then sells the land on the open market, taking a share of the proceeds. We offer options, not promotion agreements.

Do you buy land in Ilford?

Yes. We consider land in and around Ilford and across Greater London. Whether we can make an offer depends on the land itself, especially its access and planning prospects, and we'll tell you either way.

Also near Ilford

Other land types and routes

Ready to talk about your land in Ilford?

Call 0800 088 6248 or send the details. There's no obligation.

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248