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Option agreements for land in Witney

If you own land in or around Witney, option agreements is one of four ways you can sell it to us. Here's how it works and when it makes sense.

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

  • Free appraisal and written offer
  • Figures explained, so you can check them
  • Independent advice encouraged

Tell us about your land

We'll check the title and planning, then call you.

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Please enter a postcode, or at least the first half.
Please tick the box so we can contact you.

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

Witney at a glance

Our appraisals for Witney start with the OX28 postcode district and the OS grid square SP30, then widen out to Carterton, Kidlington and Oxford, all within about 10 miles.

TownWitney
CountyOxfordshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtOX28
OS grid squareSP30
Nearest towns we coverCarterton (5 mi), Kidlington (9 mi), Oxford (10 mi)
Distance from OxfordAbout 10 miles west
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

Is an option agreement right for your land?

  • Larger fields and blocks on the edge of towns and villages
  • Land being considered in a local plan review
  • Holdings where several owners need to work together
  • Sites with technical issues that need time to resolve

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

How the money works

Option fee

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

Term

How long we have to secure permission and exercise the option.

Exercise triggers

What has to happen before we can buy.

Your obligations

Agreements set what you can and can't do with the land in the meantime.

Land near Witney that an option agreement suits

Land with planning permission in Witney

Rarely needed once consent exists, but can suit phased sites.

Land without planning permission in Witney

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

Land for affordable homes in Witney

Useful while housing need is evidenced and a scheme is prepared.

Farmland and agricultural land in Witney

Common for edge-of-town farmland promoted through the local plan.

What happens next

  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. Solicitors complete the sale

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

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.

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're worried about the deductions

Ask for a clear list and a cap on what can be deducted. We'll explain each one.

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 rough size, in acres or hectares
  • Any planning applications or letters
  • How soon you'd ideally like to sell

What people ask us about an option agreement

What is an option agreement?

A contract that gives the buyer the right to buy your land within a set period, usually after planning permission is granted. You receive an option fee now and the purchase price if the option is exercised.

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

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

How is the price set?

Usually as a percentage of the land's market value once permission is granted, minus agreed costs, with a minimum price. The percentage and deductions are negotiated.

Can you visit land near Witney?

Yes. Once we've looked at the title and planning position, we arrange a site visit if the land looks suitable. Send the address or postcode to start.

Nearby towns

More land we buy in Witney

Find out what we'd pay for your land near Witney

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

Get an offerCall 0800 088 6248