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Sell land subject to planning in Dunstable

If you own land in or around Dunstable, subject-to-planning sale is one of four ways you can sell it to us. Here's how it works and when it makes sense.

This route suits most building plots, garden land and small sites, where the planning process can be measured in months rather than years.

  • No commission: we're the buyer
  • Independent advice encouraged
  • We fund the planning work

Tell us about your land

Free, no-obligation appraisal.

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

Where Dunstable sits

Our appraisals for Dunstable start with the LU6 postcode district and the OS grid square TL02, then widen out to Luton, Leighton Buzzard and Flitwick, all within about 8 miles.

TownDunstable
CountyBedfordshire
CountryEngland
Postcode districtLU6
OS grid squareTL02
Nearest towns we coverLuton (5 mi), Leighton Buzzard (6 mi), Flitwick (8 mi)
Distance from LutonAbout 5 miles west
Planning systemNational Planning Policy Framework and local plan
When you're paidOn completion, after permission is granted
Planning costsOurs
Land surveyor with a GNSS survey pole in a grass field next to a hedgerow

Is a subject-to-planning sale right for your land?

  • Small sites with a clear planning case
  • Land where a previous permission has lapsed
  • Brownfield sites needing a housing permission
  • Sites where the planning period can be agreed in advance

If your land has a good chance of permission but doesn't have it yet, a subject-to-planning deal usually achieves more than an outright sale.

What to check in a subject-to-planning sale

Price basis

The price is set against the land's value with permission, so it's usually higher than an unconditional offer.

Long-stop date

If permission isn't granted by an agreed date, either side can end the contract.

Deposit

A deposit is usually paid on exchange and held until completion.

Price adjustments

Some contracts adjust the price for the number of homes approved.

What happens next

  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. You get a written offer

    With the main figures behind it, so your adviser can check it.

  4. The legal work

    Your solicitor and ours handle the contract through to completion.

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.

Common problems, and how we handle them

You want to know what 'acceptable' permission means

The contract defines it, such as a minimum number of homes. Your solicitor should check it carefully.

You're worried we'll get permission for something you don't like

The contract can set out the scheme or limits on what we apply for.

Useful to send us

  • The address or postcode
  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
  • Photos of the land and its access

What people ask us about a subject-to-planning sale

Who pays for the planning application?

We do, along with the surveys and consultants needed to support it.

Do I get a deposit?

A deposit is usually paid on exchange, with terms set out in the contract.

How long does the planning stage take?

In England the statutory period is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major ones; in Wales it's eight weeks. Both extend to sixteen weeks where an environmental impact assessment is needed, and surveys, validation and negotiation often add time.

Can you visit land near Dunstable?

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.

Ready to talk about your land in Dunstable?

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