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Sell land subject to planning in Harlow

If you own land in or around Harlow, 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.

A subject-to-planning sale, or conditional contract, is a sale where contracts are exchanged now but completion only happens once an acceptable planning permission is granted. It lets you agree a price based on the land's value with permission, while the buyer pays for and manages the application.

  • Free appraisal and written offer
  • Figures explained, so you can check them
  • No pressure to decide

Get an offer for land in Harlow

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

Land around Harlow

Harlow (CM17) sits in OS grid square TL41, about 31 miles north-west of Southend-on-Sea. Sites between here and Hoddesdon or Waltham Abbey are just as much of interest to us.

Metropolitan Green Belt covers the south and west of the county, while mid and north Essex have larger areas of farmland around growing towns.

TownHarlow
CountyEssex
CountryEngland
Postcode districtCM17
OS grid squareTL41
Nearest towns we coverHoddesdon (5 mi), Bishops Stortford (7 mi), Waltham Abbey (8 mi)
Distance from Southend-on-SeaAbout 31 miles north-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

Who a subject-to-planning sale works best for

  • Building plots and garden land without permission
  • Small sites with a clear planning case
  • Land where a previous permission has lapsed
  • Owners willing to wait for a higher price

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

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.

Appeals

Contracts say whether we can appeal a refusal and how long that adds.

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.

Land near Harlow that a subject-to-planning sale suits

Land for affordable homes in Harlow

The usual route: we agree a price and complete when permission is granted.

Farmland and agricultural land in Harlow

Higher price paid when permission is granted on the field.

Barns and rural buildings in Harlow

We complete once planning consent is secured.

Brownfield land in Harlow

We complete once permission is granted for a housing scheme.

What happens next

  1. Tell us about your land

    Send the postcode or address and a rough size.

  2. We check it properly

    Title, planning history, access, flood maps and local policy.

  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 Essex

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

  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Any planning applications or letters
  • Photos of the land and its access
  • How soon you'd ideally like to sell

Common questions

What happens if planning is refused?

We may appeal if the contract allows. If permission isn't secured by the long-stop date, the contract ends and you keep your land.

Can I still use the land before completion?

Usually yes, until we need access for surveys or until completion.

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.

Do you cover the villages around Harlow?

Yes. Villages between Harlow, Hoddesdon and Bishops Stortford often have the kind of edge-of-settlement land we're looking for.

Nearby towns

More land we buy in Harlow

Get a straight answer about your land

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