Sell land subject to planning in Formby
For owners in Formby and the L37 area, a subject-to-planning sale is worth understanding before you talk to any buyer, including us.
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
- No commission: we're the buyer
- Independent advice encouraged
Selling land near Formby?
Send the postcode and a rough size.
Formby at a glance
Our appraisals for Formby start with the L37 postcode district and the OS grid square SD20, then widen out to Maghull, Southport and Bootle, all within about 7 miles.
Largely urban, with substantial brownfield land in Liverpool and the surrounding boroughs and green belt around the edges.
| Town | Formby |
|---|---|
| County | Merseyside |
| Country | England |
| Postcode district | L37 |
| OS grid square | SD20 |
| Nearest towns we cover | Maghull (6 mi), Southport (7 mi), Bootle (7 mi) |
| Distance from Liverpool | About 11 miles north |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
| When you're paid | On completion, after permission is granted |
| Planning costs | Ours |
Is a subject-to-planning sale right for your land?
- Building plots and garden land without permission
- Small sites with a clear planning case
- Brownfield sites needing a housing permission
- 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.
The terms that matter
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.
Your use meanwhile
You normally keep using the land until completion.
Land near Formby that a subject-to-planning sale suits
Paddocks and equestrian land in Formby
We complete once homes are approved on the paddock.
Barns and rural buildings in Formby
We complete once planning consent is secured.
Building plots in Formby
We buy once permission is granted for an agreed scheme.
Garage sites in Formby
The most common route for garage courts.
How a sale works
Tell us about your land
Send the postcode or address and a rough size.
We do the homework
We read the title and planning record and check flood risk and access.
You get a written offer
With the main figures behind it, so your adviser can check it.
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're worried about being tied up indefinitely
A long-stop date sets the maximum time. If permission isn't granted by then, you're free.
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
- Your title number, if you know it
- Photos of the land and its access
- How soon you'd ideally like to sell
What people ask us about a subject-to-planning sale
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.
Can you visit land near Formby?
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.
Other land in Formby
- Development land
- Land with planning permission
- Land without planning permission
- Large strategic sites
- Green belt and grey belt land
- Land for affordable homes
- Farmland and agricultural land
- Paddocks and equestrian land
- Barns and rural buildings
- Building plots
- Garden land and backland
- Infill plots and gap sites
- Small sites
- Garage sites
- Brownfield land
- Redundant commercial and industrial land
- Inherited and probate land
- Landlocked land and access problems
- Outright purchase
- Option agreements
- Joint ventures
- All land in Formby
- Subject-to-planning sale in Merseyside
Get a straight answer about your land
Send the postcode and a rough size. We'll check the title and planning position and come back to you.