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Sell land subject to planning in Guildford

For owners in Guildford and the GU1 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 pressure to decide
  • Independent advice encouraged

Selling land near Guildford?

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

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

Where Guildford sits

Guildford lies in Surrey, roughly 6 miles south of Woking. Nearby, we also look at land around Godalming (4 miles), Woking (6 miles) and Aldershot (8 miles).

TownGuildford
CountySurrey
CountryEngland
Postcode districtGU1
OS grid squareSU94
Nearest towns we coverGodalming (4 mi), Woking (6 mi), Aldershot (8 mi)
Distance from WokingAbout 6 miles south
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?

  • Building plots and garden land without permission
  • Small sites with a clear planning case
  • Land where a previous permission has lapsed
  • Brownfield sites needing a housing permission

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.

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.

How a sale works

  1. Send us the address

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

  2. We check it properly

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

  3. You get a written offer

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

  4. Solicitors complete the sale

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

Planning and legal points for land in Surrey

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 want to know what 'acceptable' permission means

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

Useful to send us

  • The address or postcode
  • Your title number, if you know it
  • Any planning applications or letters
  • Photos of the land and its access

Your questions answered

What is a subject-to-planning sale?

A sale where contracts are exchanged now, but completion depends on planning permission being granted. If it isn't granted by the long-stop date, the contract can end.

Can I still use the land before completion?

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

Do I get a deposit?

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

Can you visit land near Guildford?

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.

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

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