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Sell land subject to planning in Sunderland

If you own land in or around Sunderland, 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.

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.

  • Free appraisal and written offer
  • No commission: we're the buyer
  • Independent advice encouraged

Selling land near Sunderland?

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.

Land around Sunderland

Our appraisals for Sunderland start with the SR1 postcode district and the OS grid square NZ35, then widen out to Seaham, Washington and Houghton-le-Spring, all within about 6 miles.

Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead and the surrounding boroughs, with brownfield land in the urban core and green belt on the fringe.

TownSunderland
CountyTyne and Wear
CountryEngland
Postcode districtSR1
OS grid squareNZ35
Nearest towns we coverSeaham (5 mi), Washington (5 mi), Houghton-le-Spring (6 mi)
Distance from Newcastle upon TyneAbout 10 miles south-east
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

When a subject-to-planning sale suits land near Sunderland

  • Building plots and garden land without permission
  • Land where a previous permission has lapsed
  • Owners willing to wait for a higher price
  • 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.

The terms that matter

Long-stop date

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

Acceptable permission

The contract defines what counts as an acceptable consent.

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. 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. 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.

Awkward details we deal with

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

  • A plan, or a screenshot from an online map
  • Any planning applications or letters
  • Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
  • Photos of the land and its access

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

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.

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.

Can you visit land near Sunderland?

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.

Get a straight answer about your land

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