Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions landowners and agents ask us most. Cannot see yours? Get in touch.
Questions
What kind of land do you buy?
Land that could take new homes: fields and paddocks next to settlements, brownfield sites, infill and garden plots, garage courts, redundant buildings, barns, land with planning and larger strategic sites. We buy in England and Wales.
Do you only buy land with planning permission?
No. Much of the land we look at has no planning permission. We assess whether a permission is realistic and can buy subject to planning, take an option or buy outright.
Is there a minimum or maximum site size?
No. We look at single building plots through to land for 50 or more homes.
How much will you pay for my land?
Every site is valued individually, based on what could be built, the costs and the planning position. We put any offer in writing and explain how we reached it.
Do I have to pay you anything?
No. Our appraisal is free and we never charge landowners a fee. On option agreements we also pay your reasonable legal costs, up to a cap agreed in the heads of terms. Under options and joint ventures, agreed planning and promotion costs may be recovered from the price or proceeds; any recovery is capped and set out in the heads of terms.
Are you an estate agent?
No. We are a buyer. Development Land Wanted is a trading name of S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, part of the S&K Group, and we buy land for our own developments.
Can estate agents and land finders introduce sites?
Yes. Introducers are welcome with the owner's permission. Any fee is agreed in writing before details are shared, must be disclosed to the owner and confirmed by them in writing, and is paid only on completion.
Which areas do you cover?
All of England and Wales. We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, and travel to see sites wherever they are.
How long does a sale take?
It depends on the route. An outright purchase of land with planning can move relatively quickly; land that needs planning permission takes longer. We are honest about timing for each site.
Can I keep using the land until the sale?
Usually, yes. Under a subject-to-planning contract or an option, current uses can normally continue until completion.
What if my land is in the Green Belt?
In England, some Green Belt land may qualify as grey belt or previously developed land, which national policy allows to be considered for housing. We assess each case individually.
Do you buy land in Wales?
Yes. We buy across Wales, taking account of Planning Policy Wales, Local Development Plans, flood risk under TAN 15 and, where relevant, phosphate issues in river catchments.
Will you keep my enquiry confidential?
Yes. We use your details only to discuss your land, as explained in our privacy notice. We do not pass your details or site information to other land buyers or agents; we share them only within our group and with the service providers and advisers named in the notice.
What information do you need to start?
Just the location and a rough idea of the land. A plan, photos and any planning history help us give a firmer view sooner.
Is submitting a site an offer to sell?
No. It simply asks us to look at the land. There is no obligation on you, and any offer we make will be in writing and subject to contract.
How accurate is the capacity figure?
It is a rough rule of thumb based on part of the site being used for roads and open space and typical suburban densities. The real figure depends on the site, its constraints and local policy.