Option agreement for land in Hampshire
You grant us the right to buy within a set period, usually for an option premium, while we pursue planning.
An option agreement gives us the right, but not the obligation, to buy land within an agreed period, usually once planning is secured. The landowner is usually paid an option premium on signing and keeps the land meanwhile. On option agreements we pay the landowner's reasonable legal costs, with a cap agreed in the heads of terms.
Option agreement for land in Hampshire
Considering an option agreement for land in Hampshire? Here is how it works and where it fits. Hampshire includes the cities of Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester, the north Hampshire towns of Basingstoke, Farnborough, Aldershot and Fleet, and a large rural area. The New Forest and South Downs National Parks, several National Landscapes and Green Belt on the Dorset border in the south-west all constrain land. Typical sites include edge-of-town fields, farm buildings, infill plots and urban brownfield land.
Nutrient neutrality advice has applied across much of south Hampshire because of the Solent's protected habitats, and coastal schemes contribute to recreation mitigation for overwintering birds. The M3 and M27 corridors carry most planned growth, with smaller sites in market towns such as Alton, Andover and Romsey.
Since 6 August 2026, non-major development on sites of 0.2 hectares or less in England has generally been exempt from mandatory biodiversity net gain, unless priority habitat is affected. That makes many small sites simpler to bring forward.
National policy in England now recognises "medium development" of 10 to 49 homes on sites up to 2.5 hectares, and asks councils to allocate at least 10% of their housing on sites of one hectare or less and a further 10% on sites of one to 2.5 hectares.
Some land in Hampshire is designated Green Belt. If your land is within it, it may still qualify as grey belt or previously developed land under national policy, subject to the Golden Rules.
Parts of Hampshire fall within New Forest National Park, South Downs National Park, North Wessex Downs National Landscape, Chichester Harbour National Landscape and Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Protected landscapes carry strong policy protection, so land in or next to them needs particularly careful assessment.
In short: you grant us the right to buy within a set period, usually for an option premium, while we pursue planning. It usually suits farmland and larger edge-of-settlement sites; strategic land needing local plan promotion; owners happy to wait for a better price. See how an option agreement works for the full process, pros and cons.
Land in Hampshire that often suits an option agreement
WantedResidential development land
Sites on the edge of Winchester or the villages nearby can be worth a conversation, especially where they are well connected by road and bus or rail. Suits larger or longer-term land where planning may take several years.
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WantedBrownfield land
In Winchester, the brownfield sites we look at are often tucked behind main roads or alongside older housing, close to services. Less common, but possible on larger regeneration land.
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WantedGarden and backland plots
In parts of Winchester with long gardens or rear lanes, backland plots can work well if the access is wide enough and neighbours are treated fairly. Helpful where several gardens are being combined over time.
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WantedFarmland and paddocks
We are looking for farmland near Winchester with a realistic access, ideally land the owner has already put forward to the local plan. The usual route for larger farmland: you keep farming and we promote the land.
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WantedGreen Belt and grey belt land
Green Belt edges in Hampshire vary a great deal, so we assess each parcel against the national tests before suggesting a deal. The common route: promoting Green Belt land can take time.
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WantedStrategic land
If you own a substantial holding near Winchester, the council's plan timetable will shape when and how it could be promoted. The standard route: we fund promotion and you are paid on sale.
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WantedCommercial and industrial sites
We look at yards and units across Winchester where the business use has run its course or the site sits awkwardly among houses. Possible for larger estates being phased out.
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WantedSites with lapsed or refused planning
Sites around Winchester with an old refusal can be worth a second look, especially where local or national policy has since changed. Suits larger sites needing a longer route.
Learn moreTowns we cover in Hampshire
Option agreement: questions
How long do options last?
It varies with the site and the planning route, from a few years for smaller sites to longer for strategic land. Extension terms are often included.
How is the price worked out?
Commonly as market value with planning, less an agreed discount and allowable costs, often with a minimum price. Take independent advice on the mechanism.
Do you really pay my legal costs?
On option agreements we pay the landowner's reasonable legal costs, up to a cap that we agree in the heads of terms.
Do you use option agreements for land in Hampshire?
Yes. We use option agreements across Hampshire and the rest of England, where the structure suits the site and the owner.