Outright purchase for land in Hertfordshire
We agree a price and buy the land, with no planning condition attached.
An outright purchase is a straightforward sale: we agree a price, carry out due diligence, exchange contracts and complete, without waiting for planning permission. It gives a landowner certainty and speed, and suits land with planning permission or a clear planning route.
Outright purchase for land in Hertfordshire
Outright purchase is one of four ways we buy land in Hertfordshire. Hertfordshire is a county of medium-sized towns, including Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Hitchin, with many villages between them. Most of the county lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt and the Chilterns National Landscape covers the west, so grey belt, previously developed land and infill sites are especially important. Larger growth is usually planned as urban extensions and new communities through local plans.
The M1, A1(M), M25 and several commuter rail lines into London make many Hertfordshire villages well connected to stations, which revised English planning policy treats as a factor in favour of development. Former employment sites, garages, yards and paddocks on town edges are common sources of smaller housing land.
The August 2026 NPPF supports homes within reasonable walking distance (around 800 metres) of well-connected railway stations, with minimum densities of 35 homes per hectare, or 45 near higher-frequency stations.
The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 introduced Environmental Delivery Plans and a Nature Restoration Levy in England, which over time may offer an alternative to site-by-site mitigation for some environmental issues.
Parts of Hertfordshire are Green Belt, though not every town has any nearby. We check early whether a site is inside it and, if so, whether a grey belt or previously developed land case could apply.
Parts of Hertfordshire fall within Chilterns National Landscape. Protected landscapes carry strong policy protection, so land in or next to them needs particularly careful assessment.
In short: we agree a price and buy the land, with no planning condition attached. It usually suits land with outline or full planning permission; brownfield and redundant buildings with a clear route; owners who want certainty and a clean break. See how an outright purchase works for the full process, pros and cons.
Land in Hertfordshire that often suits an outright purchase
WantedResidential development land
In and around Hertford we are interested in land that sits naturally alongside existing streets, where new homes would read as part of the place. Best where planning is already granted or the route to it is clear.
Learn more
WantedLand with planning permission
For consented land around Hertford, the first things we read are the decision notice, the conditions and any legal agreement attached to the permission. The usual route for consented land: an agreed price and a straightforward sale.
Learn more
WantedBrownfield land
Brownfield land in Hertford tends to be well located for homes; the questions are usually about contamination, demolition and neighbours. Common for brownfield, with contamination and demolition allowed for in the price.
Learn more
WantedInfill plots
Around Hertford, infill plots are often side gardens or gaps left between older houses; the street's character usually sets the design. Straightforward where consent exists or the case is strong.
Learn more
WantedFarmland and paddocks
Around Hertford, paddocks and fields beside existing homes can have real potential, even where they have been grazed or farmed for generations. Possible for land with a clear planning route.
Learn more
WantedSmall sites
We want to hear about plots for a few homes anywhere around Hertford, including ones a larger builder has already turned down. Common where consent exists or the case is strong.
Learn more
WantedBarns and rural buildings
Farm buildings near Hertford that have fallen out of use may suit conversion, particularly traditional barns with a good access. Possible where prior approval or consent exists.
Learn more
WantedAllocated and promoted land
We are interested in land around Hertford at any plan stage, from a first submission to an adopted allocation. Common for allocated land with a clear path to an application.
Learn moreTowns we cover in Hertfordshire
Outright purchase: questions
Can I include overage in an outright sale?
Yes. If you want a share of any future uplift, for example if a larger scheme is later approved, an overage clause can be negotiated.
Do you need to survey the land first?
We usually carry out some checks before exchange, such as title review, searches and, where relevant, ground or ecology surveys.
Will you pay a deposit?
Deposits on exchange are common and are agreed as part of the heads of terms.
Do you use outright purchases for land in Hertfordshire?
Yes. We use outright purchases across Hertfordshire and the rest of England, where the structure suits the site and the owner.