Subject-to-planning contract for land in Greater London
We agree a price now and complete once a satisfactory planning permission is granted.
A subject-to-planning (conditional) contract is a sale agreed now that only completes once planning permission is granted on terms both sides have defined. We normally pay for the application, and if permission is not obtained the contract can end and the landowner keeps the land.
Subject-to-planning contract for land in Greater London
Considering a subject-to-planning contract for land in Greater London? Here is how it works and where it fits. Outer London, from Romford and Bexley to Uxbridge, Barnet, Croydon and Sutton, contains most of the capital's remaining land opportunities. Around the edge, the Metropolitan Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land protect open space, and a small part of the Kent Downs National Landscape lies in the south-east. Sites usually come forward as small infill plots, garage courts, backland, former commercial buildings and occasional grey belt land on the urban fringe.
London planning is shaped by both the London Plan and borough plans, with higher densities expected near stations and town centres. Small sites, including garden land, yards and redundant commercial premises close to Underground, Overground, Elizabeth line or national rail stations, are the most common route to new homes in the outer areas.
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.
Some land in Greater London 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 Greater London fall within Kent Downs 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 now and complete once a satisfactory planning permission is granted. It usually suits land without planning that has a realistic route; infill, garden and small sites; owners who want a value linked to planning without funding it. See how a subject-to-planning contract works for the full process, pros and cons.
Land in Greater London that often suits a subject-to-planning contract
WantedLand with planning permission
If you hold a consent in or near outer London, send us the decision notice and the approved drawings; that is usually enough for a first view. Used where a fresh or amended application would improve the scheme.
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WantedBrownfield land
Brownfield land in outer London tends to be well located for homes; the questions are usually about contamination, demolition and neighbours. Useful where the change from commercial to residential still needs consent.
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WantedInfill plots
We look for infill plots across outer London and the surrounding villages, particularly where there is room for parking off the road. Common for infill: we apply, and you sell once permission is granted.
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WantedFarmland and paddocks
Around outer London, paddocks and fields beside existing homes can have real potential, even where they have been grazed or farmed for generations. Works well for smaller paddocks and edge-of-village fields.
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WantedCommercial and industrial sites
Older business land around outer London, especially units now surrounded by housing, is the kind of commercial site we would like to discuss. Used where a change of use still needs consent.
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WantedBarns and rural buildings
In the countryside around outer London, redundant barns and yards can sometimes become homes, depending on the building and the route available. Common: we seek consent or prior approval and complete if successful.
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WantedGarage courts and yards
Garage courts tucked behind homes in outer London are often ideal for a small number of new houses or bungalows. The usual route for garage courts.
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WantedAllocated and promoted land
We are interested in land around outer London at any plan stage, from a first submission to an adopted allocation. Used where an application is the next step.
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Subject-to-planning contract: questions
What counts as a satisfactory permission?
The contract defines it: usually the number and type of homes, acceptable conditions and planning obligations, and the end of the judicial review period.
What happens if planning is refused?
The contract normally lets us appeal, re-apply or withdraw within set timescales. If it ends, you keep your land.
Can I keep using the land meanwhile?
Yes, usually, until completion.
Do you use subject-to-planning contracts for land in Greater London?
Yes. We use subject-to-planning contracts across Greater London and the rest of England, where the structure suits the site and the owner.