Brownfield land wanted in York
We are actively looking for brownfield land in York and the surrounding area, with or without planning permission.
A brownfield site is previously developed land, usually in or near a town. Old use can mean contamination, demolition or difficult ground, but these are often solvable. We look at the history, the ground and the planning position before making an offer.
- Size
- Any
- Planning
- With or without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Outright or conditional
The brownfield land that interests us around York
Former works, depots and yards in and around York can make good housing sites once the ground and neighbouring uses are understood. Sitting about 30 miles south-east of Northallerton, York is within North Yorkshire, with Selby and Kippax close by.
- Cleared sites and land with hardstanding
- Yards and builders' compounds within towns
- Sites on a brownfield land register (England) or similar
- Sites with known contamination where the history is documented
North Yorkshire, as used here, includes York, Harrogate, Scarborough, Selby, Northallerton and Ripon, plus Middlesbrough, Redcar and other Teesside towns. Green Belt surrounds York and reaches the Leeds fringe near Harrogate and Selby, while the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks and the Nidderdale and Howardian Hills National Landscapes cover large areas. Typical sites are edge-of-town fields, farm buildings, village infill and Teesside brownfield land.
What usually makes or breaks it
Contamination
Past uses can leave contamination; desk studies and site investigation show what remediation is needed.
Demolition and ground
Old foundations, tanks and services add cost, so we allow for them in our appraisal.
Neighbouring uses
Noise or smells from neighbouring businesses can affect whether homes are acceptable.
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.
Our base is in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 103 miles away, and we buy land throughout England and Wales.
Four ways to sell to us
Outright purchase
We agree a price and buy the land, with no planning condition attached.
Outright purchaseSubject-to-planning contract
Useful where the change from commercial to residential still needs consent.
Subject-to-planning contractJoint venture
You contribute the land, we fund and manage planning and delivery, and the proceeds are shared as agreed.
Joint ventureWhat happens after you get in touch
Get in touch
Tell us where the land is and what you know about it.
Site review
We look at the land, its planning position and anything that could affect it.
Proposal
We put our proposal in writing, with no obligation to accept.
Exchange and completion
If you go ahead, contracts are exchanged and the sale completes on the agreed terms.
Brownfield land in York: common questions
Do I have to clear the site first?
No. We can buy with buildings and hardstanding in place and deal with demolition ourselves.
My site is still let to a tenant. Is that a problem?
It can be managed. Tell us about the lease terms and any break dates and we will factor them into the timing.
Do you buy brownfield land in York?
Yes. We buy brownfield land in York and throughout North Yorkshire, as well as elsewhere in England and Wales. Tell us where the land is and we will give you a free appraisal.
Can an agent introduce land in York to you?
Yes. Estate agents, land agents and planning consultants can introduce sites with the owner's consent. Any fee is agreed in writing before details are shared, confirmed by the owner in writing and paid only on completion.