Commercial and industrial sites wanted in East Cowes
We are actively looking for commercial and industrial sites in East Cowes and the surrounding area, with or without planning permission.
Commercial and industrial sites can sometimes be redeveloped for housing, particularly when they sit among homes or are no longer needed for business. We assess whether a change to residential is realistic and buy suitable sites across England and Wales.

- Size
- Any
- Planning
- With or without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Outright or conditional
Is your land in East Cowes the kind we want?
In East Cowes, industrial land that has drifted out of use can often be reimagined as homes, subject to the council's view on employment land. East Cowes lies about 4 miles north of Newport on the Isle of Wight. We also cover Cowes, Newport, Ryde and the villages between them.
- Industrial units and yards within residential areas
- Sites with tenants on short leases or approaching breaks
- Builders' yards, depots and storage land
- Garage, workshop and showroom sites
Because the island drains to the Solent, nutrient neutrality advice has applied to new homes, alongside recreation mitigation for coastal birds. Development is focused on the larger towns and the Medina valley, with ferry links to the mainland at Cowes, East Cowes, Ryde and Yarmouth shaping access.
What usually makes or breaks it
Contamination
Past industrial uses usually need investigation.
Neighbouring businesses
Homes next to noisy uses may need mitigation or may not be acceptable.
Permitted development (England)
Some changes from commercial to residential use can be made through prior approval rather than a full application.
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 127 miles away, and we buy land throughout England and Wales.
How we could buy your land in East Cowes
Outright purchase
Common, with leases and remediation reflected in timing and price.
Outright purchaseSubject-to-planning contract
Used where a change of use still needs consent.
Subject-to-planning contractFrom first call to completion
Tell us about the land
Use the form or call us with the location and a rough outline of the site.
Free appraisal
We review title, planning and constraints and tell you honestly what we think.
Written offer
If the site suits us, we set out an offer and the way we propose to buy.
Solicitors take over
Your solicitor and ours agree the contract; we keep you informed throughout.
Frequently asked on the Isle of Wight
Will the council object to losing business land?
Some councils protect employment land. Evidence that the site is no longer needed or suitable for business can help.
Is permitted development an option?
In England, some commercial-to-residential changes can use prior approval. Whether it applies depends on the use, the building and local restrictions.
Is East Cowes too far from our Birmingham base?
No. We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 127 miles from East Cowes, and we look at land right across England and Wales.
Do I need to pay anything to have land in East Cowes assessed?
No. Our appraisal is free and there is no obligation to sell to us.
