Small sites wanted in Chelmsford
Looking to sell small sites near Chelmsford? We assess every site on its merits and explain the options in plain English.
Small sites are plots for roughly one to nine homes. They are quicker to plan and build than large schemes and national policy encourages councils to bring more of them forward. We buy small sites with or without planning.
- Size
- About 1 to 9 homes
- Planning
- With or without
- Areas
- England & Wales
- Ways we buy
- Outright or conditional
Is your land in Chelmsford the kind we want?
We want to hear about plots for a few homes anywhere around Chelmsford, including ones a larger builder has already turned down. As the county town of Essex, Chelmsford anchors the area we cover here, along with Billericay, Witham and Maldon.
- Corner plots and side gardens with road frontage
- Small fields or paddocks next to villages
- Garage blocks and small yards
- Plots with consent for one to nine homes
Essex is one of the most varied counties for land, from Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester and Harlow to the Tendring coast and many rural villages. Much of the south and west is Metropolitan Green Belt, where grey belt and previously developed land are key, while north-east Essex, including Colchester and the Tendring coast, has none. Typical sites include edge-of-village fields, farmyards, former employment land and coastal-town brownfield sites.
Checks we make on small sites in Chelmsford
Design fit
A small scheme has to suit the street and the neighbours.
Access
Even small sites need a safe access and parking.
Drainage
Sustainable drainage and sewer connections can still be significant on small sites.
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.
Though we are based in Birmingham (roughly 115 miles away), distance is no barrier: we look at land across England and Wales.
Four ways to sell to us
Subject-to-planning contract
Popular for small plots: you only sell once permission is granted.
Subject-to-planning contractOption agreement
You grant us the right to buy within a set period, usually for an option premium, while we pursue planning.
Option agreementJoint 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
Send the basics
A postcode or plan and a few lines about the land are enough to start.
We do the homework
We check planning history, policy, flood maps and access at no cost to you.
We explain the options
You get a written proposal covering price, structure and timing.
Agree and proceed
Once you are happy, solicitors are instructed and the deal moves forward.
Your questions answered
Why do larger developers ignore small sites?
Large builders tend to focus on bigger schemes that suit their overheads. Small sites need a different approach, which is why we actively look for them.
Can you buy a single building plot?
Yes. Single plots, with or without consent, are part of what we buy.
Is Chelmsford too far from our Birmingham base?
No. We are based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 115 miles from Chelmsford, and we look at land right across England and Wales.
Do I need to pay anything to have land in Chelmsford assessed?
No. Our appraisal is free and there is no obligation to sell to us.