I’ve Had an Approach From a Developer — What Should I Do Next?
If you own land — a large garden, an underused yard, a small plot, or a field edge — it’s not unusual to get a message from a developer or investor.
Sometimes it’s a letter. Sometimes it’s a call. Sometimes it’s a one-line message: “Are you open to selling?”
Here’s the key thing many landowners don’t realise:
The first offer is often based on what your land is worth today — not what it could be worth after planning uplift is explored.
Planning is never guaranteed, but you should understand your options before you agree a figure.
1) Don’t accept a price before you understand the “planning angle”
Developers don’t contact you for no reason. They’ve usually spotted something like:
the land sits close to existing homes
there’s precedent nearby
access looks possible
it’s underused land in an area that could support development
That doesn’t mean planning will happen — it just means it’s worth checking.
A developer’s offer will often reflect their risk.
If they’re taking on the cost and uncertainty of planning, they’ll price that into what they pay you.
2) Ask one simple question: “Is this priced with or without planning?”
There are broadly two value levels:
Current value (as it stands today)
Uplifted value (if planning is secured or improved)
If you accept a price based on current value, and the buyer later achieves planning, you’ve effectively handed over the uplift.
Sometimes owners are happy with that because they want a quick, certain sale — but many only realise afterwards that they could have structured it differently.
3) Your options aren’t just “sell or don’t sell”
If the land looks promising, you typically have three routes:
A) Sell now
Quick and simple. The buyer takes planning risk.
B) Explore uplift before you sell
You don’t rush — you get a clear view on policy, constraints, access and precedent first.
C) Partner on a planning-uplift route
Planning is pursued properly and the land is sold once value is created, with the landowner sharing in the uplift.
You don’t need to choose instantly — you just want to know these options exist before signing anything.
4) A quick “reality check” you can do today
If you’ve had an approach, these are the basics that matter:
Location: is it within/next to a town or village?
Precedent: are there nearby approvals?
Access: could safe vehicle access realistically work?
Constraints: flood, ecology, trees, heritage (not always fatal, but important)
Layout: does it pass a common-sense test for a workable scheme?
If you’re unsure, that’s normal — this is exactly what we assess.
Want an initial view before you reply?
If you’ve had an approach from a developer and want a clear steer, send us:
the site address (or a pin drop)
the message/letter you received (if you have it)
a couple of photos (optional)
We’ll come back with a straightforward view on whether uplift is worth exploring, the key constraints, and the best next step based on your goals.
→ Submit Your Site for an Initial View
Note: This is general information, not planning or legal advice. Every site is different and planning outcomes can’t be guaranteed.