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Operating as we do in a broad arc from the Cotswolds in the west through the northern Home Counties across to the east coast, Robinson & Hall is well placed to comment on the residential development land market. The Oxford to Cambridge arc in particular is economically important and is targeted for growth by a raft of government policies.

Helping landowners unlock value through experienced promotion and market insight

Acting for farmers and landowners across the region, we have developed a specialist role in advising our clients through the development maze. As you might imagine, the development world is not short of big egos, and the poorly advised are often the victim of greedy opportunists.

Partnering landowners with the right promoters to achieve the best outcomes

Our role is to pair our clients up with reputable development promoters on terms which can provide a fair reward for both parties while protecting the landowner against the downsides in the market. There are a number of professional promoters with the funds and the experience to make the most of planning opportunities. However, there are many more promoters who are under-funded or who are new to the industry and who are best avoided. Once we have set up a promotion agreement for our client, we monitor the planning process, acting as the link between the promoter and the landowner. The planning journey is rarely easy, and acting in a cooperative partnership with the promoter is essential when negotiating the various twists and turns which inevitably arise.

In many cases, we eventually secure a planning consent for residential development, and then our real work begins.

What makes an attractive development site sale?

In our region, the market for sites remains strong, but given the current financial climate, sites with unresolved risks can prove difficult to sell. Derisking a development site might include carrying out further surveys or discharging some of the planning conditions. It is also important to recognise that housebuilders simply want to build houses, and they may have little interest in land for employment uses, local centres, doctors’ surgeries, or even retirement accommodation. It is important to package the sale so that these items can attract a value, or at least so that they are not a problem to the housebuilder.

Speed can also be essential in pushing through a deal before the market changes, and we would always ensure that a full data pack is available at the outset. This would include the title to the property, replies to standard enquiries, searches, and all the planning history including surveys and letters of reliance. If there are any particular issues with the site, perhaps relating to access or contamination or archaeology, then this needs to be addressed at the start with a viable solution for bidders. There is no merit in hiding problems.

Strong prices achieved

While the market has not yet recovered to the level it was at a few years ago, in our region we have consistently achieved strong prices in a difficult market. The demand for housing remains and government policies are encouraging increased housebuilding, but at the same time, the economy is fragile and costs continue to rise. An experienced agent working with an experienced promoter can help to achieve the best in this challenging world.

We are always happy to visit clients, both old and new, and to provide appraisals of land as a first step towards a successful sale for residential development.

Please contact me to discuss further.