Sell a Building for Conversion in Solihull

Land we look at around Solihull

We cover Solihull as part of West Midlands. It is about 7 miles south-east of Birmingham, around postcode district B91. The nearest other places we cover are Birmingham (7 miles), Kenilworth (9 miles) and Smethwick (10 miles). Solihull is part of England’s West Midlands region. Our head office in Great Barr, Birmingham, is about 12 miles away.

Typical sites we review near Solihull include farmland next to the settlement boundary, infill gaps along existing streets and redundant commercial buildings. Planning in Solihull follows England’s rules: the National Planning Policy Framework sets national policy and the council’s Local Plan sets local policy.

If you own land near Solihull, the first step is a free, no-obligation appraisal.

Why work with Land to Homes in Solihull

Light, depth and layout

Deep office floors and small windows can make poor homes. Habitable rooms need adequate natural light, so we test whether the building can provide good layouts before making an offer.

Planning route identified

We check whether permitted development with prior approval could apply, or whether a full application, and possibly listed building consent, is needed. The route shapes cost, risk and value.

Pubs and chapels

Pubs, chapels and community halls do not usually benefit from these rights and need full planning permission. Councils often ask for evidence that the existing use is no longer viable or needed.

Building regulations apply

Changing a building to homes brings in building regulations or, in Scotland, a building warrant, covering fire safety, sound insulation, energy efficiency and escape routes. These often drive conversion costs.

The English system, as it applies in Solihull

Whether a field or large garden could take homes depends mostly on the council's Local Plan and national policy. Under the National Planning Policy Framework, plans define settlement boundaries, and land just outside Solihull may still come forward if it is allocated, previously developed or meets evidenced unmet housing need. Smaller housing schemes can also use Permission in Principle, an England-only route that settles location, use and amount first. Our free appraisal explains which route suits your land.

In England, Class MA allows many buildings in commercial, business and service use to convert to homes through prior approval, and Class Q covers some agricultural buildings. These rights are England-only, carry conditions and exclusions, and can be removed locally by Article 4 directions. New homes must meet national space standards, and pubs need full planning permission.

Key rules in Solihull
Local planning document	Local Plan
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)	Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Land registration	HM Land Registry
Developer contributions	Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it

Common questions in Solihull

Can I convert an office to flats without planning permission?

In England, many office buildings can change to homes under Class MA permitted development, which needs prior approval from the council rather than full planning permission. Conditions and exclusions apply, including for listed buildings, some protected areas and places covered by an Article 4 direction. Elsewhere in the UK, a planning application is normally needed.

What is Class Q permitted development?

Class Q is an England-only right that can allow agricultural buildings to become homes through prior approval, subject to limits on numbers and floor space and exclusions for listed buildings and some protected areas. The building must be suitable for conversion rather than needing substantial rebuilding. Scotland has a separate, narrower right of its own.

Can I sell the space above my shop and keep trading below?

Often, yes. Upper floors above shops can be converted separately, subject to planning, a separate entrance and fire separation between the shop and the homes. A sale may involve splitting the title or granting a long lease of the upper parts. Your solicitor will advise on the right structure.

Do pubs need planning permission to convert to homes?

Yes, in most cases. In England, pubs no longer have permitted development rights to change to housing, so a full planning application is needed, and councils usually look for evidence that the pub is no longer viable. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland also normally require full planning permission.

Do you work with landowners in Solihull?

We do. We work with landowners in Solihull and elsewhere in West Midlands, including Stourbridge, Wednesfield and Birmingham. Send us a postcode and we will start with a free, no-obligation appraisal of what the land could take.