Sell Farmland and Paddocks in Leatherhead
A paddock in Leatherhead used for grazing or horses can be worth far more as housing land, but only if planning is realistic. Land to Homes looks at the settlement boundary, access from the road, flood risk and the development plan, then tells you which route gives you the clearest outcome for that field.
Leatherhead · KT22Free site appraisal
Tell us about your land and we will call you back. No cost, no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.
- Free site appraisalNo cost, no obligation
- Legal fees coveredReasonable fees, on options and promotion
- Nothing to pay upfrontOn promotion: we fund planning
- Direct purchaseSuitable sites, with or without planning
- UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI
Land we look at around Leatherhead
About 11 miles east of Guildford, Leatherhead is part of our Surrey coverage, centred on postcode district KT22. Close by, our coverage also takes in Epsom, Ewell and Esher. Within England, Leatherhead falls in the South East region.
Typical sites we review near Leatherhead include brownfield land in and around Leatherhead, redundant agricultural buildings and backland plots with a workable access. As Leatherhead is in England, applications are judged against the National Planning Policy Framework, and the buyer of land pays Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
Send us a postcode in or near KT22 and we will start with a free desktop appraisal.
What we offer in Leatherhead
Farm schemes considered
If the land is in an agri-environment or farm support agreement, taking it out may have consequences, including possible repayments. Check the scheme rules before you sign anything with anyone.
Access kept to retained fields
Deals can reserve access rights, service connections and drainage routes for the rest of your holding, so a new scheme does not cut off fields or buildings you keep.
Fees covered on options
On option and promotion agreements we pay your reasonable legal fees, with the amount agreed up front in the heads of terms, so specialist rural legal advice is within reach.
Overage on paddock sales
If you sell a paddock at its current value, an overage clause can secure a further payment if planning is later granted. We explain triggers, duration and how the obligation is secured.
Rules that apply in Leatherhead
In England, most planning applications for new homes in Leatherhead are decided by the local planning authority, usually the council, using its Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. Many landowners sell without planning, either outright or through an option or promotion agreement that funds the application first. Land to Homes offers a free site appraisal, pays your reasonable legal fees on option and promotion agreements, and can buy suitable sites directly, subject to survey, title and contract.
In England, the NPPF asks councils to take account of the value of higher-quality farmland, and Local Plans set settlement boundaries. Agricultural tenancies may fall under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 or be farm business tenancies, each with its own rules. Land in Environmental Land Management or Countryside Stewardship agreements needs checking before it is taken out.
| Local planning document | Local Plan |
|---|---|
| Who decides applications | The local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority) |
| 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 Leatherhead
Will selling farmland affect my inheritance tax reliefs?
It may. Reliefs for agricultural and business property depend on how the land is used and held, and selling land or holding cash instead can change the position. These rules have changed recently, so speak to an accountant or tax adviser before agreeing terms.
Can I keep farming while the land goes through planning?
Yes, in most option and promotion agreements. You stay in possession until the sale, and the agreement sets notice periods before the land is needed. It may restrict new long-term tenancies or works that could affect planning, such as removing hedgerows or trees without agreement.
How do I keep access to the rest of my farm?
Through rights reserved in the agreement and the eventual transfer. These can include a right of way through the new estate road, service connections and drainage routes for retained land. Plan them early, because once a layout is approved it is much harder to add access later.
What is an overage clause on farmland?
Overage is a promise by the buyer to make a further payment if a defined event happens after the sale, typically planning permission for a more valuable use. It is common when farmland sells at agricultural value. The key terms are the trigger, the share payable, the duration and how the promise is secured.
Is Leatherhead an area you cover for land?
Yes, we cover land in Leatherhead and elsewhere in Surrey, including Ewell, Guildford and Reigate. Where a site suits us we can buy it directly, or set up an option or promotion agreement. On promotion there is nothing to pay upfront.
Read more: Sell Farmland and Paddocks · Guide: Green Belt and grey belt land explained