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For landowners · Surrey

Sell Farmland and Paddocks in Staines

Can I sell a paddock or farmland for housing in Staines?

Selling farmland or paddocks in Staines for development usually means land on the edge of a town or village that could take new homes once planning policy allows. Value depends heavily on planning prospects, so many deals are options or promotion agreements that let you keep farming until permission is granted and the land is sold.

Surveyor in hi-vis using a GPS rover pole in a grass field near a villageStaines · TW18

Free 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 and sites near Staines

In Surrey, Staines lies about 14 miles north of Guildford; its central postcode district is TW18. Close by, our coverage also takes in Egham, Ashford (Surrey) and Feltham. Within England, Staines falls in the South East region.

In and around Staines, the land we appraise ranges from farmland next to the settlement boundary to large and long rear gardens, including land behind street frontages. Planning in Staines follows England’s rules: the National Planning Policy Framework sets national policy and the council’s Local Plan sets local policy.

Tell us where your land is around Staines and we will explain the routes open to you.

What we offer in Staines

Edge-of-settlement focus

Fields that adjoin existing homes, roads and services have the strongest planning prospects. Isolated fields deep in open countryside rarely suit housing, and if that applies to yours, we will say so.

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.

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.

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.

The English system, as it applies in Staines

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 Staines 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, 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.

Key rules in Staines
National planning policyNational Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Land registrationHM Land Registry
Developer contributionsSection 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it

Questions about Sell Farmland and Paddocks in Staines

What happens to my tenant farmer if I sell for development?

It depends on the tenancy. Some older agricultural tenancies give tenants strong security, while newer tenancies and grazing licences are usually more flexible. Planning permission for a non-agricultural use can sometimes support ending a tenancy, but the rules are technical and specialist advice is essential. We factor the tenancy into any deal.

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.

Can I sell a paddock for housing?

Often, if it sits within or next to a settlement and has safe road access. Paddocks behind existing homes are common development sites. Those in open countryside, or with poor access, rarely get permission. We check the development plan and site constraints before suggesting any route or deal structure.

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.

Is Staines an area you cover for land?

Yes, we cover land in Staines and elsewhere in Surrey, including Sunbury-on-Thames, Redhill and Ashford (Surrey). 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: Biodiversity net gain for landowners: what it means for your land

Own land that could take new homes?

Start with a free, no-obligation site appraisal. On option and promotion agreements we fund the planning work and pay your reasonable legal fees.

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