Land Option Agreements in Shepherds Bush

Land and sites near Shepherds Bush

Shepherds Bush (W12) is one of the Greater London towns we cover, about 4 miles west of London. Nearby, we also cover Notting Hill, Chiswick and Fulham, all within 2 miles. Within England, Shepherds Bush falls in the London region.

In and around Shepherds Bush, the land we appraise ranges from paddocks on the edge of Shepherds Bush to small holdings and pony paddocks, including farmland next to the settlement boundary. Because Shepherds Bush is in England, land titles are registered with HM Land Registry and transfers attract Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

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

Our approach in Shepherds Bush

Planning funded by us

We commission the surveys, design work and planning application at our own cost, and keep you informed at each stage so you know how the planning case is progressing.

Deductions agreed in advance

Costs such as planning obligations, abnormal ground works or infrastructure are often deducted from the price. The agreement should list exactly what can be deducted, so the price cannot be eroded later.

Keep using your land

You normally stay in possession during the option. Farming, grazing or existing lettings can usually continue, subject to access for surveys and limits on granting new long-term tenancies.

Right to buy, not obligation

The developer may buy if suitable planning is granted, but does not have to. You are bound not to sell elsewhere during the term, which is why its length and exit points matter so much.

How the rules work in Shepherds Bush

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 Shepherds Bush 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, an option is usually protected by a notice on your title at HM Land Registry. Planning is pursued through the Local Plan or an application judged against the NPPF, and price deductions often cover Section 106 obligations, the Community Infrastructure Levy and, where it applies, the cost of meeting biodiversity net gain.

Key rules in Shepherds Bush
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
How a sale becomes binding	A land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, after which the buyer registers the title with HM Land Registry.
Developer contributions	Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it

Common questions in Shepherds Bush

What is the difference between an option and a promotion agreement?

Under an option, the developer buys the land itself at a formula price, so it benefits from a lower valuation. Under a promotion agreement, the promoter sells the land on the open market with you and takes a fee from the proceeds, so both sides want the highest price. Our guide compares the two in detail.

How does an option agreement work for land?

The landowner grants a developer the exclusive right to buy the land within a set term. The developer spends its own money seeking planning permission. If suitable permission is granted, the developer serves notice and buys at a price worked out under a formula in the agreement, usually market value less a discount and agreed costs.

What happens if planning is refused during an option?

The developer can usually appeal, submit a revised scheme or wait for a new local plan, as long as the option term allows. If no suitable permission is secured by the end date, the option lapses and you are free to deal with the land again, normally keeping any premium already paid.

How long do land option agreements last?

The term is negotiated and depends on how much planning work is needed. Strategic sites waiting for a new local plan usually need longer terms than small sites with clear policy support. Look for a firm longstop date and sensible limits on any extensions, so the land cannot be tied up indefinitely.

Do you buy land in Shepherds Bush?

Yes. Land to Homes looks at land in Shepherds Bush and elsewhere in Greater London, including Hadley Wood, Pimlico and Islington. Every enquiry starts with a free site appraisal, and on option and promotion agreements we pay your reasonable legal fees.