Land Option Agreements in Hexham

Selling land around Hexham

Hexham sits about 26 miles south-west of Blyth in Northumberland, in the NE46 postcode district. Nearby, we also cover Consett, Newburn and Stanley, all within 17 miles. Within England, Hexham falls in the North East region.

In and around Hexham, the land we appraise ranges from infill gaps along existing streets to backland plots with a workable access, including farmland next to the settlement boundary. Because Hexham is in England, land titles are registered with HM Land Registry and transfers attract Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

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

Our approach in Hexham

Longstop dates and extensions

The option usually ends on a fixed date, sometimes with an extension if an application or appeal is still running. Clear limits stop your land being tied up for longer than you agreed.

Your legal fees paid

On option agreements we pay your reasonable legal fees, with the amount agreed up front in the heads of terms, so you can instruct your own solicitor to review every clause.

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.

Option premium on signing

Many options include a payment when the agreement is signed, in return for tying up the land. Whether it is deducted from the final price is a point to settle in the heads of terms.

How the rules work in Hexham

Land with no planning permission can still be sold. Around Hexham, the usual routes in England are a direct sale, an option agreement or a promotion agreement, where the planning work is funded for you and the land is sold once consent is granted. Outline planning permission settles the principle, with reserved matters approved later. Section 106 obligations, the Community Infrastructure Levy where charged and biodiversity net gain all affect what a site is worth, so independent advice matters.

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 Hexham
National planning policy	National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance
In-principle consent	Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later
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

Questions about Land Option Agreements in Hexham

Can I sell my land while it is under option?

Not without dealing with the option first. The developer's rights are normally protected against your title, so a buyer would take the land subject to them. Selling to the option holder or negotiating a release are the usual routes. Your solicitor will explain the effect where your land is.

What discount do developers take on a land option?

Options usually include a discount from market value to reflect the developer's cost and risk in securing planning. The level is negotiated case by case and there is no standard figure. Compare it alongside the deductions, minimum price and term, because a modest discount can be undone by wide deductions.

Is an option payment taxable?

It can be. Receiving an option payment can have tax consequences when you receive it, not only when the land is finally sold, and the later sale may be looked at together with it. The position depends on your circumstances, so speak to an accountant before you sign.

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.

Is Hexham an area you cover for land?

Yes, we cover land in Hexham and elsewhere in Northumberland, including Alnwick, Cramlington and Blyth. 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.