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For landowners · County Durham

Sell Land for Development in Darlington

Can I sell land for development in Darlington?

Selling land for development in Darlington means agreeing a deal with a developer who can see new homes on your site, whether that is a field, a paddock, a large garden or a former commercial yard. Land to Homes can buy suitable land outright, or partner with you through an option or promotion agreement so the land sells once planning permission is in place.

Development surveyor walking a field boundary hedge with a tabletDarlington · DL3

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 Darlington

Darlington (DL3) is the hub of our County Durham coverage, with 11 further towns covered. Newton Aycliffe is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 7 miles, followed by Stockton-on-Tees and Thornaby-on-Tees. Darlington is in the North East region of England.

Around Darlington we look at small holdings and pony paddocks, farmland next to the settlement boundary and redundant commercial buildings. Planning in Darlington 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 Darlington, the first step is a free, no-obligation appraisal.

How we work in Darlington

Free site appraisal

A no-obligation desktop appraisal covering access, planning policy, likely constraints and an indicative number of homes, before you spend a penny on advice.

Straight answers on value

We explain how development land is valued, including the costs a buyer has to allow for, so you understand an offer rather than just receiving one.

We build what we buy

Land to Homes is part of the S&K Group, a construction and property group, so we plan sites around homes we can actually build and deliver.

Direct purchase on suitable sites

Where a site suits us, we can buy it ourselves with or without planning, with no onward chain, subject to survey, title and contract.

Rules that apply in Darlington

In England, most planning applications for new homes in Darlington 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, planning decisions follow the National Planning Policy Framework and the council's Local Plan. Where a council cannot show enough land for housing, sites on the edge of settlements can come forward sooner, which affects whether we buy now or promote.

Key rules in Darlington
Local planning documentLocal Plan
In-principle consentOutline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Developer contributionsSection 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it

Your questions answered for Darlington

Who pays the legal fees when I sell land?

On a straightforward sale each side normally pays its own. On option and promotion agreements with Land to Homes we pay your reasonable legal fees, and the amount is agreed in the heads of terms before you instruct a solicitor.

Will I have to pay tax when I sell land?

Selling land can create a Capital Gains Tax or Income Tax liability depending on your circumstances. We are not tax advisers, so we always recommend speaking to an accountant before you agree terms. GOV.UK has a guide to tax when you sell land and property.

Do I need an agent to sell development land?

You do not have to use one, but independent advice is sensible on any land deal. Many landowners use a land agent or chartered surveyor, and you will need your own solicitor. Where we agree to cover your reasonable legal fees, the cap is set out in writing.

What size of land do you buy?

From single infill plots that could take one or two homes up to fields large enough for a full development. If a site is too small or too constrained for us, we will tell you quickly rather than leave you waiting.

Do you work with landowners in Darlington?

We do. We work with landowners in Darlington and elsewhere in County Durham, including Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland and Consett. Send us a postcode and we will start with a free, no-obligation appraisal of what the land could take.

Read more: Sell Land for Development · Guide: How to sell land for development

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.

CallFree appraisal