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For landowners · Devon

Sell Land for Development in Exeter

Can I sell land for development in Exeter?

Selling land for development in Exeter 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.

Misty paddock at sunrise on the edge of a market town with a church spireExeter · EX2

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

Selling land around Exeter

In Devon, Exeter lies about 36 miles north-east of Plymouth; its central postcode district is EX2. Exmouth is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 9 miles, followed by Tiverton and Newton Abbot. Within England, Exeter falls in the South West region.

Typical sites we review near Exeter include brownfield land in and around Exeter, corner plots and side gardens and fields put forward or allocated in the local plan. Planning in Exeter follows England’s rules: the National Planning Policy Framework sets national policy and the council’s Local Plan sets local policy.

A postcode and a rough boundary are enough for us to start a free appraisal of land near Exeter.

What you get in Exeter

Every nation covered

We work across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and tailor each deal to the planning and conveyancing rules that apply where your land sits.

Nothing to pay upfront

Where we promote land through planning, we fund the planning work. They are only recovered from the sale proceeds if the land sells with permission.

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.

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.

Planning and land rules in Exeter

Selling development land in Exeter usually starts with heads of terms, a short written summary of price, conditions and fees, before solicitors draft the contract. In England the sale becomes binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, with the title then registered at HM Land Registry. The buyer normally pays Stamp Duty Land Tax. On option and promotion agreements with Land to Homes, your reasonable legal fees are covered, with the amount agreed in the heads of terms.

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 Exeter
National planning policyNational Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance
Local planning documentLocal Plan
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Land registrationHM Land Registry

Your questions answered for Exeter

How long does selling land for development take?

A direct sale of land with clear title can move as quickly as the legal work allows. Where planning permission is needed first, the timescale depends on the local plan and the planning process, which is why options and promotion agreements run over a set term.

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.

How much is my land worth for development?

It depends on how many homes the site could take, what those homes would sell for locally, and the costs of building them, including roads, drainage, affordable housing and planning obligations. Agricultural or paddock land without planning prospects is worth far less than land with permission. Our free appraisal explains the factors for your site.

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 you work with landowners in Exeter?

We do. We work with landowners in Exeter and elsewhere in Devon, including Newton Abbot, Exmouth and Tiverton. 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 is development land valued?

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