Sell Land for Development in St Albans
If you own land in St Albans that could take new homes, you can sell it to Land to Homes as it stands or let us take it through planning first. Selling now gives you certainty. Going through planning first usually raises what the land is worth. On promotion agreements we fund the planning work, and on option and promotion agreements we pay your reasonable legal fees.
St Albans · AL1Free 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 we look at around St Albans
St Albans (AL1) is one of the Hertfordshire towns we cover, about 7 miles north of Watford. Close by, our coverage also takes in Harpenden, Hatfield and Hemel Hempstead. Within England, St Albans falls in the East of England region.
Around St Albans we look at corner plots and side gardens, former garage blocks and yards and backland plots with a workable access. In England, where St Albans sits, planning decisions are made by the local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority).
If you own land near St Albans, the first step is a free, no-obligation appraisal.
Our approach in St Albans
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.
Three ways to sell
A direct purchase, an option agreement or a promotion agreement. We explain the trade-off between certainty now and value later, in writing, so you can compare like with like.
Your legal fees covered
On option and promotion agreements we pay your reasonable legal fees. The figure is agreed up front in the heads of terms, so there are no surprises later.
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.
How the rules work in St Albans
If your land near St Albans lies in the Green Belt, national policy still protects it, but England's planning framework now recognises grey belt: Green Belt land that is previously developed or does not strongly contribute to certain Green Belt purposes. Where there is evidenced unmet need and the location is sustainable, grey belt housing can be acceptable, with major schemes meeting the Golden Rules on affordable housing, infrastructure and green space. Planning is never guaranteed, so we check policy, access and constraints first.
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.
| Local planning document | Local Plan |
|---|---|
| In-principle consent | Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later |
| 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. |
Sell Land for Development in St Albans: questions
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.
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.
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.
Do you buy land in St Albans?
Yes. Land to Homes looks at land in St Albans and elsewhere in Hertfordshire, including Rickmansworth, Potters Bar and Bushey. Every enquiry starts with a free site appraisal, and on option and promotion agreements we pay your reasonable legal fees.
Read more: Sell Land for Development · Guide: Tax when selling land for development