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For landowners · Merseyside

Sell Land for Development in Formby

Can I sell land for development in Formby?

Land to Homes buys and promotes development land in Formby, from a single infill plot to fields on the edge of town. We start with a free, no-obligation appraisal, explain whether a direct sale, an option or a promotion agreement suits your land, and put every term in writing before you commit to anything.

Aerial view of long rear gardens behind 1930s semi-detached houses backing onto a paddockFormby · L37

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 Formby

About 11 miles north of Liverpool, Formby is part of our Merseyside coverage, centred on postcode district L37. Maghull is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 6 miles, followed by Southport and Bootle. Formby is part of England’s North West region.

In and around Formby, the land we appraise ranges from land that already has planning permission to brownfield land in and around Formby, including large and long rear gardens. Planning in Formby follows England’s rules: the National Planning Policy Framework sets national policy and the council’s Local Plan sets local policy.

Send us a postcode in or near L37 and we will start with a free desktop appraisal.

What you get in Formby

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.

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.

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.

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.

The English system, as it applies in Formby

If your land near Formby 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.

Key rules in Formby
National planning policyNational Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance
Local planning documentLocal Plan
Land registrationHM Land Registry
How a sale becomes bindingA land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, after which the buyer registers the title with HM Land Registry.

Questions about Sell Land for Development in Formby

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.

Can I sell land for development without planning permission?

Yes. Many sites change hands without planning. A buyer will either pay a price that reflects the planning risk, or agree a deal where the final price is set once permission is granted. We can do either, and we will explain which gives you the better outcome for your land.

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.

Do you buy land in Formby?

Yes. Land to Homes looks at land in Formby and elsewhere in Merseyside, including Newton-le-Willows, Heswall and Halewood. 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: 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