FAQ
We’re here to give you clear, honest answers on unlocking your land’s value.
WHAT IS AN OPTION AGREEMENT?
An Option Agreement is a legally binding contract between you (the landowner) and us (the buyer). It gives us the exclusive right to buy your land within an agreed time period — but only if planning permission is granted. The purchase price is agreed upfront and written into the agreement, so you know exactly what you will receive if the sale completes. We take on the cost and risk of securing planning permission.
WHAT WILL YOU BE ABLE TO OFFER ME?
After meeting you and visiting your site, we will work with our team of specialist planners and architects to prepare a proposed development scheme. Once this work is completed (usually 4–6 weeks), we will return to you with a formal offer. Before this, we may ask for an indication of your expectations so we can ensure our proposal aligns with your goals.
WILL THE OFFER PRICE BE AGREED BEFORE THE OPTION AGREEMENT IS SIGNED?
Yes. The purchase price is agreed before the Option Agreement is signed and legally documented within it.
WILL THE INITIAL OFFER PRICE CHANGE?
No. The agreed price is fixed within the Option Agreement. This is the amount you will receive at the final point of sale if planning permission is secured and the option is exercised.
CAN YOU OFFER A CASH / OUTRIGHT PURCHASE?
In most cases, we do not offer outright cash purchases. Development sites always carry a degree of planning risk. Even though we only pursue sites we are confident in, our preferred structure is an Option Agreement, as it allows us to invest in planning while protecting both parties from unnecessary risk.
HOW LONG WILL THE OPTION AGREEMENT LAST?
Typically, our Option Agreements last for 12 months. There is usually a 6-month extension clause included, should we need to resubmit a planning application or deal with unforeseen delays.
COULD THE DEAL BE DONE IN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS?
Yes. The 12-month period is a worst-case time frame. We aim to secure planning permission sooner where possible. Once planning is approved, we have the right to exercise the option immediately. We will keep you informed at every key stage throughout the process.
DO I NEED A SOLICITOR?
Yes. You will need to appoint a Commercial Solicitor who understands Option Agreements. We can recommend experienced solicitors if required.
WILL I BE ABLE TO STIPULATE MY CONDITIONS BEFORE I SIGN?
Yes. The agreement is negotiated before signing, and you are free to include specific conditions important to you.
CAN I SEE THE FINAL DRAFT BEFORE I SIGN IT?
Yes. You can review the draft agreement as many times as necessary before signing. Your solicitor will guide you through the document to ensure you fully understand it.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SIGN THE OPTION AGREEMENT?
This depends on the complexity of the site and legal matters involved. It could take as little as 4 months, or up to 12 months or more in more complex cases.
HOW MUCH WILL I HAVE TO PAY?
You will not have to pay anything. We will cover your legal costs up to £2,500 plus VAT and all planning and consultant costs. There are no upfront charges to you.
WILL THERE BE MUCH PAPERWORK?
There will be legal documentation, including the Option Agreement, the Transfer Deed, a standard TA6 Property Information Form and an Additional Development Enquiries Form. Your solicitor will assist you in reviewing and completing all documents.
WILL YOU NEED ACCESS TO MY PROPERTY AFTER SIGNING?
Yes. We will need reasonable access to carry out necessary surveys and investigations, including topographical, ecology and ground/site surveys. We will always provide at least 48 hours’ notice before any visit.
DO I NEED PERMISSION FROM MY MORTGAGE LENDER?
If you have a mortgage and are selling part of your title, you must obtain consent from your lender. Even if you are selling the full title, we recommend speaking to your lender to ensure all requirements are met.
WHEN WILL YOU SUBMIT THE PLANNING APPLICATION?
Our aim is to submit the planning application within four months of the Option Agreement being signed and exchanged.
HOW LONG DOES THE COUNCIL TAKE TO MAKE A DECISION?
Local authorities typically take between 12 and 16 weeks to determine a planning application, although this can vary depending on the region and complexity of the proposal.
WHEN WILL YOU SELL TO A DEVELOPER?
We begin marketing the site to our network of developers during the planning process. Our goal is to have a buyer ready as soon as planning permission is granted.
IF I AM SELLING PART OF MY LAND, WHEN WILL THE TITLES BE SPLIT?
The title will be formally split at the point of final sale.
IF I NEED TO MOVE HOUSE, WILL THERE BE TIME?
Yes. We can structure the transaction so there is a delayed completion period between exchange and final completion, allowing you time to relocate.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET PLANNING PERMISSION BUT CANNOT SELL THE LAND?
If we are unable to sell the land after planning permission is granted, we would withdraw from the Option Agreement. However, you would retain ownership of land that now benefits from planning permission, which may significantly increase its value and give you alternative options.
WILL I NEED TO PAY CAPITAL GAINS TAX?
This depends on your personal circumstances and we recommend seeking advice from a Capital Gains Tax specialist. HMRC generally provides full relief if the property has been your only or main residence, you have not been absent other than for allowable reasons, the total garden and grounds do not exceed 0.5 hectares and no part of the home has been used exclusively for business purposes.
WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE?
Our combined experience with our immediate business partner is over 10 years in planning uplift and land development. We would be happy to share example schemes that have been completed in the past.