We Buy Land for Cash – With or Without Planning Permission
Selling land in the UK can be a slow, uncertain process. Many landowners wait months—sometimes years—for the right buyer, only to watch the deal fall through due to finance or planning delays.
But there is a faster way: selling land for cash, whether or not it has planning permission.
At Sell House Fast 4 Cash, we buy all types of land, with or without development approval. This guide explains how cash land sales work, what affects the price, and why no planning permission doesn’t mean no sale.
💡 Why Sell Land for Cash?
Landowners are increasingly turning to cash buyers to avoid the drawn-out traditional process. Here’s why:
Speed
Cash sales can be completed in 7–28 days, unlike open-market land sales, which often take 6–12 months.
Certainty
There’s no mortgage, no lender valuation, and no risk of buyer finance falling through.
No Need for Planning
Many cash buyers will purchase land without planning permission, or even land with failed applications.
Simplicity
There’s no need to deal with developers, architects, estate agents, or auction fees. It’s direct and discreet.
🧱 What Types of Land Can Be Sold for Cash?
We buy land of all kinds, including:
- Back gardens or side plots with or without access
- Greenfield or brownfield land
- Derelict or unused land on residential or commercial sites
- Paddocks, grazing land, or fields
- Landlocked plots or with restricted access
- Plots with or without planning permission
- Land with lapsed or rejected planning applications
- Commercial development land
- Garage blocks or unused industrial space
Even if your land has been rejected by agents or listed for years with no offers, a cash buyer could still be interested.
🏗️ What If There’s No Planning Permission?
Many landowners assume they must get planning permission before selling, but this isn’t always true.
Here’s the reality:
Land without planning can still have value.
Buyers may see long-term development potential or alternative uses like:
- Storage or yard space
- Biodiversity net gain (BNG) credits
- Caravan or off-grid accommodation
- Private parking or garages
- Timber or renewable energy
Developers often prefer to apply themselves.
Planning is expensive, risky, and highly variable by council. Many buyers prefer a clean slate, giving them flexibility to submit their applications.
Some land is ideal for cash-only deals.
This includes:
- Greenbelt plots
- Land in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
- Floodplain or brownfield land
- Land with title or boundary issues
If agents have told you your land is “worthless” without planning, they may not understand the cash buyer market.
📈 What Increases the Value of Your Land?
Several factors influence the cash offer you receive:
Location
Plots in or near towns and cities—especially London, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Sussex—are more valuable due to demand and accessibility.
Access
Road access, rights of way, and utility proximity make land more attractive and usable.
Size and Shape
Usable square footage, plot shape, and topography all matter. A flat, rectangular plot is more desirable than a sloped, irregular one.
Surrounding Land Use
The future development value is higher near residential homes, schools, or transport.
Planning History
Even a previously refused application shows someone saw development potential.
🔎 Common Questions About Selling Land Without Planning
Can I still sell if my plan is refused?
Yes. Rejected applications don’t stop future buyers from trying again. Some buyers specialise in challenging refusals.
Do I need a solicitor to sell land?
Yes. Even a cash sale must go through legal conveyancing. Many cash buyers cover your legal costs.
What if my land is landlocked?
You can still sell land without public access. Cash buyers may explore legal access routes or use it for storage or biodiversity credits.
Can I sell a piece of my garden?
Yes. If you own the land, you can sell a section. Cash buyers may want it for extensions, garages, or building plots.
Do I need to clear or clean the land before sale?
No. We buy land as-is – overgrown, fenced, derelict, or previously used for commercial waste.
💷 How Much Will a Cash Buyer Pay for My Land?
Cash land prices vary widely based on location, size, access, and planning history. While cash offers may be lower than speculative developer offers, they come with significant advantages:
- Guaranteed sale
- Fast completion
- No risk of collapse due to finance or planning
- No estate agent or auction fees
- Legal costs are often covered
Many sellers find that their net return is equal to or better than traditional offers once they account for months of holding costs, failed deals, and commission fees.
🔄 The Process: How to Sell Your Land for Cash
Step 1: Get a Free Valuation
Submit your land details online or by phone. We’ll assess your site using mapping software, planning records, and market data.
Step 2: Receive a No-Obligation Offer
We usually make an offer within 24–48 hours. This will be based on current use, local market demand, and development potential.
Step 3: Legal Work Begins
Once you accept, our solicitor will work with yours to complete all legal documentation. We can cover your legal fees if necessary.
Step 4: Choose a Completion Date
We can work to your timeline—whether you need to complete in 7 days or wait 4 weeks, we’ll accommodate.
🚩 Warning: Red Flags When Selling Land
Not all land buyers are reliable. Here’s what to avoid:
- Buyers who offer “subject to planning” – often speculative and not guaranteed
- No proof of funds
- Delays caused by third-party finance
- Buyers who demand exclusivity without committing
- Hidden fees or legal charges
Always deal with a reputable, transparent, registered, and experienced cash buyer.
📍 Areas We Cover
We buy land for cash across the South East and Greater London, including:
- London (all boroughs)
- Essex
- Kent
- Hertfordshire
- Surrey
- East and West Sussex
- Berkshire
- Hampshire
- Cambridgeshire
We’ll consider your land, whether it’s in a suburban backyard, rural village, or former industrial site.
🔗 Useful External Links
- GOV.UK – Selling your home
https://www.gov.uk/selling-your-home
Official UK government guidance on legal steps and responsibilities when selling property. - Citizens Advice – If you’re selling your home
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/owning-a-home/selling-your-home/
Explains your rights, what to consider, and financial implications of selling. - The Property Ombudsman (TPO)
https://www.tpos.co.uk
Check if a cash buying company is a member of this redress scheme. Adds trust and transparency. - MoneyHelper – Problems paying your mortgage
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/homes/buying-a-home/struggling-to-pay-your-mortgage
Government-backed advice service for homeowners dealing with financial hardship. - National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB)
https://www.napb.co.uk
A professional body for reputable cash house buying companies in the UK.
📞 Ready to Sell Your Land for Cash?
If you’re tired of waiting on estate agents, chasing developers, or dealing with planning rejections, consider a new option.
We offer:
- No fees
- No obligation
- No waiting
- No planning permission required
Get your free land valuation today and take the first step toward a fast, fair cash sale.
📞 Call +447702210159 our friendly team for a same-day offer
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