Property Development
Guides on brownfield sites, land, and development
Browse our free UK planning guides on property development below. Written in plain English for homeowners, self-builders, developers and planning professionals.
Viability Assessments: When Developers Challenge Planning Contributions
Viability assessments can reduce or eliminate affordable housing requirements. Here's how they work and why they're controversial.
3 min readWhat Is a Brownfield Site?
A brownfield site is previously developed land that is available for reuse, often prioritised by planning policy for new housing.
2 min readWhat Is a Greenfield Site?
What greenfield sites are, how they differ from brownfield land, and the planning challenges involved in developing them.
5 min readCommercial to Residential Conversions: Prior Approval Guide
How to convert offices, shops and other commercial buildings to residential use through prior approval, including Class MA and other permitted development routes.
5 min readHow to Find Land for Development in the UK
Practical methods for finding development land in the UK, from land registries and auctions to planning data and local research.
5 min readSection 106 Agreements Explained
What Section 106 agreements are, how they work, and what developers and homeowners need to know about planning obligations in the UK.
5 min readMaterial Considerations in Planning Decisions
What counts as a material consideration in UK planning decisions, what does not, and how these factors influence whether your application is approved or refused.
4 min readAgricultural Buildings and Barn Conversions: Planning Rules
The planning rules for converting agricultural buildings to homes - Class Q prior approval, full planning, and what makes a successful barn conversion.
4 min readSelf-Build Planning Permission: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to get planning permission for a self-build home in the UK - finding land, the planning process, and the Self Build Register.
4 min readHow Planning Permission Can Increase Your Property Value
How planning permission adds value to property - the premium for permitted land, extensions, loft conversions, and change of use.
3 min readDoes Planning Permission Add Value to Your Property?
How much value planning permission adds to a property, which types of permission add the most, and whether it's worth applying even if you don't plan to build.
3 min read