Land for housing

We all understand the need for more homes, not just for the current population, but so that our children and grandchildren will have somewhere to call their own in the future. Many people have wondered if they could sell part of their garden, or if they could build another house there. Could the extra space, disused building or overgrown plot become a home? Could it be sold to provide a windfall?

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The value of your land

Property owners who sell their garden land "as is" will receive a fraction of its potential value. As it is, garden land is worth little more than agricultural land, but with proper access arranged, legal issues resolved, change of use and planning impediments removed and perhaps joined to others, it can soar to many, many times its original value

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Who we are

We are a group of experts, specialists and investors aiming to find land in or near residential areas which might be used to build high-quality homes for those that need them. Our group then works to add value, overcome the challenges and eventually gain planning permission to build low-density, high quality homes to match the local need and environment. We are currently interested in talking with people who have excess or unwanted garden land, derelict buildings, abandoned agricultural buildings, or unfinished development projects

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What we do

Based on local knowledge of planning strategies and processes, our specialists can make an assessment of your land. If suitable, we may offer you a substantial sum, considerably over the current market value. Our scheme has helped many people with larger gardens and unused land in a new, unthought-of way. By adding extra value to the land like this, cash is created from an area that was worth very little before, at no cost to you. Homeowners are left with their original house and a more manageable garden, plus a substantial cash sum.

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Turn potential into reality

If you have been wondering about your garden or land, give us a call on 0800 246 1146 or get in touch using our email form. There is no charge and no obligation

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 OUR MISSION

We are dedicated to helping people find innovative solutions through property.

At the same time,  we aim to make a positive contribution to communities by helping to provide high quality, appropriate homes.

As well as giving opportunities to  young people and growing families at a crucial time in their lives, the GardensandLand group can offer a highly attractive and often unthought-of alternative solution to those caught in mortgage affordability traps, or  facing the end of an interest-only mortgage. We can also often find new options for people facing a cash-poor retirement, who may otherwise see Equity Release schemes as their only way forward.

See where we are working now:

How we can help

Equity Release

Equity Release

In retirement, we all want financial  security, independence and the ability to enjoy some of the things there was no time for when working; being able to go out to lunch or dinner with friends, travel and spend more time on hobbies and interests.

Trapped by new mortgage affordability criteria

Trapped by new mortgage affordability criteria

Mr and Mrs G  bought their family home some years ago, when the kids were just primary age. The area was great and the house was close to a good school. The children grew up and moved on, leaving Mr and Mrs G to enjoy

Interest-only mortgage

Interest-only mortgage

Like many of this generation, Mr and Mrs S had an interest-only mortgage. They were increasingly worrying about hitting the “brick wall” – reaching the end of the mortgage term. They’d always planned to downsize when the time came, but they enjoyed where they were

How it works

When you get in touch, we'll answer any questions you may have. Then if we both see potential, we'll visit you to assess its suitability and discuss your situation and needs. You may be thinking of selling just a small piece at the side or end of your garden, or another piece of land or land with unused buildings on it, or perhaps the whole plot with your house as well. Even if you or others have unsuccessfully applied for planning permission in the past, our professionalism and experience gives us a high rate of success ..

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FAQs

Do I have to pay tax if I sell part of my garden?

No, not if you own and live in your house. If it is your “Principle Private Residence” you can sell your house or any part of the land without any tax liability at all – it is tax-free.

If the property is owned by a company or is an investment (for instance, you are a landlord), some Capital Gains Tax may be due. In this case, you should speak to a qualified accountant or your tax advisor.

Will the value of my house be affected?

After selling some of your garden, it will still be at least as big as minimum garden sizes in your area. We buy only the excess garden land and so the value of your property should not be affected.

In fact, if the new garden area is more in keeping with the size that most eventual buyers would want to maintain, the value may be increased.

Similarly, a small, high-quality, low-density residential development will actually raise the value of all surrounding houses.

Will there be any costs to me?

None at all.

We handle and pay for all the work, surveys, legal, professional and planning fees involved.

I have a mortgage – is this a problem?

Not at all.

At the point of sale and once we have all the details worked out, your mortgage company will be informed. In most cases, mortgage companies are happy for everything to proceed without further involvement.

Sometimes, mortgage lenders will ask a valuer to check that the garden land sale will not affect the value of the house (as it is their security on the mortgage). If this happens, you can ask us to pay this cost.

Mortgage companies will occasionally ask that some of the proceeds of the sale are used to reduce the mortgage.  In particular, this sometimes happens where there are/have been arrears on the account. But even if this is required, you are still ahead as you’ll have a smaller mortgage.

If accepted, can I still sell my property?

Yes of course.

You can either pass on the opportunity to your property buyer – so we will then deal with them (and they will get the payment when the value uplifts)

OR

You can divide the land you are selling from the rest of the property, sell the house and smaller garden,  and continue to deal with us about the excess garden. Note that in this case,  you can’t claim the PPR tax relief because you are no longer living at the property, so there may be some Capital Gains Tax to pay.

 

Why sell part of my garden or excess land?

Everyone has their own reasons, but these are the most common:

1. It can provide a substantial windfall for the property owners involved.

Completely new and additional cash/assets are created. For example:

Now: A property and garden is worth £ X thousand

After: The property and garden is still worth £ X thousand. (Our high-quality projects can even increase neighbouring property values.)

The excess land is sold for an additional five-figure sum (a typical figure, although the sum depends on the land and area). This extra value has been created by the project – it did not exist before. Although not every excess garden or land space is suitable, where a project is taken forward and concluded, there is a substantial windfall for participating property owners.

2. The cash is enough to make a difference. It may:
– help a growing family fund an extension or move to a larger house;
– be used to reduce borrowing or to re-mortgage* under new affordability rules;
– offer an attractive alternative to equity release*;
– provide greater financial security, particularly during expensive child-rearing years, or in retirement;
– allow you to pass on part of an inheritance in a tax-efficient* way, when it is most needed and when both parties can enjoy the gift;
– fund a particular ambition or need, such as starting a business, a new car or a world cruise.

3. Your needs may have changed:
If your family have grown, or career progression leaves little time for gardening, you may now not need or want such a large space. Some are attracted to the opportunity to reduce the burden of a large garden, without having to move house. A smaller, easier-to-maintain area may better suit your lifestyle, needs and energy levels.
 
* We are not able to offer financial advice and nothing in this website above should be taken as such. We recommend that before making any tax or financial decisions you speak to a qualified financial advisor or accountant for professional advice based on your own particular circumstances.

There's nothing to lose and there could be much to gain

To find out if your garden or land might be suitable, get in touch by calling 0800 246 1146 or complete the email form ...

Get in touch