Large gardens & backland
Part of an existing property that may suit a separate plot, subject to access and the effect on neighbouring homes.
Lougher & Co · For landowners
A simpler way to sell land with potential.
A large garden, an unused yard or a piece of land could have a different future. We help you explore the opportunity and work towards a sale to a developer.
A personal conversation. Clear terms. No obligation to proceed.
A closer look at your land
The opportunity
Your land.
A considered next step.
Planning permission can change what land can be used for and what a developer is willing to pay. This change in value is often called planning uplift.
Our approach is to identify suitable sites, agree an option with the owner and explore the development potential before arranging an onward transaction with a developer.
You have one person to talk to throughout. We coordinate the agreed work and explain each stage, so you can make an informed decision about your land.
Sites we consider
Potential comes in
different shapes.
You do not need planning permission to start a conversation. Location, access, local planning policy and physical constraints all matter.
Infill & corner plots
Unused space within an existing built-up area, where a carefully considered development may fit the surroundings.
Yards & former commercial sites
Underused workshops, garage plots and other sites where a new use may offer a sensible next chapter.
Land near existing settlements
Land close to homes and local amenities, with its suitability assessed against local policy and site constraints.
Not sure where your land fits? Send the location and a short description. We can start there.
How it works
From first conversation
to a possible sale.
The aim is to make the process easier to manage. Planning and a completed sale remain subject to the site, the agreement and the outcome of the work.
- STEP 1
Start with your land
Tell Philip about the site and what you want to achieve. We review its location, access, planning history and possible constraints before deciding whether to take the conversation further.
- STEP 2
Agree clear terms
If the site looks suitable, we discuss the price, option period, costs and responsibilities. Your own solicitor reviews the agreement before you decide whether to sign.
- STEP 3
Explore the potential
We coordinate the agreed site investigations and planning work with the appropriate professionals. Philip stays in touch so you know what is happening and what comes next.
- STEP 4
Work towards a sale
We seek a suitable developer buyer. Where the agreement allows, the option can be transferred to that buyer, who completes the land purchase on the agreed terms.
Before you commit
An option,
clearly explained.
An option gives us an agreed period to explore the opportunity, with the right to buy on the terms in your contract. You keep ownership until a purchase completes.
Read the landowner FAQsThe details that should be clear
- The purchase price and when you would be paid
- The option period and any extensions
- Who pays for planning, surveys and legal advice
- Access, use of the land and any sale restrictions
- What happens if planning or the sale does not proceed
Take independent legal advice before signing. An initial discussion or site review does not commit you to an option.
Meet your point of contact
A conversation
with Philip.
Lougher & Co is a family-run property business founded by Philip Lougher. As a property investor, Philip understands that a decision about land often involves more than the price alone.
Whether you are considering a future sale, looking to simplify your responsibilities or responding to one of our letters, the first step is to understand what matters to you.
Philip LougherFounder, Lougher & Co
hello@lougherandco.comLandowner questions
Clear answers
before we begin.
Do I need planning permission before contacting you?
No. You can approach us before applying for permission. We begin by reviewing the site and its planning potential. Existing applications, refusals, access issues or other constraints are useful information to share from the start.
What is an option agreement?
It is a binding legal contract giving us the right, but not the obligation, to buy your land at an agreed price within an agreed period. You retain ownership until a purchase completes. The contract sets out the conditions, responsibilities and any rights to transfer the option to a developer.
Who pays for the planning and legal work?
The initial conversation is free and without obligation. Before an option is signed, we agree in writing who funds the planning work, which costs are covered and whether there is a contribution towards your independent legal fees. You should understand those commitments before proceeding.
How quickly could I sell?
A planning-led sale can take many months or longer. The site investigations, planning decision and developer purchase all affect timing. We discuss the expected programme and option period before you commit. If you need an immediate sale, tell Philip at the outset so we can discuss whether this route fits your needs.
What happens if planning permission is refused?
Planning approval and a completed sale cannot be guaranteed. Depending on the agreement, there may be a revised application or an appeal. If the option is not exercised and expires, you still own the land. The contract should explain the end date, any extensions and what happens to costs and planning documents.
Can I sell to someone else while an option is in place?
An option can restrict your ability to sell to another buyer during its term. Your independent solicitor should explain the length of the commitment, any extension rights, access arrangements and how the agreement can end before you sign.
How does Lougher & Co earn a return?
We aim to earn a return from the value created through planning and the onward transaction with a developer, after project costs. Your purchase price and any other payments are set out in your agreement. An agreed option price is not automatically a share of the later developer sale price.
Do I have to manage a building project?
Our proposed route is to work towards a sale to a developer, rather than ask you to undertake the construction yourself. The developer is responsible for its own building project after the purchase. Any obligations affecting you or retained land should be addressed in the legal agreement.
Start the conversation
What could be next
for your land?
Share the location and a little about the site. Philip will review your enquiry and contact you to discuss whether there is a suitable next step.
You do not need drawings, a valuation or a planning application to get in touch.
Prefer email?hello@lougherandco.com