Land Development Advice & Land Promotion
Land development advice
Making the right decisions when promoting, selling or developing land can have a significant impact on value. We have over 35 years of experience in buying, selling and promoting land for residential development throughout London and the South East.
Our experience includes acting for private landowners, property companies, charities, local authorities and other landowning clients. We can advise on development potential, planning strategy, legal agreements, and a wide range of land and valuation matters.
- We act solely in the interests of landowners. We do not act for developers.
- Over 35 years experience promoting land across London and the South East.
- RICS regulated. Transparent fees agreed in advance.
What we can advise on
We can assist with development potential assessments, planning strategy, land sales, option agreements, promotion and hybrid agreements, conditional and unconditional contracts, joint venture structures, overage and clawback provisions, retained land interests, valuation matters and drawdown mechanisms where land is already under option or promotion.
Our aim is to help landowners make informed decisions, protect their longer-term interests and maximise value.
Acting solely in the landowner's interests
We do not sell new homes. Our advice is aligned with the landowner’s position from the outset.
Where we act as selling agent, our process is transparent and our fees are clearly agreed in advance. In some cases, fees may be paid by the buyer, unless the landowner prefers otherwise.
Land promotion
Land promotion is a specialist area requiring careful strategy, and specialist advice. We can advise landowners on whether land has realistic development potential, when and how to promote land, whether to work with a promoter, developer or planning consultant, how promotion or option agreements should be structured, how to protect future value, how to deal with retained land and legacy issues.
We can provide an initial assessment or appoint and lead consultants or, if a promoter or developer is involved, ensure that your interests are protected throughout the promotion process.
Why choose Skylark
Why choose Skylark Surveyors?
We have over 35 years of experience advising landowners on development, promotion and land sales across London and the South East. We act solely in the interests of landowners, which means our advice is always aligned with your position. Whether you are considering selling land, exploring a promotion agreement or dealing with a complex option structure, we can provide the independent, commercially focused advice you need to make the right decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a land promotion agreement?
A land promotion agreement is a legal arrangement between a landowner and a promoter, where the promoter takes on the cost and risk of obtaining planning permission in exchange for an agreed share of the sale proceeds once the land is sold with the benefit of planning. It can be a useful route for landowners who want to maximise value without taking on the upfront cost of the planning process themselves. There are many ways to structure a promotion agreement and we can advise clients on how to achieve the optimal outcome.
What is the difference between a promotion agreement and an option agreement?
An option agreement gives a developer the right, but not the obligation, to buy your land at an agreed price or formula within a set timeframe. A promotion agreement involves a promoter obtaining planning permission on your behalf and then marketing the land for sale, taking an agreed share of the proceeds. Each structure has different implications for control, risk and value, and the right choice and structure depends on your specific circumstances.
How do I know if my land has development potential?
Development potential depends on a number of factors including the location of the land, its relationship to existing settlements, local planning policy and any physical or environmental constraints. We can carry out an initial assessment and give you a realistic view of the prospects before you commit to any course of action.