What are the different types of land?

Green Belt is a planning policy tool which aims to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open. Generally, Green Belt comprises countryside which is used for agriculture, forestry or other similar open uses. When defined, Green Belt can shape patterns of development and ensure that development occurs at locations which have been allocated by local planning authorities. However, the boundaries of the Green Belt can exceptionally be changed to, for example, meet future development needs (Source: 1.4 and 2.7, PPG2, January 1995).

Greenfield is land that has not previously been developed. It includes forestry, agricultural land, and associated buildings that have been blended into the natural landscape.

Brownfield or previously developed land is land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the developed land and any associated fixed surface infrastructure. There is, however, no presumption that land which has been previously developed is necessarily suitable for housing development nor that the whole of the curtilage should be developed (Source: Annex A, PPS3, November 2006).

Do the plots you sell have planning permission?

No. We specialise in selling individual freehold plots that don’t currently have planning permission. By investing in a plot without planning permission; the potential value can increase as much as ten-fold if and when planning permission for residential development is granted on the plot. This is where the greatest profits can be made (Source: The Independent, 6th December, 2005).

Please note that the value of land can fall as well as rise.

How long will it take to obtain planning permission?

We cannot guarantee if or when planning permission will be granted. You own the freehold title and retain day–to–day control of your investment plot and you can seek planning at any point.

Why buy investment land?

Between Spring 1986 and January 2006 residential land values rose at almost double the rate of property with residential house prices rising by 410% whereas land values rose by 764% (Source: Housing Statistics Briefing, English Partnerships, September 2006).

Please note that the value of land can fall as well as rise.

Can I build on my plot?

You own the freehold title and retain day–to–day control of your investment plot and you can seek planning permission at any point, we specifically cater for clients who are looking to invest in a plot of land.

Do I own the land?

Yes. Land is a tangible asset; you own the freehold title and retain day–to–day control of your investment plot.

Can I buy more than one plot?

Yes. You can either invest in one or more plots at the same site or spread your purchases over different sites.

Furthermore, discounts are available on multiple purchases. For more details call us on +44 (0)1727 890 055.

Do I need a solicitor to buy a plot?

We want all our investors to have the utmost confidence in their plot purchase. For this reason, we insist that our buyers always obtain independent legal advice from an independent solicitor (we have a list of panel solicitors to choose from should you wish to do so).

Can I buy a plot if I reside outside the UK?

Yes, but you must use a UK based solicitor.

What are the tax benefits to investing in land?

Currently, if you invest in land, you may be able to attract some relief from income, capital gains, and inheritance tax. Alternatively you can invest in land via a SIPP, which allows the land to potentially increase in value over the years with no capital gains tax. Please note that tax laws can change.

You must seek independent financial advice; neither UK Land Portfolio nor its representatives are qualified by the FSA (Financial Services Authority) to answer questions on these matters.

Can I sell my plot?

Land should usually be viewed as a longer-term investment in which you retain day-to-day control – this is always our recommendation to our customers. However, unforeseen circumstances can occur, and this can impact on longer term plans to keep your investment plot. As you own the freehold, you are entitled to sell your plot as you would with any property.

What are RSS and LDF plans?

A Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) sets out the broad development strategy for a region for a fifteen to twenty year period. The RSS identifies the broad strategic locations, the scale and distribution of new housing; priorities for the environment and other matters including transport, infrastructure, economic development, agriculture, minerals, and waste treatment and disposal (Source: 1.3, PPS11 and 37, PPS3).

A Local Development Framework (LDF) is not a statutory term; however, it sets out, in the form of a portfolio, the local development documents which collectively comprise the spatial strategy for the local planning authority’s area. Essentially, the local development documents apply the requirements of national planning policies and the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) on a local scale. The LDF include a policy which set out the strategy for the planned location of new housing and identifies specific allocations of land for particular uses and development (Source: 1.1 and 2.4, PPS12 and 38, PPS3).

Why do your sites have rights of access and do they actually exist?

We recognise that if a plot is to have development potential, the necessary infrastructure needs to be in place to support that development on that plot. It is also essential that a plot is accessible by car either direct from a public highway or via a legally established vehicular right of way.

Of course it is not sufficient for the all the plots to be accessible from the road; you will want to be certain that your investment plot is accessible too. For this reason, all UK Land Portfolio plots are sold with either direct road frontage or the benefit of a right of way to the public highway. Details of any rights of way will be supplied to your solicitor for checking.

Any access roads shown do exist as dedicated rights of access and are registered as such at the Land Registry. They have no tarmac on them and there are no roads at present. Evidence of any necessary rights of way will be supplied to your solicitor for verification.