Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Updated October 2026
In short: Development land in London is scarce, so most opportunities are small brownfield sites, backland plots, garages, rooftops and buildings for conversion or redevelopment. Value depends on what can realistically be built. That means understanding the London Plan, the borough's Local Plan, affordable housing requirements and costs such as CIL before you agree a price.
| Site type | Opportunity | Key risk |
|---|---|---|
| Small brownfield sites | Infill homes or mews houses | Neighbour impact, access |
| Garage and backland sites | Small housing schemes | Rights of way, overlooking |
| Commercial buildings | Conversion or redevelopment | Loss of employment space policies |
| Airspace and rooftops | Upward extensions | Structure, leaseholders, permitted development limits |
| Larger regeneration sites | Major schemes | Planning time, viability, affordable housing |
Before agreeing a price
- Planning history and policy designations
- Residual land value appraisal with realistic build costs
- Affordable housing and Section 106 expectations
- Mayoral and borough CIL
- Rights of light and party wall issues
- Ground conditions and utilities, including grid capacity
- Title, covenants and vacant possession
How Fraser Bond helps
| 1 | Brief Scheme type, scale, budget and timescale. |
| 2 | Source On- and off-market sites across London. |
| 3 | Appraise Planning potential and residual land value. |
| 4 | Secure Options, conditional contracts and negotiation. |
Related guides
- Land for sale in Southampton
- National Grid connections for developers
- Lock-up garages for sale at auction
Fraser Bond services: Development · Investment · Contact us
Tools and next steps
Investment yield calculator
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Commercial purchases may also involve VAT and non-residential Stamp Duty.
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Related guides
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