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What Is Your Property Worth to a Developer?

How developers work out what they can pay.

What Is Your Property Worth to a Developer? Real Estate Development & Planning

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Development · Land value

Your property's value to a developer

Residualvaluation
Planningpotential
Costsbuild & fees
Calculatorland value
In short: Developers usually work backwards. They estimate the value of what they could build (the gross development value), then subtract build costs, fees, finance, planning obligations such as CIL and Section 106 and their required profit, often 15 to 20% of GDV. What's left is the most they can pay for the site. Planning potential is the biggest driver, so a large garden, corner plot or ageing commercial building can be worth more to a developer than to a home buyer. Fraser Bond can assess development potential and market sites to developers.
Option agreements

A developer pays for the right to buy later if planning is granted.

Conditional contracts

Sale completes only once planning is secured.

Overage

You share in extra value created later.

Outright sale

Simpler, usually at a lower price.

Residual land value
Residual land value–

A simplified appraisal. Professional appraisals add timing, finance and risk.

Frequently asked questions

Will a developer pay more than a buyer?

Only if the site has development potential.

Can Fraser Bond market my site?

Yes, to developers and investors.

Got a site with potential?

Talk to our team or get a free valuation.

Speak to our teamGet a free valuation

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