Capital Grounds specialises in land acquisition and offers comprehensive land planning consultancy, including site analysis, master planning and regulatory compliance across the UK.

We provide comprehensive market analysis, due diligence and negotiation support to help clients maximise the value of their land.

Absolutely, we conduct thorough site analyses to assess environmental conditions, infrastructure potential and sustainable development opportunities for a project.

Yes, we develop detailed master plans tailored to our clients' needs, optimising land use and aligning with strategic development goals.

We guide clients through zoning laws and environmental regulations, ensuring that all projects comply with local and national requirements effectively.

Capital Grounds operates across the UK, focusing on prime land opportunities in both urban and rural areas.

Yes, we provide tailored marketing strategies and access to a network of buyers to facilitate a successful land sale.

An Option Agreement is a binding contract between a landowner and a buyer, granting the buyer the option to purchase land within a specified time frame, subject to planning permission.

Following a site visit, we will collaborate with our team of specialist planners and architects to draft a proposed scheme. Once completed, we will be in touch within 4 to 6 weeks to discuss the offer. Prior to this, we may ask for an indication of your expectations.

Yes.

No, this will be outlined in the Option Agreement and will represent the amount you receive at the final point of sale.

Typically, we do not offer cash-purchase options, as there is always an element of risk with any site. While we only make offers on sites we are confident in, the Option Agreement remains our preferred method of purchase.

Typically, we enter into a 12-month Option Agreement with you, with a 6-month extension option, should we need to re-submit a planning application or address unforeseen circumstances.

Yes, we aim for 12 months as a worst-case scenario. However, we typically strive to achieve planning approval before this. We will keep you informed of key progress stages throughout the process, but reserve the right to exercise the Option Agreement as soon as planning has been approved.

Yes, you will need to instruct a commercial solicitor who understands Option Agreements. We can provide recommendations.

Yes.

Yes, as often as you require.

This depends on the complexity of the scheme. It could take as little as 4 months or up to 12 months or more.

You won’t have to pay anything. We will cover your legal costs up to £1,500 (plus VAT) as well as all planning costs.

You will need to ensure that you have read and understood the Option Agreement and the Transfer Deed. Your solicitor will assist with this. You will also be required to complete a Standard TA6 Property Information Form and an Additional Development Enquiries Form.

Yes, we will need to liaise with you to carry out relevant searches and investigations. These may include (but are not limited to) a Topographical Survey, an Ecology Survey and a Site Investigation. We will provide over 48 hours' notice for any required site visit.

Yes, if you have a mortgage and are entering into an agreement to sell part of your title, you will need to contact your lender for permission. If you are selling your full title, we still recommend speaking to your lender for clarification.

We aim to submit the planning application within 4 months of the Option Agreement being signed and exchanged.

A council will typically make its decision within 12 to 16 weeks, although this can vary by region.

We will begin marketing your land to our network of developers during the planning application process, aiming to secure a buyer as soon as planning is granted.

The titles will be split at the time of the final sale.

The value of your house won’t be affected, as houses are valued based on the price per square foot/metre of the property itself. There may be a small reduction in the overall value of your estate to a buyer. However, our offer for your land will far outweigh any potential loss.

Yes, we can arrange a delay between the final exchange and completion of the sale.

Should we need to withdraw from the Option Agreement, you will retain ownership of the land with planning permission and be free to proceed as you wish.

This will depend on your personal circumstances and we always advise our customers to consult a Capital Gains Tax specialist if unsure. Here’s what HMRC says:

You’ll be entitled to full relief where all the following conditions are met:

● the dwelling house has been your only or main residence throughout your period of ownership

● you have not been absent, other than for an allowed period of absence or because you have been living in job-related accommodation, during your period of ownership

● the garden or grounds including the buildings on them are not greater than the permitted area. (The area of garden and grounds of a person’s residence that qualifies for relief is referred to in the legislation as the permitted area. The permitted area includes the site of the dwelling-house. S222(2) TCGA92 defines the permitted area as 0.5 hectares. If the garden and grounds of the residence, including the site of the dwelling-house, do not exceed the permitted area then relief is automatically due for that whole area.)

● no part of your home has been used exclusively for business purposes during your period of ownership. Working from home using a room that is also used for non-business purposes will not prevent entitlement to full relief

If you meet all of these conditions, you will not have to pay CGT on the disposal.

We work with a team of experts in their respective fields and our primary business partner has over 10 years of experience in planning uplift and land development. We would be happy to share examples of completed schemes upon request.

You can reach us via our website's contact form, chat with us on WhatsApp, email us at [email protected] or call our office directly to schedule a personalised consultation.