How to Sell Part of Your Property in the UK

If you own more land than you need, you may be sitting on an opportunity. Selling a portion of your garden, driveway, or plot can free up capital, reduce maintenance, or even allow for development, but the process isn’t as straightforward as selling your whole property.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Why selling land is different to selling a house

• The legal and planning rules in the UK

• Step-by-step guidance on selling part of your property

• Common questions answered

Why the Land Market is Different

Selling a piece of land isn’t the same as selling a home. Here’s why:

• Different types of buyers - Buyers of land are often developers, self-builders, or even your neighbours, not people looking to move straight in.

• The sale is less emotional - A house sells itself with a kitchen and living space. Land needs imagination. You’ll be selling the potential.

• The market is smaller - While housing demand in the UK is strong, there are fewer active land buyers. This means sales can take longer.

The Rules of Selling Land in the UK

Before you can sell part of your property, you’ll need to check:

1. Planning Permission & Minimum Plot Sizes

   • Local councils control land use through planning permission. You’ll need to find out whether your land can be legally split off, and whether the proposed plot meets local requirements (such as minimum access width, parking, or plot size).

   • Even if you’re only selling to a neighbour, planning laws still apply.

2. Land Registry

   • All land in the UK must be registered. If you split your property, you’ll need to apply to the Land Registry for a new title plan showing the boundaries of the new parcel. This typically requires a surveyor’s plan.

3. Mortgages

   • If your property is mortgaged, you’ll need your lender’s consent before selling part of it. The lender may require part of the mortgage to be repaid, as the value of their security is reduced.

How to Sell a Part of Your Property

Here are the main steps:

1. Clarify Your Goals

Decide why you’re selling and who your ideal buyer is. Are you selling to:

• A developer who wants to build?

• Your neighbour, who wants to extend their garden?

• A self-builder looking for a plot?

Each buyer type will have different priorities.

2. Get Professional Advice

• Chartered Surveyor - To prepare a plan showing the exact boundaries of the land you want to sell.

• Planning Consultant / Local Authority - To confirm what can be done with the land.

• Solicitor / Conveyancer - To manage the legal split, draft contracts, and deal with the Land Registry.

3. Make the Land Presentable

• Tidy the plot: cut grass, clear waste, and mark boundaries.

• Commission professional photos and a clear site plan to help buyers visualise the potential.

4. Price Carefully

Valuing land in the UK can be tricky. Unlike houses, there are fewer comparable sales. Value depends on:

• Planning potential

• Location and local demand for plots.

• Access and services (road access, water, drainage, electricity).

Estate agents with land experience or specialist land agents can help you set a realistic price.

5. Market the Land

Options include:

• Local estate agents (many now handle land sales).

• Specialist land agents.

• Property portals such as Rightmove (land listings section).

• Direct approaches to neighbours or developers.

Don’t underestimate word of mouth, in many UK land sales, the neighbour is the first and best buyer.

6. Negotiate and Complete the Sale

• Expect buyers to carry out searches, surveys, and due diligence.

• Your solicitor will handle contracts, Land Registry updates, and liaising with the buyer’s solicitor.

• If planning permission is involved, sales may be subject to conditions (e.g. buyer only completes if planning is approved).

FAQs

Can I sell part of my garden?
Yes, if your council allows it and you create a new registered title with the Land Registry.

Do I need planning permission before I sell?
Not always, but land with outline or full planning permission is generally worth more and easier to sell.

Do I need my mortgage lender’s consent?
Yes, if you still have a mortgage secured against the whole property.

Will selling part of my property affect the value of my home?
It can. Losing part of your land may reduce the value of your house, so weigh the sale price against the long-term impact.

The good news is, Snaith & Grey Homes can support you through this whole process.

If you have land to sell, simply contact us and we can guide you through it, step by step.