Purchasing land for residential property requires specialist legal expertise. Whether you are a property developer, landowner, or homeowner selling for redevelopment, Grant Saw Solicitors provide clear, practical advice to ensure your transaction proceeds smoothly and efficiently.
This service commonly applies where an existing residential property is being demolished and replaced with new residential or mixed-use developments, or where land is being acquired for development with or without planning permission.
When would you need a property development solicitor?
You may need this service if you are:
- Purchasing a site for residential or mixed-use development
- Buying a house or building intended for demolition
- Selling land or property with development potential
- Entering into a conditional contract or option agreement
- Acquiring land with or without planning permission
Early legal advice can help you structure the transaction correctly, minimise risk and protect your financial interests.
How does the process work?
When purchasing or selling a development site, several types of contracts may be used. We advise on the most appropriate structure based on your objectives.
Common contract types
- Conditional contract - the purchase completes only once planning permission has been granted. Once planning is approved, the contract becomes unconditional.
- Unconditional contract - a fixed completion date is agreed with no conditions attached.
- Option agreement - the buyer has the option (but not the obligation) to purchase the land once planning permission is obtained.
Overage (clawback) provisions
Contracts may include an overage clause, requiring the buyer to pay an additional sum if the value of the land increases in the future (for example, following enhanced planning consent).
Our role as your development property solicitors
Once instructed, we will:
- Investigate and report on legal title
- Advise on contract structure and risk
- Draft or negotiate conditional contracts and option agreements
- Deal with overage provisions
- Liaise with mortgage lenders where required
- Ensure the transaction aligns with your development strategy
Mortgages and charges
If the property is subject to a mortgage, we will liaise with the lender to arrange redemption on completion. Where part only of the land is being sold, we will obtain lender consent to release the relevant title.
How long does a development purchase take?
Most development transactions require speed and efficiency.
Exchange of contracts typically takes place within 4–6 weeks from receipt of full instructions, depending on complexity and planning conditions.
Legal fees and costs
We offer clear, competitive fixed-fee quotations, tailored to each transaction. Costs will depend on the nature of the site, planning position, price and contractual structure. Full transparency is provided from the outset.
Key points to consider before proceeding
- Timing and flexibility – conditional and option agreements can restrict your ability to sell elsewhere.
- Long-term commitment – these contracts cannot usually be withdrawn without the buyer’s consent.
- Planning risk – understanding who bears the risk if planning is refused is crucial.
Our solicitors will ensure you fully understand the implications before you proceed.
Why choose Grant Saw Solicitors?
Grant Saw Solicitors have extensive experience advising on property and land transactions for development across London and the South East.
Maria Lati has many years’ experience acting for:
- Property developers
- Homeowners selling for redevelopment
- Executors selling inherited property for development
- Landowners selling with the benefit of planning permission
We combine commercial awareness with technical legal expertise to deliver efficient, results-focused advice.
Speak to a property development solicitor today
If you are purchasing or selling a site for development, contact our specialist team for tailored legal advice. For more information, feel free to email us or contact us on 020 8858 6971.
