Could your land have potential for development?
Land can sometimes offer opportunities beyond its existing use. I help landowners explore the potential for residential development, understand the options available and consider a sensible way forward.
What’s in it for you
No cost to you
We fund the planning application. You don’t pay for planning and you don’t need to put any money in.
More than market value
If we secure planning permission, we pay you more than your site’s current market value, on terms agreed in writing.
Your legal costs covered
We cover up to 100% of your legal costs.
What land might be suitable?
These are examples of the opportunities I may consider. Whether a particular site is suitable depends entirely on its own circumstances.
Gardens and additional plots
Some larger gardens may have space for a separate home, subject to access, planning policy, layout and neighbouring properties.
Infill land
Small or irregular plots between existing buildings, or within established residential areas, can sometimes support additional housing.
Redundant commercial property
Some underused commercial buildings may be worth investigating for residential redevelopment, depending on the building and planning policy.
Brownfield and underused land
Previously developed or underused land may warrant investigation where residential use could be appropriate.
Fields and paddocks
Some owners would like to explore possible future development. These sites need careful consideration of planning policy, access, landscape and other constraints.
Existing properties
A house or group of properties may sometimes have potential for redevelopment or a different residential layout.
What I can help you explore
- An initial conversation about your site’s possible development potential.
- A first review of its characteristics and constraints.
- Possible residential layouts.
- Whether further planning and professional advice may be worthwhile.
- Potential development values and routes to market.
- Whether the site might suit a developer, construction company or self-builder.
- Arrangements that could help a site progress towards planning permission.
My initial review is a first look, and I bring in architects, planning consultants and other specialists where they add value. I don’t provide formal legal, planning, architectural or valuation advice, and planning permission can’t be guaranteed.
Why speak to me?
- You deal directly with the person assessing your opportunity.
- I focus on residential development potential.
- I consider whether a scheme works commercially, not just whether homes might physically fit.
- I’m interested in exploring different routes to market.
- Every site is different, and I treat it that way.
How it works
Initial conversation
You contact me to discuss your property or land. We establish the basics and whether it’s worth looking further.
Initial review
If appropriate, I consider the site’s location, characteristics, possible constraints and residential potential. This is an initial assessment, not a guarantee of planning success.
Explore the possibilities
Where a site looks worth investigating, further assessment may involve architects, planning consultants and other professionals.
Discuss the options
If an opportunity looks commercially and practically promising, we can discuss ways to progress it, for example a planning-led arrangement or an option agreement, subject to professional advice and mutually agreed terms.
Decide whether to proceed
Any formal arrangement needs suitable terms, proper legal documentation and the agreement of everyone involved.
Making an enquiry doesn’t commit you to anything. Timescales and outcomes can’t be promised.
About me
I’m Finlay Harris. I previously worked for a boutique property development firm, sourcing and appraising land opportunities and helping assess their potential for residential development.
I looked at sites, considered possible schemes, assessed indicative values and thought about how an opportunity could move towards a planning-led proposal. I enjoyed it, and developed a real interest in spotting opportunities that others might overlook.
Finlay Harris Developments is my own business, built around that work. I’d like to work directly with landowners to explore what may be possible and the most appropriate way forward.
Common questions
Will it cost me anything?
No. We fund the planning application, and we cover up to 100% of your legal costs. If planning permission is secured, we pay you more than your site’s current market value, on terms agreed in writing.
Does my land need planning permission already?
No. I may consider sites with or without planning permission. Whether an opportunity is worth pursuing depends on its circumstances and potential.
What if I only own a garden or a small plot?
Smaller sites can sometimes be worth investigating, depending on location, access, layout and planning constraints.
Do you only consider large development sites?
No. I’m interested in a range of residential opportunities, including smaller plots and potential infill. Suitability depends on the individual site.
Am I committing to anything by making an enquiry?
No. An initial enquiry is simply a chance to discuss the property. Any formal arrangement would be subject to further assessment, appropriate documentation and agreement between the parties.
Can you guarantee planning permission?
No. Planning decisions depend on many factors, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
How long does the process take?
Timescales vary significantly with the site, planning requirements and legal arrangements. I can discuss likely next steps once I understand the opportunity.
What information should I provide?
A general location, a description of the land or property and anything you already have to hand is a good start. You don’t need to gather extensive documents just to enquire.
Get in touch
Have a question about your land? Call or message me for an initial conversation. If I’m working somewhere with limited reception and miss your call, please leave a message or send a text and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.