How to Sell Part of Your Garden to a Developer — and Make Up to £200,000
If you’re lucky enough to have a large back garden, you might be sitting on a small fortune. Across the UK, homeowners are discovering that their unused outdoor space can be turned into serious cash — sometimes £100,000 to £200,000 or more — by selling part of their garden to a developer.
Sounds too good to be true? Not at all. With the right plot, a sensible plan, and a bit of patience, you can unlock hidden value right under your feet.
Why Developers Want Your Garden
As the UK faces a chronic housing shortage, councils are increasingly open to “infill” developments — building new homes in existing residential areas, including large gardens.
Developers love these plots because:
• They’re often in established, desirable neighbourhoods.
• Utilities (water, power, roads) are already nearby.
• The land tends to be cheaper than open-field sites.
If your garden has enough space, privacy, and most importantly independent access (via a side lane or rear road), it could be a perfect candidate.
What Makes a Good Plot
Before getting carried away, you’ll need to check whether your garden is truly suitable.
A developer or planning consultant will look for:
• Access: Can vehicles reach the new property safely?
• Size: Is there room for a decent house, garden, and parking?
• Neighbour impact: Will the new home overlook others?
• Local precedent: Have nearby gardens already been developed?
If these boxes are ticked, you’re off to a promising start.
How the Process Works
There are two main routes to selling part of your garden:
1. The Self-Managed Route
You hire an architect or planning consultant, apply for permission yourself, and then sell the land (with planning consent) to a builder.
This gives you maximum profit — but also maximum risk and cost. Planning applications can cost £20,000–£50,000 once you add up surveys, drawings, and fees.
2. The Developer Option
A popular alternative is to partner with a developer.
You sign an option agreement giving them the right to buy the land if planning is approved. They pay all planning costs and take on the risk.
If permission is granted, they buy the plot for an agreed price — often in the six figures. Homeowners in places like Suffolk, Surrey, and North London have reportedly made £150,000–£250,000 this way.
Things to Watch Out For
Selling part of your garden isn’t without pitfalls. Here are the main ones to consider:
• Planning Risk: Permission isn’t guaranteed — even for seemingly ideal plots.
• Impact on Your Home: A new build next door could reduce privacy or affect your property value.
• Mortgage Issues: If your home is mortgaged, your lender must approve the land split.
• Legal Complexity: You’ll need to formally divide your title deeds (Land Registry process) and use a solicitor experienced in land sales.
• Timescale: It can take 12–18 months from first conversation to payday.
How Much Could You Make?
The numbers vary widely, but according to developers and estate agents quoted by The Times:
• Small plots in outer London or commuter areas typically fetch £100,000–£200,000.
• In rural spots, values range from £50,000–£250,000, depending on demand.
• One homeowner in Suffolk made £240,000 by selling a quarter-acre slice of their garden.
Of course, the eventual payout depends on your location, planning success, and negotiation skills.
Tax and Legal Considerations
Here’s some good news: if you’re selling part of your main residence’s garden, you may still qualify for Private Residence Relief — meaning no Capital Gains Tax.
However, there are exceptions (for example, if the land exceeds 1.2 acres or you’ve moved out before selling), so it’s worth getting professional tax advice early on.
Step-by-Step: Turning Garden into Gold
1. Assess your plot’s potential — use Google Earth or a local architect to gauge feasibility.
2. Check local planning rules — look at nearby approvals on your council’s planning portal.
3. Talk to a specialist — a planning consultant or land agent can quickly tell you if it’s viable.
4. Decide your approach — self-manage or partner with a developer.
5. Get legal advice — you’ll need a solicitor to handle title splitting and contracts.
6. Negotiate the deal — agree a price or profit share in writing.
7. Plan for the future — think about how the new house will affect your home’s privacy, light, and value.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve got a big garden you rarely use, it could be one of your most valuable assets. Selling part of it won’t be quick or simple — but with the right help, you could turn that spare land into a six-figure windfall.
Just remember: plan carefully, get good advice, and never sign anything without understanding it fully.
Thinking about selling your garden?
Start by asking Draw and Plan for a free feasibility check — you might be surprised by what your garden’s worth.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always consult relevant professionals and local authorities before undertaking any development or change of use.