Written by the team at Approved Planning, specialists in land value and development strategy across Essex and Suffolk.
In many cases, it’s worth more than you think.
The value of land isn’t based on what it is today – it’s based on what it could become with the right approach.
- Large gardens
- Side plots
- Small parcels of land
- 1–5 acre sites
The two types of land value
Existing use value
What your land is worth today as a garden, field or unused space.
Development value
What your land could be worth if planning permission is secured.
The gap between these two values is where the opportunity sits.
This is worth checking if:
- You own a large garden
- You have unused land next to your property
- You’ve inherited land
- You own a small site or parcel of land
- You’re unsure what your land could be worth
If any of these apply, there may be value to unlock.
Types of land that often have hidden value
- Large residential gardens
- Land beside existing houses
- Small unused plots
- Fields near housing
- Old yards or storage land
- Redundant buildings
These don’t always look like development sites – but that’s often where value is created.
What actually drives land value?
Location
Land close to existing housing is more likely to have development potential.
Access
If the site can be accessed properly, it becomes far more viable.
Planning context
The planning position shapes what is possible, but rarely removes opportunity entirely.
Surrounding development
If nearby sites have been developed, that’s a strong signal.
The key mindset shift
Most people ask:
“Is my land worth anything?”
The better question is:
“Could this land be worth more with the right approach?”
Real scenarios we see
- A garden becomes a building plot
- A side plot turns into a standalone dwelling
- A small parcel becomes part of a wider scheme
- A low-value site gains planning and increases significantly in value
Can you build in your garden in Essex?
See what you can build on your land in Colchester
Common Questions About Land Value
Is land without planning permission worth anything?
Yes, but usually less than land with planning. The real value often comes from securing permission.
How much does planning permission increase land value?
It depends on the site and what can be built, but in many cases the increase can be significant.
Can small plots of land be valuable?
Yes. Even small plots can carry value if they can support development.
Should I get planning before selling land?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on your goals and how involved you want to be.
How do I know if my land has potential?
A simple initial review of access, location and surrounding development can give a good indication.
Find out what your land could be worth
If you’re unsure, that’s the right time to check.
- What might be possible
- Whether development is realistic
- What it could be worth
Call 0800 6122100 for a Quick Land Check
Call now or request a quick land check – no obligation.
