Buying and Selling of Land

 How much is my site worth?

Whether you are intending to buy or sell land, you will have to agree on the market value based on such things as size, location, current land use as well as certain potential depreciation factors including contamination.  In some instances the costs associated with contamination can make the site worthless. 

One other thing to bear in mind is that there are certain obligations arising from either owning or buying land. 

1. Land Owner:  If you are a land owner, then in effect you own the ground and everything in it including contamination.  Under UK law (referred to as Part IIa) landowners can be held responsible for contamination on their land and be liable to pay for its removal. 
2. Land Buyer:  As a land buyer the “buyer beware” principle should be adopted so that the potential costs associated with contaminated can deducted from the price of the land.  As a developer, you will become liable to remediate the site to standard suitable for the intended land use under the planning regime.

WD Environmental work with both land owners and buyers to ascertain the potential costs associated with contamination as part of the divestment or acquisition.  Advice will be given on the potential risks and the requirements for further actions. It is important to realise that as the amount of knowledge on the site increases that the potential contamination costs are generally reduced.  We are capable of conducting the following in line with current guidance and best practice:

•        Phased Environmental Site Assessments
•        Risk Assessments
•        Remedial Strategy
•        Implementation of Remedial Works
•        Remedial Verification

  Download our General Guide on Buying and Selling Land