How to use SHLAA data to source off-market land

The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) is a vital planning document in the UK, offering insights into the availability and suitability of land for residential development. By leveraging SHLAA data, property developers can efficiently identify and acquire off-market land opportunities. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use SHLAA data for sourcing off-market land:

1. Access SHLAA Data

Start by obtaining the SHLAA report for the area or local authority of interest. These reports are typically available on the local authority’s website or can be requested through formal information requests. Ensure you have the most recent and relevant data for accurate insights.

2. Review the SHLAA Report

Thoroughly analyze the SHLAA report to understand potential development sites. Focus on:

• Site Suitability: Assess whether sites meet your development criteria.
• Capacity: Determine the potential number of dwellings each site can accommodate.
• Constraints and opportunities: Identify any limitations or advantages associated with each site.

3. Identify suitable sites

Filter through the data to find sites that align with your development goals. Key factors to consider include:

• Location: Proximity to amenities and transport links.
• Size: Adequate land area for your project needs.
• Zoning and infrastructure: Compliance with local zoning laws and availability of necessary infrastructure.

4. Research ownership information

Identify the current owners of the land. This may involve:

• Local land registry: Contacting or searching online resources for ownership details.
• Online tools: Utilizing platforms that offer ownership data.

5. Contact landowners

Reach out to the landowners of identified sites. Introduce yourself and express your interest in acquiring their land. Be prepared to present:

• Development plans: Clearly outline your proposal and its benefits.
• Value proposition: Explain how your development will benefit the community and the landowner.

6. Negotiate with landowners

Engage in negotiations to secure the land. Considerations should include:

• Price: Agree on a fair purchase price.
• Terms and Conditions: Discuss specific terms of the sale and any conditions.
• Project Benefits: Emphasize the positive impacts of your development.

7. Conduct due diligence

Before finalising the deal, perform thorough due diligence:

• Legal and environmental checks: Ensure there are no legal or environmental issues.
• Cost assessments: Evaluate the cost of necessary infrastructure and improvements.
• Planning permissions: Confirm that the land meets planning requirements.

8. Engage professionals

Seek assistance from professionals to streamline the acquisition process:

• Real estate agents: For market insights and negotiation support.
• Solicitors: To handle legal documentation and contracts.
• Surveyors: For property valuation and site assessments.

9. Secure financing

Ensure you have adequate funding for the land purchase and development. This might involve:

• Loans: Securing finance from banks or financial institutions.
• Investment partners: Collaborating with investors who can provide capital.

10. Apply for planning permission

Submit your development plans to local planning authorities for approval. Ensure that your plans comply with SHLAA data and local planning policies.

11. Complete the purchase

Finalize the acquisition. Once negotiations are complete, due diligence is satisfied, and all permissions are in place.

12. Commence development

Begin your development project according to the approved plans, timelines, and budget. Monitor progress and ensure compliance with planning permissions.

Optimizing SHLAA Data for efficient land sourcing

Acquiring off-market land can be complex and time-consuming, but leveraging SHLAA data effectively simplifies the process. Success depends on your ability to analyse data, negotiate effectively, and manage resources. By working closely with local authorities, landowners, and professionals, you can navigate the process more smoothly and secure valuable land opportunities for development.

Want to streamline your land-sourcing process? Request a free trial of Nimbus today to see how our platform can help you efficiently utilise SHLAA data and discover viable off-market land opportunities, quickly. 

Keep in mind that acquiring off-market land can be a complex and time-consuming process, and success depends on your negotiation skills, financial resources, and the quality of your development proposal. It's essential to work closely with local authorities, landowners, and professionals to navigate the process successfully.