Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with Peakmere.
If you have a question that isn't answered here, please get in touch. We're happy to talk it through.
About Peakmere
We work in the towns and cities around the Peak District, from south Manchester and Macclesfield to Congleton, Sheffield and Derby. We deliberately work around the national park rather than within it, where planning restrictions make development largely unviable.
Where do you operate?
What kind of land are you interested in?
We're interested in any site with development potential. That includes brownfield land such as disused commercial units, redundant yards, and underused sites within or adjacent to existing settlement boundaries. We also consider paddocks, field edges, large gardens and corner plots where there is a realistic prospect of residential development. Sites that have been refused planning permission before, or have never been marketed, are often of particular interest. If you're not sure, get in touch and we'll tell you.
I've received a letter from you. What should I do?
Read it, and if you're curious, get in touch. There's no pressure and no obligation in making contact. We identified your land as having potential and we'd like to tell you why. Let’s start with a conversation and see where it leads.
The Process
How do I get started?
Request a free appraisal. We'll assess your land and give you an honest view of its development potential. There's no cost and no commitment at this stage.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the site and the route we take. We'll give you a realistic timeframe at the appraisal stage and keep you updated throughout. We won't give you a timeline we can't stand behind.
What happens if planning permission isn't granted?
You have lost nothing. All costs associated with progressing your site, including any planning application costs, are carried by us and our partners. If planning is not granted, you are under no obligation and have incurred no cost.
How often will you update me?
Regularly. You won't be left wondering what is happening with your land. We'll agree a communication approach with you at the outset.
Do I have to do anything once the option agreement is signed?
Very little. Once the agreement is in place, we manage the process. We'll come back to you when we need information from you, and we'll keep you informed at every significant stage.
Costs and Payments
Does it cost me anything to work with Peakmere?
Nothing. We never charge landowners a fee at any stage: not for the appraisal, not during the process, and not on completion. We make our money from the increase in land value that our work generates, not from you.
How much will I receive for my land?
The price is agreed between you and Peakmere as part of the option agreement negotiations. We'll be transparent about how we arrive at that figure and what you can realistically expect. We'll always recommend independent legal advice before anything is signed.
When do I receive my payment?
You receive your payment on completion, when the sale of your land goes through following the grant of planning permission and the securing of a buyer.
Will Peakmere's fee reduce what I receive?
No. We make our money from the uplift in land value created by our work, not from your payment. The two are separate.
About Option Agreements
What is an option agreement?
An option agreement is a legal contract between you and Peakmere Land Ltd. It gives us the right to progress your land on your behalf: assessing its development potential, applying for planning permission where appropriate, and securing a buyer. You retain ownership of your land throughout the process.
What am I committing to when I sign?
If we successfully achieve planning permission and secure a buyer, you are committed to selling your land at the price agreed in the option agreement. If we are not successful with securing planning then the agreement will simply expire at the end of its term. This is a significant commitment and we will always recommend you take independent legal advice before signing.
How long does an option agreement last?
The timeframe is agreed between both parties and set out clearly in the contract. We'll discuss this with you before anything is signed.
Can I change my mind after signing?
Once signed, the option agreement is a binding legal contract. This is exactly why we encourage you to take independent legal advice beforehand, so you fully understand what you are committing to before you do so.