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September 30, 2026
How do I know whether a development site is worth buying?

Almost every development decision comes down to one sum: what the finished scheme will sell for, minus what it costs to build and the fees to get there. What remains is what you can afford to pay for the land.
That figure is the residual land value. Until you have it, you do not know whether a site is a bargain or a trap.
The value side is usually the easier half, because comparable sales show what finished units achieve locally. Build cost is where appraisals go wrong, most often by borrowing a rate from a different building type, a different specification, or a different part of the country.
Then there are the costs that never appear in a headline rate: abnormal ground conditions, drainage and service diversions, retaining walls, contamination, CIL and section 106, and professional fees.
Two habits worth adopting. Build in a contingency that reflects the real risk on that specific site rather than a round number. And test the appraisal at a lower sale price: if a scheme only works at the best-case figure, it does not work
.
What makes Create It Studio Architects stand out in terms of expertise and experience?
It is their unwavering commitment to innovation and cutting-edge design solutions. With a team of highly skilled architects, Create It Studio combines their extensive knowledge of the industry with their passion for pushing boundaries.
Our track record of successful projects demonstrates our ability to deliver innovative designs that exceed client expectations.
When it comes to expertise and experience, Create It Studio Architects is the clear choice for those seeking groundbreaking solutions.
In conclusion, partnering with Create It Studio Architects for your construction project offers the advantage of their expertise and extensive experience.
Their skilled team of architects brings a deep understanding of design principles and construction processes, ensuring the successful execution of your project.
By choosing Create It Studio Architects, you can rely on their knowledge and proficiency to deliver exceptional results.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of hiring Create It Studio Architects for a construction project depends on various factors such as the scope of work, project size, and complexity. It is best to contact us directly for a personalised quote tailored to your specific project needs.
Create It Studio Architects can provide references from previous clients, showcasing their successful track record in delivering innovative construction projects. This ensures that clients can trust in their expertise and rely on their ability to bring their vision to life. Our website showcases a wide variety of projects, which we have been involved in from the early design stages, gaining planning permission, building regulations and right through construction.
Gross development value: the total sale or rental value of the completed scheme.
It depends on the condition of the site. It should be a reasoned figure for that site, not a habit.
Yes. A site appraisal before you exchange is far cheaper than discovering the problem afterwards.
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