What Documents Do You Need for a Commercial Land Valuation?

Why does documentation matter for land valuations?

Commercial land values depend on far more than location and size. Planning status, access rights, environmental considerations, and legal restrictions all influence what a site is worth. Without the right documentation, a valuer cannot fully assess these factors, which may result in delays or a less accurate outcome.

Providing comprehensive information from the outset allows your valuer to understand the site's development potential, identify any constraints and deliver a robust assessment that stands up to scrutiny from lenders, purchasers or other parties.

Essential documents for a commercial land valuation

Title documents and ownership records

Your valuer will need to confirm ownership and understand any legal interests affecting the land. Key documents include:

• Land Registry title register and title plan
• Any deeds or conveyances not yet registered
• Details of any charges, mortgages or other encumbrances
• Information on ransom strips or third-party land that may affect access or development

Planning documentation

Planning status is one of the most significant factors affecting commercial land value. Land with detailed planning consent is typically worth considerably more than land without permission. Relevant documents include:

• Existing planning permissions and approved drawings
• Planning application submissions currently under consideration
• Pre-application advice or correspondence with the local planning authority
• Section 106 agreements or planning obligations
• Details of any planning conditions and whether they have been discharged
• Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) liability notices

Site surveys and technical reports

Technical information helps the valuer understand any physical constraints or opportunities. Useful documents include:

• Topographical surveys showing levels and boundaries
• Geotechnical or ground investigation reports
• Environmental assessments, including contamination studies
• Flood risk assessments
• Ecological surveys, such as protected species or habitat reports
• Archaeological assessments where relevant

Services and utilities information

The availability and capacity of utilities can significantly affect development viability and land value. Provide any documentation relating to:

• Existing connections for water, electricity, gas and drainage
• Capacity assessments or quotes from utility providers
• Easements or wayleaves for services crossing the land
• Any constraints identified by utility companies

Access and highways information

How the land is accessed, and its relationship with transport and highway networks, matters for both value and development potential. Relevant documents include:

• Details of existing access arrangements and any rights of way
• Highways agreements or Section 278 works
• Transport assessments or travel plans prepared for planning applications
• Any correspondence with the highways authority

Lease and tenancy information

If any part of the land is let or subject to agreements with third parties, your valuer will need details of these arrangements:

• Copies of any leases, licences or tenancy agreements
• Information on current rents and review dates
• Details of any break clauses or lease expiry dates
• Grazing agreements or agricultural tenancies, if applicable

Additional information that supports the valuation

Beyond formal documentation, providing context helps your valuer understand the site fully. Consider sharing:

• Development appraisals or feasibility studies you have commissioned
• Marketing particulars if the site is or has been on the market
• Details of comparable land sales in the area you are aware of
• Information on any offers received or negotiations undertaken
• Your intended use or development plans for the site

H2: What if I do not have all the documents?

If certain documents are unavailable or have never been prepared, let your valuer know at the outset. They can advise on whether the information is essential or if the valuation can proceed with appropriate assumptions and caveats.

In some cases, your valuer may recommend commissioning specific reports before proceeding with an appraisal.

Arrange your commercial land valuation

If you need a commercial land valuation, our RICS-registered team can guide you through the documentation requirements and ensure the process runs efficiently. Please call 0800 051 2593 or complete the form below to discuss your requirements with a specialist.