Elevate
Land
Zoe Browning looking out across the valley

Every piece of land has a story.

The next chapter starts with discovering what's possible.

Do you have land? Let's talk about it properly.

Most landowners don't wake up one morning deciding to sell their land. More often than not, it's been in the family for years. Sometimes generations. Or perhaps, as one landowner once told me with a smile, it was bought after a few too many drinks down the local pub.

Perhaps you've received letters from developers. Perhaps you've ignored every one of them.

I don't believe in pressure. I believe in clarity.

Most people don't need more time - they simply need a clearer understanding of their options. Once you have that, you can make the decision that's right for you.

Have you ever found yourself wondering what your land could really be worth?

What could that make possible for you and your family?

Could now be the right time to explore its potential?

Perhaps the first step is simply an honest conversation about what's possible.

Zoe looking out of a window in Bath
What story could your land tell next?

How it works…

My job is to discover the land's past, and see what it could become. Some have obvious potential. Others need a little imagination. I love working that out.

I know that selling land is rarely just a property transaction. It often carries emotional value. That's why I take the time to listen, explain the process clearly and give honest advice - whether your land is suitable for development or not.

Here is my eight step process:

1

A conversation

We'll start with a short phone call or email exchange so I can learn a little more about you and your site. A call usually takes around 20 minutes and there's absolutely no obligation.

2

An appraisal

This is where the team comes in. We use professional land and planning data to appraise the site.

Planning

We assess the site's physical constraints such as access, ecology, heritage, flood risk etc. We review planning history, the local plan, title documents and housing land supply and speak to our consultants and architects. We work out the optimal scheme for the site to maximise its value, taking into account appropriate density, unit mix, unit size and whether any other scheme works best such as Care.

Financial

Financial viability including construction cost, abnormal costs, CIL, s.106 payments, Building Safety Levy, affordable housing and viability assessments are reviewed. We may contact Housing Associations to gauge interest where a site has a low land value.

3

A site visit

Photographs and title plans only tell you so much. I'd rather walk the boundary with you and hear what you know, because you'll know things no dataset does.

Stages 2 and 3 are flexible and may overlap. Depending on the site, I may arrange to meet you and visit the site before carrying out more detailed due diligence.

4

A proposal

In plain English: what we think we can achieve, what you'd receive, when you'd receive it, and what happens if it doesn't work out. No ambiguity.

We may agree a short period of exclusivity, giving us time to work together while the formal agreement is prepared and negotiated.

5

An agreement

There's more than one way to structure a land deal, and the right one depends on your circumstances. We'll set out the options, explain the advantages and disadvantages, and your solicitor will review it before anything is signed.

6

Planning

We fund it - every penny. We run it, and we keep you updated whether the news is good or not. You carry on using the land as you always have. Typically applications take 18m - 2years+, but this varies depending on the site.

7

You get paid

On completion when planning is approved. We either build, or we bring in another developer to build, depending on what the site needs.

8

The future

Imagine driving past in five years' time and seeing beautiful new homes on the land. What would that make possible for your future?

I'll always tell you honestly what I think. Sometimes that means saying your land isn't suitable for development from a planning risk or financial perspective.

Why more landowners are choosing Elevate Land.

No financial risk for you.

We cover the full cost of planning - from appraisals, planning consultants and architects to surveys and planning fees. If planning isn't approved, that's our loss, not yours. We take the risk.

One person. Start to finish.

You'll deal directly with me throughout the entire process. I'll keep you informed, answer your questions, and always be at the end of the phone when you need me. No being passed from department to department or middlemen.

We get started immediately.

Some developers secure land and leave it untouched for years. That's not how we work. As soon as an agreement is in place, we begin progressing your site by instructing solicitors and consultants and moving towards a planning application without unnecessary delay. Because momentum matters.

Honest advice.

Not every piece of land is suitable for development. If I don't think your land has realistic potential, I'll tell you. I'd rather have an honest conversation than make promises I can't keep. That's how I build long term relationships - and why so many landowners come to me through recommendations.

Personal service. Proven experience.

Selling land can feel overwhelming, but we can navigate it together. Elevate Land is a young business, supported by an experienced team. I'm currently working with Rosey Cassidy and the BuildUp team to identify development opportunities, with access to BuildUp's internal development team, who collectively have delivered over £100 million worth of developments over the past 15 years.

If the opportunity meets BuildUp's criteria, the aim would be to progress the project together with BuildUp and Rosey Cassidy as a joint venture partner. You'll have the reassurance of an experienced development team and funding, while retaining the personal relationship and direct communication that smaller businesses are known for.

Zoe working through a scheme with her development partner

The person you'll be dealing with…

Watch what inspired Elevate Land. Prefer reading? Continue below…

My journey.

I didn't set out to become a property developer.

My story started on a farm in Somerset, where I grew up helping my dad on the combine, and tactfully managing our not so friendly cat's interactions with the unsuspecting holiday guests we hosted. It was a slower life, and not many primary school children can boast an in depth knowledge of different types of grain - or the practicalities of retrieving an articulated HGV from a country lane ditch. It was perhaps an unconventional education, but a very good one.

But despite my rural beginnings, I was always drawn to the energy of city life.

My career began as a solicitor at a Big Four professional services firm in London, where I spent ten years advising businesses on complex legal matters (and compiling more tribunal bundles than I'd care to remember).

That background still shapes how I work today - clear communication, attention to detail and doing what I say I will do.

After moving to Bath to start a family, I discovered a passion for property. What began as a serviced accommodation portfolio soon became something much bigger.

I realised that what I enjoyed most was building relationships, solving problems and helping people make important decisions with confidence.

Today, I help landowners unlock the potential of their land by guiding sites through the planning process, creating value along the way. Every site is different, and that's exactly what I love. No two conversations are ever the same.

My ambitions extend far beyond any one project. I want to build my own home, uncover hidden opportunities, create impactful value for landowners and help shape places that communities can enjoy for generations. The sky is the limit.

I'm currently working with Rosey Cassidy and the BuildUp team to identify development opportunities. I have access to BuildUp's internal development team, who collectively have delivered over £100 million worth of developments over the past 15 years. If the opportunity meets BuildUp's criteria, the aim would be to progress the project together with BuildUp and Rosey Cassidy as a joint venture partner.

When I'm not walking potential development sites, you'll usually find me catching up over a good coffee, experimenting with the latest AI tools, keeping active at the gym, or making memories with my children.

Notebook and planning notes
A coffee on a marble table Zoe reading through planning documents by a window Zoe in conversation at an outdoor table, talking with her hands

Zoe BrowningDirector & Founder, Elevate Land Ltd

Things you may be wondering.

Is my land worth anything?

Possibly, and that's exactly where most conversations start. The truth is, nobody knows until it's properly assessed. One conversation could give you a much clearer understanding of your land's potential. There's no cost, no obligation and no pressure - just honest advice.

What sites are you interested in?

We look at everything from gardens, paddocks and infill plots to brownfield sites, strategic land and larger development opportunities. If planning has previously been refused, don't rule it out. Planning policy changes, circumstances evolve and sometimes a different approach is all that's needed.

If you're unsure whether your land has potential, just ask.

What does it cost me?

Nothing. We fund the appraisal and the entire planning process. If planning fails, we've lost that money, not you.

Can I do it myself?

Of course. Some landowners choose to.

But taking land through planning requires experience, time and money, with no guarantee of success. We bring together the right consultants, manage the process from start to finish and carry the financial risk, allowing you to continue with everyday life.

Every consultant is an expert in their own field. Our role is to bring those experts together and make sure the whole scheme works - creating a proposal that's not only likely to secure planning permission, but also maximises the value of your land.

How long does it take?

Realistically 18 months to two years, sometimes longer, depending on the council and whether we end up at appeal.

Do I need a solicitor?

Yes. Just as you would when selling a house, your solicitor will advise you throughout the legal process and ensure your interests are protected.

Do I still own the land in the meantime?

Yes. You'll continue to own and control your land throughout the planning process. We'll simply have an agreement giving us the opportunity to obtain planning.

Can I see examples of your experience?

Absolutely. Once I've established that your site is one we can genuinely help with, I'll share relevant planning and development examples, explain the experience of the team supporting your project, and answer any questions you have before you make any commitment.

What contract will I be signing?

That depends on your situation, which is why we won't tell you before we've understood it. We'll explain the options in plain English and your solicitor will review whichever we settle on.

Can I get out of it if I change my mind?

Every agreement is different, but they all include circumstances in which they come to an end. Before you sign anything, we'll explain exactly how it works, and your solicitor will advise you too.

What if planning is refused?

Then we've spent a lot of money and time on planning, and you've spent none. Depending on the agreement, we may appeal or try a different scheme. If we can't make it work, the agreement ends and the land remains yours.

Will everyone in the village know?

Not from us. Planning is a public process and there comes a point where the application is on the council's website, but nothing happens before that without you knowing exactly what's coming and when. Your name will not be on the application.

I got a letter through the door. How do I know this is real?

Fair question. I'd ask exactly the same thing. We're Elevate Land Ltd (Company No. 16232802). You can find both Rosey and I on Companies House, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Better still, pick up the phone and give me a call.

Do you build it yourselves?

Sometimes we build the scheme ourselves. Sometimes we sell the site with planning to a housebuilder or housing association that's better suited to delivering it. We'll always explain why we've chosen that route. Either way, it doesn't affect when or how you're paid.

It's not just land.

While land is my primary focus, I also acquire blocks of flats and mixed use investment properties throughout the South West. If you own a building that's becoming more work than it's worth, I'd be happy to have a conversation.

Learn more →

Curious what's possible? Let's have a conversation.

No pressure, no cost, no obligation, just honest advice.

Please provide your name and the land/property address, and ideally the title number. I can do some initial research before I get in contact.

Call, text or WhatsApp 07702 698029
Emailzoebrowning@elevatelandltd.co.uk

No reply? My emails occasionally take an unexpected detour into spam - have a quick peek in there.

Social Media
Zoe in conversation over coffee

Are you an agent or property professional?

Have a site or landowner you think we should speak to? I'm always open to working collaboratively. Let's talk.