Best Value in Land: a decision-making framework

Landownership is about stewardship—maintaining, enhancing, and passing on a legacy. Yet, development comes with challenges, and the costs of planning and infrastructure can force landowners into partnerships that may not align with their vision.

This report offers case studies and a decision-making framework to help landowners navigate these choices, weighing short-term financial gain against the long-term benefits of well-planned development. Focusing on urban development in the UK, it serves as a guide for landowners making strategic decisions about their land.

This report was done in collaboration with Farrer & Co., and shaped by contributions from: The Lord Best OBE, DL; Charlie Dugdale (Knight Frank); Hugh Petter and Robbie Kerr (ADAM Architecture); Chris Pattison (Bidwells); Roger File (Blenheim Estate); Nicola Sutton (Clarke Willmott); Charles Anderson, Jennifer Ridgway, and James Maloney (Farrer & Co); Ben Gummer (Gummer Leathes); Stuart Richmond-Watson (LaSalle); Andrew Howard (Moray Estates); Nicholas Tubbs (Stockbridge Land); and Henry Brooks (Tatton Group).