A land valuation is a formal assessment of the market value of a piece of land at a given point in time. Unlike residential property valuations, land valuations are often more complex — the value of land is rarely straightforward and can be influenced by a wide range of factors including planning status, development potential, access, ground conditions, and the current state of the local property market.
RICS land valuations are prepared in accordance with the RICS Red Book Global Standards — the internationally recognised framework for professional property valuations. A Red Book valuation provides a credible, defensible figure that is accepted by lenders, solicitors, HMRC, local authorities, and the courts.
Land value is rarely determined by size alone. Our surveyors consider a wide range of factors when assessing land in and around Preston and across Lancashire:
Planning Status Planning permission — or the realistic prospect of obtaining it — is one of the most significant value drivers. Greenfield land with outline planning permission for residential development can be worth many times the value of agricultural land without consent. We assess not just the current planning status but the development potential of a site within the context of local planning policy.
Location and Accessibility Proximity to Preston city centre, major road networks such as the M6 and M55, schools, employment areas, and services all influence land value. Sites in well-connected areas of Lancashire — including Chorley, Leyland, Ormskirk, and Southport — command a premium over more rural or poorly accessed locations.
Site Characteristics Ground conditions, topography, contamination history, flood risk, and the availability of utility connections all affect both the value and the viability of development. Our surveyors have experience across the varied terrain and ground conditions found across Lancashire, from former industrial land in Preston to agricultural sites in the Ribble Valley.
Market Conditions The local residential and commercial property market directly affects land value. Developer appetite, build costs, and achievable sale prices all feed into residual land value calculations. Our team monitors the Lancashire property market closely, ensuring valuations reflect current conditions rather than historic data.
Comparable Evidence RICS Red Book valuations are underpinned by comparable market evidence — recent transactions involving similar land in the same area. Our local knowledge and access to professional databases allows us to identify the most relevant comparables and apply them appropriately to your site.
Preston is one of Lancashire’s most active property markets, with significant residential and commercial development activity across the city and its surrounding areas — including Cottam, Ingol, Fulwood, and the wider Preston City Deal area. Whether you’re a developer assessing a potential acquisition, a landowner considering selling with the benefit of planning, or an investor evaluating a mixed-use opportunity, Wignalls provide the independent, expert valuation advice you need.
We have experience valuing a wide range of land types across the Preston area, including:
Agricultural Land Valuation in Lancashire
Agricultural land across Lancashire varies significantly in value depending on quality, location, and potential alternative use. Whether you’re buying or selling farmland, dealing with a tenancy dispute, or planning succession for a family farm, Wignalls provide impartial agricultural land valuations grounded in current market evidence across the region.
If your land is subject to a compulsory purchase order — whether for road infrastructure, housing development, or utility works — you are entitled to fair compensation. Our RICS-regulated surveyors can act on your behalf to ensure your interests are properly represented and that the compensation offered reflects the true market value of your land, including any development potential that may be extinguished by the acquisition.
RICS Regulated — all our valuations are prepared in accordance with RICS Red Book Global Standards, giving you a report that is accepted by lenders, HMRC, solicitors, and the courts.
Local Market Knowledge — we have deep knowledge of the Preston and Lancashire property market, including planning policy, development activity, and land transaction evidence across the region.
Independent and Impartial — our valuations are entirely independent. We have no interest in the outcome, giving you and third parties confidence in our figures.
Fast Turnaround — we understand that land transactions and legal proceedings often move quickly. We prioritise prompt delivery without compromising on quality.
Personal Service — you deal directly with a qualified chartered surveyor throughout, not a call centre or junior member of staff.
If you need a land valuation in Preston, Ormskirk, Chorley, Leyland, Southport, or anywhere across Lancashire, contact Wignalls today for a free, no-obligation discussion about your requirements.
Call us on 01772 419277 and a member of our team will be in touch.
© Wignalls Chartered Surveyors 2026
Enter your email address and we will send you a link to change your password.
