Yes, a site with planning permission can be sold, and because permission runs with the land, the buyer generally inherits the benefit of it provided the permission hasn't lapsed. Sellers should ensure the permission's status, conditions and any commencement notices are clearly documented for the buyer's due diligence.
A site can be sold whether or not it has planning permission, and where permission exists, it typically adds to the marketability and value of the site because it removes uncertainty for the buyer. Since permission attaches to the land rather than the applicant, a buyer generally acquires the benefit of an existing, unexpired permission automatically as part of the purchase.
Sellers should prepare clear documentation, including the grant of permission, the approved drawings, and details of any conditions, particularly pre-commencement conditions and whether they have been discharged. If a commencement notice has already been lodged with the local authority, this should be disclosed, as it affects how much of the permission's five-year window remains and whether partial development has occurred.
Buyers should independently verify the permission's status rather than relying solely on the seller's representation, checking the local authority's planning register for the current position, any extension of duration applications, and whether the development described still matches their intentions before completing the purchase.