Hope value of developments
Hope value is the term used to describe the market value of land based on the expectation of getting planning permission for development on it. This differs from the existing use value which is what the land or property is worth in its current form.
Generally, land that has planning permission for development has a higher value than land that does not. For example, a farmer may receive a valuation of their land that reflects its agricultural value. However, if the farmer were to secure planning permission to build a housing development on the land, the value could rise considerably.
Hope value is the value based on the expectation that land will get permission for development in the future, meaning that it is likely to be worth more. The hope value will rise as the prospect of planning permission becomes more likely, for example, if it is identified for development in the Local Plan, or if similar land is granted permission.
Hope value is defined by RICS as “...any element of open Market Value of a property in excess of the current use value, reflecting the prospect of some more valuable future use or development”.
In December 2024 the Labour government opened a consultation on proposed changes to compulsory purchase order (CPO) rules, including the removal of “hope value” to support affordable housing delivery. Hope value, reflecting the potential future development value of land, often increases compensation costs for landowners. The consultation closes in February 2025, for further information and to make a response visit the government website page Open consultation: Compulsory Purchase Process and Compensation Reforms.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.
- Development appraisal.
- Difference between existing use value and market value.
- Existing use value.
- How long does it take to get planning permission.
- Land acquisition.
- Land value.
- Meanwhile use.
- Off-plan property.
- Permitted development.
- Planning permission.
- Rating valuation.
- Residual valuation.
- Speculative construction.
- Use class designation for land and buildings.
- What is a housing start?
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.