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
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.





















