For developers & investors · North London
How do I find out what a site can yield before I buy?
Fast architectural feasibility for developers: unit numbers, massing, space standards and planning policy tested in 3D so you know whether to buy.
Reviewed by Dor Cohen, RIBA Chartered Architect, ARB Registered
Site feasibility & yield in short
A feasibility study tests unit mix, massing and planning policy against the site before you commit. We model the site in 3D, check the local plan, London Plan space standards and designations such as conservation areas, then give you realistic options and the main planning risks, so you can decide whether to buy and at what price.
Who it's for
- Developers assessing a site before offer or exchange
- Family offices and investors reviewing an acquisition
- Landowners wanting to understand their options
What we deliver, stage by stage
Stage 0–1
Site and policy review, constraints check and 3D massing options with indicative unit numbers and areas.
Stage 2
Concept scheme in 3D with area schedules, so the numbers and the design are tested together.
Stage 3
Planning drawings, design and access statement and coordination of specialist reports, managed through to a decision.
Stage 4+
Technical drawings and specification written with a contractor's eye, so tenders come back accurate.
Planning and regulations that apply
General guidance only. Rules change and every site is different, so we confirm what applies to yours.
- Space standardsNew homes in London must meet minimum internal areas, for example 50m² for a one-bed, two-person flat and 70m² for a two-bed, four-person flat. GOV.UK: Nationally Described Space Standard
- Biodiversity Net GainMost new development must show a 10% biodiversity net gain, which can affect layout and cost. GOV.UK: Biodiversity Net Gain
- DesignationsConservation areas, listed buildings, flood zones and Article 4 directions all change what's achievable. Our site checker flags these early.
Local planning knowledge
Site feasibility & yield across North London and South Hertfordshire
Every council reads the national rules through its own guidance. Here's what usually matters in the boroughs we work in.
Barnet
Barnet Residential Design Guidance SPD
Barnet's growth areas such as Brent Cross and Colindale take higher density; elsewhere suburban character and parking policy shape what a site can yield.
Camden
Camden Planning Guidance: Home Improvements
Camden expects high design quality and affordable housing contributions on qualifying schemes; conservation areas cover much of the borough.
Brent
Brent Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD
Brent has major growth areas around Wembley and along transport corridors, where taller, denser schemes are supported in principle.
Haringey
Haringey Local Plan and conservation area appraisals
Haringey's east has regeneration areas, while western neighbourhoods like Highgate and Muswell Hill are more constrained by heritage.
Harrow
Harrow Residential Design Guide SPD
Harrow directs most growth to Harrow town centre and Wealdstone; suburban sites are judged on character and parking.
Hertsmere
Hertsmere Local Plan and Green Belt policy
Green Belt covers most of Hertsmere, so development is focused on existing towns such as Borehamwood and Potters Bar.
Is your site in a conservation area?
Enter your full address to check conservation areas, listed buildings, Article 4, Green Belt and flood zones before you design anything.
Check your address
Common risks and how we handle them
- Overpaying on optimistic yieldOptions are tested against space standards and policy, not just site area.
- Hidden constraintsWe check heritage, flood and Article 4 data before design starts.
Related
Questions
Everything you need to know about working with DOR Architects.
It depends on the site. We agree a scope and timescale on WhatsApp once we've seen the address and your aims.
Yes. Where a scheme carries planning risk, we often recommend pre-application advice from the council before full design.
Yes, we're happy to sign a confidentiality agreement for off-market sites.
Area schedules and massing drawings are typically what lenders and partners want to see.
Yes. We're based in Golders Green, North West London, and work on site feasibility & yield across Barnet, Camden, Brent, Haringey, Harrow and South Hertfordshire. Each council has its own design guidance, which we check for your site from the start.
Use our free conservation area and site checker. Enter the full address and it checks conservation areas, listed buildings, Article 4 directions, Green Belt and flood zones, then explains what each means.
Councils aim to decide minor applications within 8 weeks and major applications within 13 weeks of validation. Pre-application advice beforehand usually adds a few weeks but reduces risk.
Tell us about your site
Send us a WhatsApp message with the address and your aims. We'll reply with next steps.