Frequently asked questions
For landowners
Will strangers be wandering about?
Only if you're happy with that. You decide whether the public come onto your land at all, when and where. Plenty of businesses never need visitors.
Will I be tied in, or stuck with someone who won't leave?
Agreements set out how long it lasts and how it ends. Written terms reduce the risk but can't remove all of it, so we always recommend your own solicitor reads them before you sign.
Who pays for any work or advice?
That's agreed for each site before anything starts. Estavelle doesn't fund physical works; depending on the arrangement, the business, you or both may.
Do I need planning permission?
Sometimes, because a change of use can need it. We identify the main planning questions early and help you find the right specialist.
Could it affect my tax relief?
It can. Changing how land or buildings are used can affect agricultural and business property relief for inheritance tax. We're not tax advisers, so we flag it early and suggest you speak to your accountant before anything is agreed.
I already run businesses here. Can you still help?
Yes, if there is something else you want to explore. We can look at separate space, different dates or another opportunity alongside what already works for you. There is no need to change an existing business to start a conversation.
What if nothing fits?
We'll explain which options we considered, why none looks worthwhile on the evidence available and what would need to change. If you'd like, we can keep your land on file and revisit it when a relevant requirement or practical circumstance changes. A fresh desktop look is free.
What does it cost me?
Landowners pay no Estavelle fee. Your first conversation, desktop Asset Passport and introduction are free. Estavelle is paid through the agreed business arrangement. Any works, specialist advice or other property costs are separate, and who pays them is agreed before anyone commits.
For operators
Can you work to our operating model?
Yes. We build a brief around your site requirements, must-haves and deal-breakers. Your feedback on each opportunity helps refine the next search.
Who runs the site?
You do. We agree the commercial support Estavelle provides around your operation before anything starts.
For businesses
Do I need exact dimensions or dates?
No. Describe what you need the space for and the area you could use. Rough dates are enough for a first conversation.
Do you already have a suitable place?
Not necessarily. We look among owners already speaking to us and may approach others whose property could suit. We'll tell you what we can help with before you commit to anything.
General
Do you buy or lease land yourselves?
No. Estavelle never buys land, never takes it over, never funds physical works and never runs a business on it.
Are you surveyors, planners or solicitors?
No. Jamie's background is in assessing land and buildings, and we bring in qualified professionals where an arrangement needs them.
Do you give planning, legal or tax advice?
No. We identify the questions early and help you find the right specialist.
Where do you work?
We assess land across Northern England: the North East, the North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber. Our first arrangements are in the North East, mainly Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham. Elsewhere in the UK? Tell us anyway, and we'll be straight about what we can do now.
Will you call me?
Only if you ask us to. Email and text are just as welcome.
What happens to my details?
We use them to reply and to look for a fit. We share anonymised details first, and nothing that identifies you without your agreement.
Can I say no after a visit?
Yes. Nothing is agreed until you sign.