National Grid FAQ's

We are here to help answer your queries and guide you through your transaction, here are a few quick tips to help you make the best use of our site.

General

How do I find out more information?

Please register your details on the website. You will then be able to select preferences and receive alerts when suitable properties come to market.

What is the former use of the site?

Generally our surplus portfolio is made up of former gasworks sites. These sites are no longer used for gas manufacture and have in the majority of cases been decommissioned and redundant equipment removed from site.

How long will the selling process take?

This is entirely dependant on both parties agreeing terms. It should be no longer than you would expect for a house sale or purchase.

Can I access the property/site for inspection?

Yes. Because of the nature of the sites we're selling you'll be able to see most of it from the road side. We suggest in the initial stages you visit the site to consider suitability. BNP Paribas Real Estate (BNPPRE) will be very pleased to meet you on site and discuss your interest in more detail should you require it.

Are there gas lines or power connections under the ground?

Yes. Easements will exist on some sites where operational mains run under sites. This will restrict (but not stop) development of these areas. This detail is available once registered.

Why engage a Surveyor, Architect, or Planner?

BNPPRE act on behalf of National Grid. Each buyer or potential tenant should satisfy themselves as to the risks associated with a purchase or letting. Engaging professional advice is the best way to do this.

What Services are in place?

It will depend on the site. Details of services will be given in each set of property particulars. However in all cases National Grid and BNPPRE will not have tested the connections and offer no warranty as to their suitability for your proposed use.

Can the site be sub-divided?

We are selling the sites as a whole. Should a group of buyers wish to operate together we will consider their offer. In some cases we will consider offers on part of the sites marketed.

How can I make an offer?

You can make an offer through the site by using the offer button on the individual property. Alternatively please discuss all offers with BNPPRE, either by e-mailing James Mitchell at james.mitchell@bnpparibas.com or calling 07824 434139. All offers are expected to be unconditional.

Legal

Why does NGP sell with limited (rather than full) title guarantee?

NGP has a large and diverse property portfolio, acquired over many years from many different sources. Consequently, NGP does not have the detailed knowledge of specific properties within its portfolio to give the title covenants associated with a full title guarantee. All properties sold by NGP are sold with limited title guarantee.

Are there any restrictive covenants placed on the site (i.e.) uplift provisions?

Overage provisions may be required by National Grid to share in any increases in value from future planning applications and development. These will be dealt with on a case by case basis and all details set out before sale.

Some of the properties within the portfolio, adjacent to retained gasholders, are subject in part to restrictions on use. What are these restrictions and why are they imposed?

Health and Safety regulations require any land within any land within 18 metres of a gasholder to be subject to a restriction which prevents sources of ignition on the affected land. Areas of some of the properties within the portfolio may be subject to this restriction. Potential purchasers should take legal advice on the part (if any) affected and on the full extent of the restriction on use.

What are the easements and rights of way shown on plans?

Easements shown in yellow relate to underground pipe work. Development over and around these portions of the site will be controlled. Generally these areas will be suitable for parking, gardens or yards.

Access rights will be reserved by NGP where required. This will primarily be for the purpose of access to operational equipment housed on adjoining land. The access routes are shown in brown on plans. We cannot guide as to how often access will be required.

Some of the properties within the portfolio are subject to long term telecommunications leases. What is the position if there is such a lease, but no telecommunications mast or other apparatus has yet been installed?

In general terms, the telecommunications operator will still have the right to use the leased area for telecommunications purposes even if no mast or apparatus is yet in place. Potential purchasers should take legal advice on the extent (if any) of the leased area and on the rights in favour of the telecommunications operator.

Environmental

Is the site Contaminated?

Environmental records will be made available to interested parties as part of the Due Diligence pack. In general terms our sites have been cleaned up to a standard approved by the relevant regulatory authorities before sale.

Will I get any assistance covering remediation costs if necessary?

No, the sites are sold unconditionally. Purchasers should satisfy themselves as to any future costs which may be incurred.

Planning

What is the current user class of NG sites?

The majority of sites will be classed as Sui Generis. We recommend all interested parties seek advice from a planning professional or the local planning department to confirm suitability for occupation or redevelopment.

Who is the local planning authority and what regulations are in place?

We are selling sites across the UK. Specific details of the relevant planning authority will be given in each set of property particulars. Occupation or development could be subject to planning and building control. We strongly recommend you seek professional advice in these areas.

Financial

What Tax implications are there with developing an NG site (i.e.) VAT, CGT, Income Tax?

All sites are elected for VAT (except residential properties and where stated). Other taxes such as Capital Gains and Income Tax relate to your individual circumstances and are not something we can comment on.

Will I have to contribute to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)?

This will relate to the proposed redevelopment of a site. We advise you seek advice from a planning specialist to confirm likely costs.

NGPP

The Portfolio.

Through a phased programme, National Grid is offering surplus sites UK wide for sale or lease. The portfolio offers opportunities in re-development, lettings and investment. Prices are relevant to the investment opportunity of each site. BNPPRE is the sole retained agent for the programme.

Professionals.

Search for investment, development and lettings opportunities from sites across the UK. We have a range of options available - office space for occupiers, investment opportunities to increase your revenue stream or sites with development potential.

Sites are available now with details listed on the website. Further properties will be added in phases. Please register your contact details to receive alerts as new sites become available.

Developers.

The portfolio offers development opportunities in the form of brownfield land, buildings and investment sites in all key sectors - commercial, residential and industrial. Large and small scale redevelopment and refurbishment opportunities are available.

Sites are available now with details listed on the website. Further properties will be added in phases. Please register your contact details to receive alerts as new sites become available.

Builders.

The portfolio offers a range of refurbishment and redevelopment opportunities. Choose from a variety of brown field sites and properties suitable for residential development or commercial use - car parking, depot, office buildings. Big and small scale projects available.

Please read the FAQs above for important information about the properties and the purchase process. Sites are available now with details listed on the website. Further properties will be added in phases. Please register your contact details to receive alerts as new sites become available. Our contact details are listed on the website should you wish to contact the BNPPRE team for further information.

Private Individuals

Building a home or finding a suitable office space represents a substantial investment. The portfolio includes a range of buildings for sale and lease, as well as sites with development potential for residential and commercial purposes.

Please read the FAQs above for important information about the properties and the purchase process. Buyers are advised to seek help in advance from Chartered Surveyors, Planners, Solicitors or other professionals, for guidance on market value, legal formalities and statutory compliances associated with purchase.

Sites are available now with details listed on the website. Further properties will be added in phases. Please register your details to receive alerts as new sites become available. Our contact details are listed on the website should you wish to contact the BNPPRE team for further information.

For general enquiries, please contact the Helpdesk on +44 (0) 800 072 0806 or email NationalGridHelpdesk@mitie.com