Guidance

Acquiring land (CC33)

What trustees need to consider when acquiring land, whether for the charity’s own use or as an investment.

• From: The Charity Commission
• Published: 1 April 2001
• Last updated: 14 June 2023 — See all updates

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Acquiring land

Ref: CC33

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Details

Charities can buy land or property for their own use or even as an investment. Before trustees buy land or property they must make sure:

• the property suits the charity’s needs
• the price is fair and of market value
• they understand the legal obligations, such as planning restrictions

This guidance gives general advice to charity trustees who are thinking of acquiring land, and explains whether consent from the Charity Commission is required for any land transactions.

Published 1 April 2001
Last updated 14 June 2023 + show all updates

1. 14 June 2023

   Guidance updated to reflect changes introduced by the Charities Act 2022.

2. 1 April 2001

   First published.