1. Q. How do DE sell the MOD's surplus land and property?
A. As a Government Agency, DE works within Treasury guidelines when selling property assets. It is usual policy to sell surplus property on the open market by tender or by auction. Normally DE will instruct Agents to act on its behalf when selling land and property but occasionally DE will sell sites direct. Sites suitable for redevelopment are generally sold with the benefit of planning permission or with clawback/overage provisions in order to optimise receipts for the benefit of the taxpayer.
2. Q. I would like a postal list of all land and property that the MOD presently has for sale.
A. Due to the high interest of queries about surplus property. Defence Estates does not provide UK wide or regional lists of properties for sale. For more detailed information on specific surplus properties please contact the appropriate DE Regional Office with your request
3. Q. I understand that the MOD has property for sale at discount prices. Is this correct?
A. No, the MOD is under an obligation to dispose of property at market value unless there are very exceptional circumstances.
4. Q. I would like to purchase a bunker?
A. DE very rarely sells bunkers (sometimes known as Uniters). Occasionally the Home Office has such facilities for sale.
5. Q. I would like to purchase a portable building?
A. Surplus portable buildings are sold by another Agency of the MOD-the Disposal Services Authority (DSA).
6. Q. I have seen an empty MOD property and would like advice about its availability.
A. Please consult the appropriate webpages in the first instance, then contact the appropriate DE Regional Office with details of the property, including its address, description and grid reference if possible. A DE representative will then investigate if it is MOD property and if applicable check its availability and advise on the method of sale.
7. Q. What is MOD's policy on Disposals and Estate Rationalisation?
A. The underlying philosophy is that the new estate should be no larger than necessary to meet operational needs of the Armed Forces. To this end, the overall size of the estate is kept under continual review and the rationalisation of land holdings and timely sale of surplus property remains a key priority.
8. Q. Where can I find details of surplus MOD residential property for sale in England & Wales?
A. The majority of the MOD's Married Quarters in England & Wales were sold to Annington Property Limited in 1996 and then leased back by the MOD. As properties become surplus to the MOD's requirements, they are surrendered to Annington Homes Ltd. who in turn, sell or lease them individually to the public.
Occasionally Defence Estates sell residential property in England and Wales directly to the public. Information about the property DE currently have for sale, can be obtained from the appropriate DE Regional Office.
9. Q. Where can I find details of surplus MOD residential property for sale in Scotland?
A. The MOD has retained ownership of the residential married quarter estate in Scotland and Defence Estates normally sells any surplus married quarters directly to the public. For information about the property DE currently have for sale, please view on the appropriate webpages or contact the DE office in Scotland.
10. Q. MOD currently owns a little piece of land, which I would like to purchase.
A. Please contact the appropriate DE Regional Office with details of the area of land, including its address, description and grid reference if possible. A DE representative will then investigate if it is MOD property and check availability and if applicable, advise on the method of sale.
11. Q. How do I know that the property I am currently interested in, is safe or has not been contaminated?
A. All MOD properties for disposal that have been used for a military purpose i.e. chemicals or explosive storage, would normally have a Land Quality Assessment (LQA), to assess the level of any contamination. The prospective purchaser would be fully informed prior to the sale.
12. Q. I would like to purchase a property overseas?
A. The MOD does not generally own land or property overseas, any land or property that is occupied by the MOD, is provided by the host country. Upon MOD vacating an overseas site, it is handed back to the host country.
13. Q. Where can I get a copy of all UK sites currently for sale?
A. DE does not produce a copy of all UK sites for sale most major disposals appear on our website or more detailed information can be obtained from the Regional office
14. Q. What are the Crichel Down Rules?
A. Defence Estates need to trace anyone who may fall within the definition of a former owner or successor contained in the Crichel Down Rules. Former owners or their successors should write to or contact the appropriate DE office so that they can be advised of the decision to either, offer the property back at market value, or not to offer back if exceptions apply, as set out in the rules, such as material changes to the site since acquisition etc. The latest Crichel Down Rules were published on the 31st October 2004 by ODPM circular 06/2004 Part 2.
15. Q. What are the terms and conditions of DE clawback/overage requirements?
A. The standard clawback clause together with worked examples and guidance notes is available in Policy Instruction 02/09 It is strongly recommended that prospective purchasers read and understand it.
16. Q. Do Defence Estates dispose of sites for affordable housing?
A. DE works closely with the Local Planning Authority whose policies determine the level of affordable housing allocated to a particular residential development site. Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is the regeneration agency of the Government for England and Wales, it deals with the Sustainable Communities Plan. DE has agreed a “bilateral agreement” to foster a closer working relationship with HCA. DE will also always work closely with the Welsh Development Agency, the Scottish and Northern Ireland agencies, Regional Development Agencies and or Registered Social Landlords if they express an interest in a particular site. However, Treasury rules provide that unless there are very exceptional circumstances sites must be transferred at market value.
17. Q. Does the Freedom of Information Act apply to disposals of MOD property?
A. Yes, the Freedom of Information Act gives everyone the right to access information held by the public sector subject to clearly defined exemptions and conditions. There is a requirement to consider discretionary disclosure in the public interest even when an exemption applies and there is also a duty to publish information.
18. Q. How do I remove the legal charge placed on the purchase of a former married quarter at a discount?
A. Most legal charges protect the discount, given to service personnel, for a specific period of time and are now no longer relevant having become life expired. However, if purchasers or mortgage lenders specifically want to the legal charge lifted they should contact the appropriate DE regional office who can make the necessary arrangements for a fee to cover our legal costs.