With the rollout of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) as a legal requirement under the Environment Act 2021, landowners, developers, and planning authorities are increasingly engaging with the concept of BNG units for sale. Whether you’re a developer needing to offset biodiversity losses or a landowner looking to register and market your land for BNG purposes, knowing where to buy or sell BNG units is crucial.
This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know about where to buy BNG units in the UK, how the process works, who the key players are, and what to watch out for.
What Are BNG Units?
Before diving into where to find a BNG unit for sale, let’s quickly define what a BNG unit is.
A BNG unit represents a measurable improvement in biodiversity. Developers who negatively impact biodiversity through construction or land development are required to offset that impact by either enhancing biodiversity on-site or by purchasing biodiversity units from elsewhere.
BNG units are measured using the Defra Biodiversity Metric, which quantifies habitats based on area, distinctiveness, condition, and strategic significance.
In many cases, on-site biodiversity enhancements aren’t feasible. That’s where off-site BNG units—those available for sale—come into play.
Who Needs to Buy BNG Units?
- Property developers needing to meet planning conditions.
- Infrastructure providers like utilities or transport companies.
- Local planning authorities fulfilling broader strategic goals.
- Consultants and ecologists sourcing units on behalf of clients.
Anyone engaging in development that impacts biodiversity will likely encounter the need to secure BNG units for sale.
Where to Buy BNG Units in the UK
The market for BNG units is still evolving, but several options exist depending on your needs, location, and timeframe. Below are the main routes for purchasing BNG units in the UK.
1. BNG Brokers and Marketplaces
Several dedicated brokers and online platforms now specialise in connecting buyers and sellers of BNG units. These platforms typically host landowners who have registered land enhancements for biodiversity and have available BNG units for sale.
Notable BNG Brokers and Platforms:
- Environment Bank
One of the earliest players in the biodiversity offsetting space, Environment Bank offers pre-registered habitat banks across England. - The BNG Guy
Offering friendly, professional service, The BNG Guy specialises in connecting developers with verified BNG units across England. We focus on ecological integrity, legal compliance, and transparent pricing. - Rewilding Britain Marketplace
A nature-focused platform that offers BNG and other natural capital credits, geared more towards large-scale or rewilded land. - NatureSpace Partnership
Known for their work on great crested newt licensing, but increasingly active in broader biodiversity markets, including BNG.
Pros of Using a Broker:
- Access to pre-vetted units
- Legal and ecological compliance assured
- Easier negotiations and due diligence
Cons:
- May charge brokerage fees
- Units can sell quickly, especially in high-demand areas
2. Direct from Landowners
Some landowners with ecologically enhanced land may market their BNG units for sale directly. You may come across listings via:
- Local land agents
- LinkedIn or online classifieds
- Direct outreach through ecological consultants
This approach can offer a lower-cost route to buying units, especially if you’re a smaller developer or have strong local knowledge.
Pros:
- Potentially cheaper than brokers
- Direct negotiation and bespoke agreements
Cons:
- Higher risk
- Requires significant due diligence
- Need to ensure compliance with BNG registration and monitoring requirements
3. Local Authority Habitat Banks
In some regions, Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) have set up their own habitat banks. These are council-managed areas where biodiversity units are generated and made available to developers operating within the same administrative area.
Examples include:
- Warwickshire County Council – One of the first councils to offer BNG units directly.
- Nottinghamshire County Council – Has developed local offsetting strategies and may have available units.
This option is especially useful if you’re working in an area where private supply is limited or where planning authorities require units to be sourced locally.
Pros:
- Local authority endorsement
- Alignment with local planning policy
Cons:
- Limited supply in some areas
- May not be available outside of council boundaries
4. National BNG Register (via Natural England)
Natural England maintains a statutory register of BNG sites under the Environment Act. Over time, this register will become a vital tool for finding and verifying available units.
While it’s still in development and primarily used for recording enhancement sites, the register will offer:
- Publicly available information
- Legal transparency
- National coverage
Check the latest status of the register via Natural England’s website.
What to Look for in a BNG Unit for Sale
Not all BNG units are created equal. When browsing units for sale, consider the following factors to ensure compliance and suitability:
1. Location
BNG policy requires that, where possible, biodiversity units are sourced as close to the development site as practical. Some LPAs have policies that prioritise local sourcing, while others may allow regional or even national sourcing if justified.
2. Habitat Type
Different habitat types yield different unit values. Make sure the habitat being offered is:
- Compatible with what you’re displacing
- In good ecological condition
- Verified using the Defra metric
3. Registration Status
Units must be:
- Registered with Natural England (or in the process)
- Legally secured for at least 30 years
- Monitored by a qualified ecologist
Unregistered or speculative units may not be valid for planning purposes.
4. Price Per Unit
BNG unit prices can vary widely, from around £10,000 to over £50,000 per unit, depending on:
- Habitat type and condition
- Strategic location
- Legal and ecological assurances
- Market demand in the region
Get a clear, itemised breakdown before committing.
Typical Process of Buying BNG Units
Here’s what a standard BNG unit purchase journey looks like:
- Determine Your BNG Requirement
Conduct a biodiversity metric assessment for your development site. - Search for Units
Use platforms, brokers, or local contacts to find a suitable BNG unit for sale. - Due Diligence
Check registration status, habitat quality, legal protections, and management plans. - Legal Agreements
Sign a Biodiversity Gain Plan and enter into a purchase contract. This may include section 106 agreements or conservation covenants. - Submit to Planning
Provide evidence of BNG unit purchase as part of your planning application or discharge of conditions. - Monitoring and Compliance
Ensure the supplying landowner fulfills the 30-year monitoring and management obligations.
Key Tips When Buying BNG Units
- Plan Early: Units can take months to source and verify. Don’t leave this to the last minute.
- Get Expert Help: Involve an ecologist or BNG consultant early on.
- Check the Fine Print: Make sure contracts outline responsibilities, liabilities, and fallback arrangements.
- Beware of Unverified Sellers: Ensure any unit you buy is backed by ecological evidence and legally secured.
- Think Strategically: Buying slightly more units than required can give you a buffer if habitat metrics change later.
FAQs About BNG Units for Sale
Can I buy BNG units anywhere in the UK?
Yes, but planning authorities typically prioritise units that are local or within the same LPA or county.
How many BNG units do I need?
This depends on your pre- and post-development biodiversity metric scores. A qualified ecologist should carry out the calculation.
Are BNG units taxable?
BNG units are usually treated as taxable transactions. Always consult a financial advisor regarding VAT and capital gains implications.
Is there a shortage of BNG units?
In some areas—particularly high-growth zones like the South East—demand currently outstrips supply. That’s why early sourcing is vital.
Final Thoughts: Buying BNG Units for sale in the UK
Finding a BNG units for sale in the UK isn’t always straightforward, but the market is maturing quickly. With the right guidance, developers can secure compliant, high-quality biodiversity units that not only meet legal obligations but also contribute to long-term ecological restoration.
At The BNG Guy, we specialise in helping you navigate the BNG process with confidence. Whether you’re a developer seeking units or a landowner looking to create them, we can connect you with the right opportunities and ensure everything is done by the book.
Need help finding a BNG unit for sale near your development site? Contact us today for a free consultation.