In order to make our site work, we use strictly necessary cookies.
We would also like to set certain optional analytical and performance cookies on your device to help us improve our site. You can agree to these optional cookies by pressing the 'allow all cookies' button below. For detailed information about how we use cookies on our site, see our Cookies Policy.
The term overage means where a seller is trying to obtain part of any increase in the value of the property after that property has been sold to the buyer.
When is overage likely to be used?
The two most common situations where overage arises are:
A seller expects that the buyer will redevelop the property a significant increase in the value of the property. Here the seller wants to share in the increase in value if and when the development takes place.
The seller is a public sector or similar organisation such as a charity, who is required to obtain the best value than can reasonably achieved from the sale of the property. Overage is used by these organisations as a safety net in case the value of the property increases rather than any expectation of sharing in any increase in value.
When will this overage payment become due?
This will depend on the drafting of the overage provisions in the agreement and are negotiated between the parties. Any payment will be triggered by certain events that are set out in the agreement. Typically these events include:
grant of planning permission
implementation of a planning permission
disposal of the property with the benefit of planning permission
disposal of a certain percentage of the completed development
disposal of the completed development
How is the payment calculated?
This will be set out in the overage provisions in the agreement. This will be typically expressed as a percentage of any increase in value of the property after deducting various expenses paid by the buyer. The provisions will set out how the value of the property is to be valued and should also cover how to resolve any dispute as to the value and/or the overage payment.
How can these obligations be secured?
A particular difficulty with overage obligations for the seller is ensuring that the buyer is liable to make any payment due.
There are many ways that the seller can attempt to secure and protect their interest, with this being a point for negotiation and discussion. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and care must be taken to ensure the seller has the protection they require.
Some of the more common ways of securing overage obligations are:
Positive obligation –the buyer gives a contractual commitment to make the overage payment. However, this will not bind successors in title.
Positive covenant and restrictions – in addition to the positive obligation the buyer can commit to ensuring that any successors in title will enter into a similar positive contractual obligation with the seller. This is backed up by a restriction on the title for the property meaning the property cannot be sold without the original seller’s consent. This consent is given when the new buyer enters into the positive obligation. This can lead to a complicated system of consents and commitments.
Mortgage or legal charge – the seller can take a legal charge over the property. If the overage payment is not made within a time frame after the triggering event has occurred, the seller will be able to sell the land and recover the overage payment from the sale proceeds. This is unlikely to be acceptable if the buyer uses a lender to finance the purchase of the property.
Restrictive covenant – the buyer covenants with the seller that it will not build on the land or use it for certain purposes. This will bind successors in title. The seller will demand a payment to enter into a release of these covenants. If this method is used the seller must be careful to retain land that can genuinely benefit from the restrictive covenant.
Ransom strip – the seller retains a small strip of land that is adjacent to the property sold to the buyer, which prevents the buyer being able to redevelop the property. The seller then agrees to sell the ransom strip, or grant rights over it, in return for a payment from the buyer.
We’ll only use this information to handle your enquiry and we won’t share it with any third parties. For more details see our Privacy Policy
To speak to one of our experts today, please contact us on 02920 829 100 or by using our Contact Us form for a free initial chat to see how we can help.
I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”
Becs Beslee, Dice FM Ltd
Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”
Rebecca Cooper, ACT Training
We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”
Karen Gale, Stepping Stones Group
An extremely professional and sincere company who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”
Gwawr Booth, Portal Training Ltd
PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”
Ledia Shabani, Property Support Services UK Ltd
We have used several departments within DG recently and we have been very pleased with an effective, efficient and down to earth service. Very happy thus far and I expect that we will continue to use DG.”
Guto Bebb, Farmers’ Union of Wales
Darwin Gray offer us truly superb services. Very professional, quick and services available bilingually which is very important to us, highly recommend.”
Iwan Hywel, Mentrau Iaith Cymru
My “go to” in urgent and time sensitive cases for direction, support and advice. The team are quick to respond to calls or emails for advice and support on all matters. Always explain complex matters in a way a lay person can easily understand.”
Margot Adams, Guarding UK Ltd
Darwin Gray have acted for myself and my company over a number of years and at all times we have been treated with a professional manner yet maintain a common-sense approach at all levels. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
Simon Baston, Loft Co
We have been clients of Darwin Gray for many years; they’ve always dealt with all of our legal matters with such professionalism. They work around us, even during awkward hours, and we feel confident we can always rely on them.”
Louise Williams, ACT Training
Darwin Gray has been acting for Siltbuster for more than ten years. We would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray to other organisations small or large.”
Richard D Coulton, Siltbuster Ltd
From the very first conversation, I had no doubt that Darwin Gray should be the firm to receive our instructions on this matter. I would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray.”
Sandra Warr, Tomos TV
We regularly instruct Darwin Gray. Their service in dealing with our transactional matters and disputes is always professional, prompt and efficient.”
John Poppleton, Absolute Property Management Solutions Ltd
Darwin Gray guided me through a long and extended process that would have been much more difficult had it not been for their patience and constant support.”
Ifan Lewis
Excellent and efficient service. Great result achieved, highly professional and transparent on pricing. Would recommend.”
David Stevens
Superb legal service provided. Exceeded expectations. They went above and beyond in order to provide the best service possible.”
Huw Pickrell
Very professional and understanding. They were a calming influence in a very troubling situation and they brought it to a very successful conclusion”
Rachel Jones
We have used Darwin Gray and have been seriously impressed. The personal approach is what Darwin Gray are excelling on and is the reason why we will continue to work with them in the future.”