This professional standard provides advice and sets out mandatory requirements for RICS members working on land agreements for development and promotion purposes. It explains the role of these agreements in defining responsibilities and commercial arrangements between landowners and developers or promoters. The document addresses the complexity and risks involved in land development, outlines common types of agreements, and sets principles to help avoid delays, disputes and unnecessary costs.

This standard is designed for RICS members working in the UK who advise landowners or developers/promoters on heads of terms for land agreements. It applies to all development contexts – greenfield or redevelopment sites, residential or mixed-use projects – and aims to ensure successful outcomes for all parties involved.

Effective from 1 March 2026

On 9 February 2026, this professional standard was reissued to add at section 1 the wording ‘Please note that throughout this document the term ‘RICS members’ refers to ‘RICS members and RICS-regulated firms’. 27th February this professional standard was updated again to correct the affiliation for one of the Expert Group members.