With experts predicting that 2010 could see house prices start to rise again in the South East, landowners considering selling a site are being urged to get planning permission now.

Some experts believe the current slowdown in the housing market will continue into 2009 with the first signs of recovery coming probably in 2010 with the South East the most likely region to experience the first upturn.

Peter Randall, managing director of Kent property experts RPC Land and New Homes, said: "Landowners, who have sites with or without residential planning permission, may have been put off selling due to the recent slowdown in house prices, which ultimately effect land prices.

"However, with permissions only lasting for three years and the length of time it can take to obtain planning permission, it may be advisable to act now as the notoriously slow planning system could present problems.

"Achieving planning permission is becoming an increasingly expensive and complicated process.

"A shortage of skilled and trained planners, as well an increase in red tape, means it can now take six to 18 months to get a decision, so hitting the market is all about timing.

Mr Randall also pointed out that consents used to last five years but now it is only three so it’s important not to sit on a site and to get professional advice to plan a strategy for the coming years.

"Just because you have planning consent does not mean a sale is necessarily straightforward. All consents come with conditions and it is very important that those conditions are fulfilled prior to expiration or a renewal of the existing consent obtained," he said.

"Failure to do so could mean delay in sale, loss of consent or an expensive new application with further time delays."

Mr Randall added: "It is best to talk to a land agent at the earliest opportunity to ensure the right type of development is planned and that the consent can be implemented, as well as achieving the best price for the site."

RPC Land and New Homes has specialist centres covering Kent and the Thames Gateway. For further information visit www.rpcland.co.uk or call Peter Randall on 01732 363633