What can you do with land that earns nothing?

Four families of income exist: parking and storage, declared camping, energy production and rental accommodation, each with different regulatory constraints.

How many pitches are allowed in farm camping?

Permitted capacity and accommodation types must be checked with the relevant authorities for the specific site.

Can accommodation be installed on land with no water or power?

Yes, with an off-grid module carrying its own electricity production and water reserves.

Which activity earns the most per square metre?

It depends on the site, demand, permissions and costs. Compare income and expenditure for each activity at your location.

2 August 2026

You own land that earns nothing: four options for 2027

Underused land can support different activities: parking and storage, camping, energy production or rental accommodation. None is automatically the most profitable. The choice depends on the site, permissions, demand and your costs.

Parking and storage

Motorhomes, caravans, boats or equipment: assess access, security, permitted uses and local demand. Required work and operating obligations need reviewing before setting a price.

Camping

Potential depends on the season, facilities and reasons for guests to visit. On farmland in particular, permitted activities, capacity and accommodation types need checking with the relevant authorities. Do not assume every plot allows this activity.

Energy production

A solar project needs a technical and financial assessment. Permissions, grid connections, the commitment period and the scope for other land uses all need consideration.

Rental accommodation

A room may serve transit, leisure or business demand. Review access, noise, nearby services and the alternatives already offered locally.

Installation remains subject to rules applicable to the land and its use. Permissions, safety and operating obligations must be checked before purchasing.

Hotel Inbox Off-Grid serves locations without utilities: 48 hours of autonomy for two adults, with stays of two nights maximum between service visits. Hotel Inbox Connected uses available utilities and allows longer stays, with no autonomy limit.

How to compare the options

Start with the planning designation, access and constraints of your plot. Then assess demand, initial expenditure and ongoing costs for each activity.

The Hotel Inbox simulator calculates gross revenue from your nightly rate and occupancy assumptions. It does not, by itself, compare profitability across these four activities. Feasibility assessment comes before any commercial proposal.

Get the siting guide: regulations, land, timelines

Frequently asked questions

What can you do with land that earns nothing?: Four families of income exist: parking and storage, declared camping, energy production and rental accommodation, each with different regulatory constraints.
How many pitches are allowed in farm camping?: Permitted capacity and accommodation types must be checked with the relevant authorities for the specific site.
Can accommodation be installed on land with no water or power?: Yes, with an off-grid module carrying its own electricity production and water reserves.
Which activity earns the most per square metre?: It depends on the site, demand, permissions and costs. Compare income and expenditure for each activity at your location.