What is a TPO? And how can it affect a property sale?

What is a TPO? And how can it affect a property sale?

TPO stands for Tree Protection Order. A local authority has the power to safeguard trees and woodland if they are a certain age or species for example. 

There are responsibilities and restrictions you’ll need to be aware of when buying a property where a TPO is on or near the plot. 

You are not permitted to cut down a TPO and any trimming needs to be approved by the council and must be carried out by an agreed contractor.

Buyers
So, you’ve found the perfect home but there is a protected tree(s) on the plot, here are some things to consider before offering:

  • Do your research on the type of tree and how often maintenance is likely to be required
  • Think about how the tree will change throughout the different seasons and if this will cause you any grievances 
  • Check with your mortgage lender if they are likely to refuse to lend or if they would demand a tree survey to be carried out 

Think ahead to when you might plan to sell on the property. If the tree is off-putting to you, could it be difficult to resell? 

Sellers
As well as the above, it is important to be mindful that some buyers will be concerned about a TPO on the land, if you are struggling to sell or just want to put yourself in the best position, here’s my tips:

  • Consider writing a factsheet that can be shared with viewers. Putting a personal spin on how you’ve enjoyed the tree(s) will be well received if research provided is accurate
  • If you have any photos showing how the tree looks in different seasons, you could leave these out for viewers to look at
  • Pre-empt any objections by paying for (around £300) and organising a tree survey to be done in advance so that any potential buyers can have their minds put at rest before even offering  

If you’d like to talk through a specific circumstance, I’m more than happy to help. You’ll find my contact details below

07863 979 808


Get in touch with us

How do you beat those odds? When most people decide to put their Crowthorne home on the market, they assume one thing. That it will sell.

Over the past five years, Twyford's private rental market has experienced a significant growth in rents. The average monthly rent has increased from £1,490 in 2020 to £1,729 in 2025, representing a 16% rise.

Over the past five years, Crowthorne's private rental market has experienced a significant growth in rents. The average monthly rent has increased from £1,275 in 2020 to £1,711 in 2025, representing a 34% rise.

If you are a Bicester homeowner or landlord and considering selling your Bicester property soon, you may have wondered how long it will take to find a buyer and sell.