# What is a ready-to-build (RTB) data center site?

> A ready-to-build site has the three things an operator needs to start construction: **land control, a grid connection offer or permit, and planning permits**. It is usually the step where a site’s value jumps, because the slow, uncertain work is done. Deals are often priced in stages tied to reaching RTB.

By Razvan Toma, Founder & CEO, Ampervia · Last checked 2026-10-12 · https://ampervia.com/answers/ready-to-build-data-center-site/

## Key facts

- Example of staged pricing: non-binding terms between a Spanish developer and Pure DC of €1.5 million per site upfront, €1.5 million at RTB and €325,000 per MW of leased IT capacity (BeBeez).
- A powered site near Madrid (25 MW power agreement) sold for €11 million (ActivumSG).

_From land to ready-to-build_

| Stage | What exists | Main risk left |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate land | A plot near grid infrastructure | No right to power |
| Land under option | Exclusive right to buy | Power and permits |
| Connection secured | Permit or connection offer | Planning |
| Ready-to-build | Land, power and permits | Construction and leasing |

## What a buyer checks at RTB

- The connection offer: capacity, date, works, cost, and whether it transfers.
- Planning permit and conditions.
- Title, easements and contamination.
- Water, fibre and access.

## Questions

### Who buys RTB sites?

Data center operators and developers who want to skip the origination stage, and infrastructure investors building platforms.

## Sources

1. [BeBeez — EdgeMode looks to sell data center development sites in Spain](https://bebeez.eu/2026/07/14/edgemode-looks-to-sell-multiple-data-center-development-sites-in-spain/)
2. [ActivumSG — €11m powered land sale to Pure DC](https://www.activumsg.com/activumsg-completes-11m-powered-land-sale-pure-dc/)

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Primary resource: the Ampervia Powered-Land Map — https://ampervia.com/powered-land-map/