What is self build?
Self and custom build housing projects are those where someone directly organises the design and construction of their own home. This can take a “hands on” approach involving a traditional DIY self-build home, to projects where the “self-builder” employs someone to build their home for them, or where the “self-builder” works with a developer as an individual or a group to help deliver their own home
Many builders of low impact homes are effectively self-builders, whilst the kind of homebuilders featured on the Grand Designs TV series are often in the custom homebuilder category.
Self- and custom- housebuilders can choose the design and layout of their home, and can be innovative in both its design and construction. This could include opting for a more eco-friendly specification, such as using natural materials or having a high environmental performance.
England
In England, the Government requires councils and other authorities to keep a self-build register. Individuals or groups who are seeking to acquire a serviced plot for their self-build project can sign up.
Local authorities have a duty to have regard to the register when they plan for future housing in their area. They are required to give suitable development permission to enough suitable serviced plots of land to meet the demand for self-build in their area.
So… for prospective self-builders it is worth signing up to your local self build register. Whilst the England scheme does not appear to be as ambitious as the Welsh scheme, it is still useful to express your interest so the local authority is aware of local demand and can plan accordingly.
For more details contact your local authority to register directly.
There is also the Local Self Build Register, an independent platform helping people to do so.
Wales
In March 2020, the Welsh government launched Self Build Wales, which is described as the most comprehensive support scheme for self build in the UK.
“Self Build Wales provides a great opportunity for Welsh builders to get involved in a new and innovative scheme designed to help more people in Wales build their own home. The scheme aims to remove the barriers and uncertainty around self-builds and custom-builds enabling Welsh builders to focus on what they do best, building quality homes in Wales”.
How the scheme works:
- Local authorities and housing associations provide available plots of land to the Self Build Wales scheme.
- Plots have planning permission in place already and a pre-agreed design guide.
- Applicants search for sites/plots via the website and can apply online for up to 5 plots a time.
- Applications are reviewed and a plot is awarded if successful.
- Builder is agreed, and design and costs are finalised with support from Self Build Wales.
- A self-build development loan is provided covering up to 100% of the build costs (25% deposit on plot cost required).
- Self-build project begins with agreed payment milestones signed off by the Self Build Wales team and appointed building control.
- Final payment provided upon completion, homeowner pays off Self Build Wales loan through sale of property/mortgage raised.
For more details see the Self Build Wales website.
Community self build
As well as individual self builds, a group can get together to take forward their self-build project – involving a several individual self-build plots on one site.
Some examples below:
- Hedgehog self build co-op – a housing co-operative of self-builders in Brighton Link
- Ashley Vale self build community – 39 new homes built at St Werbergh’s, Bristol Link
- Graven Hill, Bicester – described as the UK’s largest self and custom build community, aiming to create 1900 new homes over a ten year period Link
Videos
External links
National Custom and Self Build Association
Related pages
This page is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as advice or recommendation. It may not be comprehensive or up-to-date, and may omit important regulations, policies or criteria. You should do your own research and seek professional advice as appropriate before deciding your way forward. See website disclaimer & terms of use.
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