Self Build Fundamentals

The number of self-build homes has risen substantially over the past 20 years. Since there has been no overall growth in total private sector house building, self-build has captured market share from the speculative house builders.

There are two types of self build land for sale in terms of self build homes - land for sale with planning permission and land for sale without planning permission. Each type of land has pros and cons but at the end of the day it comes down to time and money.

Land for sale without planning permission is much cheaper than land for sale with some type of planning permission. Buying a plot of land for sale without planning permission does carry an element of risk - in terms of self build it might be wise to consider this more of an investment rather than guaranteed building land.

You need to get outline planning permission – most lenders require it before offering a mortgage. Detailed permission can wait until later, although again lenders will want it before releasing funds.

The procurement route partly varies according to the level of assistance the self-builder requires. Another noticeable trend is that self-build house UK tends to be more prevalent in the less urban parts of the UK and in areas where the market for speculative house building is relatively small. Northern Ireland stands out as an area where self-build is especially important, representing around a quarter of new homes built each year.

Self-builders are not necessarily driven by traditional reasons for moving. Many have a degree of discretion about their housing choices. Self-build is widely seen as a way of obtaining a larger or 'better' house.

These are among the self build fundamentals that you should keep in mind.