Support for Custom Build

Self-builders’ needs are finally being recognised by local authorities up and down the UK, thanks in no small part to the work of organisations such as the National Self Build Association (NaSBA) and the impact of the government’s custom build scheme.

I won’t go into detail here (for Tim Doherty’s in-depth guide click here) but the custom build initiative basically aims to increase the volume of self-build projects in the UK to bring it more in line with other developed nations.

Currently around 10% of new homes are self-build – whereas in many European countries, the figures stands at around 40%.

The result should be more homes built every year, more affordable local homes and more homes that suit the needs of their owners. Surely that can only be a good thing for the wider housing market!

The list of councils looking to provide serviced plots for self-builders is growing fast. The latest local authorities looking to release land for multiple self-build projects include:

• Orkney Islands Council: Four plots initially in St Margaret’s Hope, but up to 10 serviced sites could be made available if there’s sufficient interest
• Shropshire Council: 50-60 sites earmarked for self-builders in Shrewsbury
• Hastings Borough Council: Two plots being sold with a ‘preference’ for self-builders and potential for seven homes

Those numbers might not sound impressive on their own, but every land release syphons into an ever-growing pool of promising plots – with NaSBA predicting at least 1,000 more self-builds in 2013.

Developers are getting in on the act, too, often in conjunction with the Homes & Communities Agency. Fairgrove Homes recently held an event to highlight nine fully serviced plots it’s selling in Morton, Derbyshire, through the custom build scheme.

Meanwhile (planning approval permitting) a Doncaster development off 334 houses will include 30 plots for self-builders, delivered with support from Strata Homes.

With local authorities and developers getting switched-on to the merits of custom build and more serviced plots seemingly released every week, things are looking rosy for self-builders looking to achieve their dream home!

Is your council looking into the idea of releasing self-build plots? If so, we’d love to hear about their plans – you can let us know more in the comments section below.

Picture: Could we see more initiatives such as the West Street community self-build project? Click here to find out more