The Brexit Effect & Other News

How will Brexit affect self-build in the UK?

Many people have voiced concerns about the housing sector following June’s Leave vote. While it’s probable that some people will delay making big decisions about buying property or taking on a major building project during this period of uncertainty, those that were already close to breaking ground are likely to continue with their plans regardless, according to the National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA).

Brexit’s long term impact on the industry may come down to how skilled labour is affected.  “I would argue that there is already a huge skills shortage in the construction sector. We need to introduce more training and apprenticeships,” says Michael Holmes, Chair of NaCSBA.

Custom build plots high in demand

Construction has begun on the Manorside development, a community of self-build houses within the Wynyard estate near Hartlepool. All 27 available plots have sold out showing that this route to property ownership is growing in popularity.

“Self-build offers individuality, quality and value for money, which is why this first phase has sold out. It enables people to create the home of their dreams using the materials and workmanship of their choice,” says Matt Johnson, development director at Wynard Park.

Good Incentive

50,000 accredited installations have been carried out as part of the government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. This landmark means 827,000MWh of renewable heat has been generated by technologies fitted under the programme, saving 3.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to Ofgem E-Serve. Devices eligible for the cashback incentive include biomass boilers, air and ground source heat pumps, and solar thermal panels.

Image:  – Pioneering Stone Passivhaus