Self-build accounts for a sizeable chunk of new build homes in the UK. Some 20,000 properties are reckoned to be self-built every year – approximately one in every four detached homes constructed in England is thought to be self-built.
The first thing that a broker needs to know about self-build is that this term is used incorrectly 99 times out of 100. The vast majority of self-builders don’t, in fact, self-build. The phrase conjures up visions of eager amateur DIY-ers learning to be brickies and plasterers and corralling their friends and families into helping them erect a house that would probably collapse if you jumped into bed too enthusiastically. With an increase in property programmes and the benefits of self-build, it is no surprise the market has grown.
Self-builds do require an enormous amount of input, but on most projects the work is carried out by the professional trades – architects, builders, sub-contractors and is always fully surveyed, approved and certificated by a host of eagle-eyed planning inspectors.
Broker difference
Most brokers are pleased to find that although there is definitely more work involved with a self-build than a second-hand property or a unit released by a developer, most self-builds are relatively painless – for the broker, that is.
The main difference for a broker is that there will be a number of documents that you should help the applicant get together. These may vary from case to case, but usually include:
- A copy of Outline Planning Permission and, if available;
- Detailed planning permission.
- A copy of current building regulation approval
- Details of the building plot and its price.
- Plans, including elevation drawings and a brief specification.
- At the very minimum, floor plans, to scale, and a site plan should be provided.
- Full costings of the project.
- The builder’s name or confirmation that the project will be carried out on a self-build basis.
- Confirmation that the builder is registered with either the NHBC/New build/Custombuild (Zurich Municipal) or the name and address of both the supervising architect and the architect who drew the plans, if different.
Growing in popularity
Driven by factors such as the non-stop British love affair with home ownership and increasing aspiration – fuelled by the never-ending barrage of television programmes from Grand Designs to Property Ladder – self-build will continue to grow in popularity.
The need to build more environmentally-friendly housing stock will boost self-build too. No one has greater incentive to build a home that is energy efficient and cheap to run, than the person who is going to live in it. Self-builders have boosted the revival of many old building skills that were environmentally friendly but had been abandoned by modern development companies.
It may sound bizarre but homes built of straw bales are fantastically well insulated and don’t even look different once plastered.
So the next time a potential client says that they are dreaming of having their home individually designed and built, don’t send them away to buy a deveoped home but give them this list of helpful suggestions:
- Visit local estate agents and ask to be put on mailing lists.
- Look in local papers under ‘Land For Sale’.
- The internet is a good way to find out about available plots. Look at the self-build magazines’ plotfinding services – which are databases of land and renovations for sale throughout the UK.
- Another good idea is to drive around the area that you want to build in to look for vacant plots.
- Pop letters through letterboxes asking if the owners would consider selling part of their garden.
- The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) will be able to provide details of properties for renovation or conversion. Contact them on 020 7377 1644.
get the daily news delivered to your inbox
download our news ticker
There are a variety of ways to get involved in the self-build market. It is certainly a sector that has attacted huge, and increasing, consumer attention over recent years
