A Comprehensive Analysis of Self-Build Housing in the United Kingdom: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

Self-build housing, a profoundly empowering approach to homeownership, involves individuals or groups taking direct responsibility for the design and construction of their dwellings. This report undertakes an extensive examination of the self-build sector within the United Kingdom, meticulously tracing its historical trajectory from foundational practices to its contemporary resurgence. It delves into the multifaceted landscape that defines modern self-build, including the intricate mechanisms of financing, the critical considerations inherent in design and sustainability, and the often-challenging strategies for land acquisition. Furthermore, the report dissects the common obstacles encountered by self-builders and meticulously outlines the diverse pathways available, encompassing custom build models, the growing popularity of kit homes, and more intensive do-it-yourself approaches. By synthesising a rich body of existing literature, current governmental policies, and industry practices, this detailed analysis aims to provide an exceptionally comprehensive understanding of self-build housing in the UK. It seeks to underscore its significant, yet often underutilised, potential to address persistent housing shortages, foster individual agency in housing provision, and champion the principles of sustainable development and community resilience. The insights gleaned herein are intended to inform prospective self-builders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, contributing to the broader discourse on innovative housing solutions.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

1. Introduction

Self-build housing, at its core, represents a fundamental shift in the traditional housing delivery model, empowering individuals or groups to assume the mantle of designing, managing, and constructing their own homes. In the United Kingdom, a nation grappling with a persistent housing crisis and an ever-evolving demand for more personalised living spaces, this practice, far from being a niche pursuit, boasts a rich historical precedent spanning centuries. Its recent resurgence, however, is particularly noteworthy, driven by a convergence of economic, social, and technological factors. The self-build sector offers a compelling suite of benefits that extend beyond mere shelter, encompassing the potential for significant cost efficiencies, unparalleled design flexibility that allows for the creation of truly bespoke living environments, and the critical opportunity to integrate advanced energy-efficient and sustainable technologies from the ground up. This approach can lead to homes that are not only tailored to individual needs but also possess lower running costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

However, the journey of self-building is not without its formidable challenges. Prospective self-builders frequently encounter hurdles such as navigating complex financing arrangements, securing suitable land in a competitive and often restrictive market, and grappling with the intricacies of planning regulations and building codes. These complexities can be daunting, requiring substantial dedication, resilience, and often, professional guidance. This report embarks on a comprehensive analytical journey into the UK’s self-build housing sector. It will meticulously examine its current operational state, highlighting the burgeoning opportunities it presents for both individuals and the broader housing market. Concurrently, it will critically dissect the inherent challenges that necessitate strategic policy interventions and robust support systems. By exploring these facets, this report aims to illuminate the sector’s trajectory and propose actionable insights for its future direction, positioning self-build as a vital component of the nation’s housing strategy.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

2. Historical Context and Evolution of Self-Build Housing in the UK

The narrative of self-build in the UK is deeply woven into the fabric of its social and economic history, predating the modern concept of mass-produced housing. For centuries, the construction of one’s own dwelling was not an aspiration but a necessity, an inherent part of community life where local materials and skills were pooled to create homes. This traditional, often communal, approach laid the groundwork for the more formalised self-build movements that would emerge later.

Early 20th Century and Post-World War Periods (1900s – 1960s)

The early 20th century marked a pivotal period. The Garden City movement, championed by figures like Ebenezer Howard, indirectly fostered self-build principles by advocating for planned communities where residents had a stake in their environment. Inter-war housing shortages also saw an uptick in individuals taking charge of their housing needs, often driven by economic necessity and a desire for homeownership that was otherwise unattainable. However, it was the aftermath of the Second World War that truly catalysed a government-supported self-build surge. The widespread destruction of housing stock and the subsequent acute housing crisis necessitated innovative solutions. The Attlee Labour government, for instance, actively encouraged self-build projects as a pragmatic means to alleviate the severe shortage. Councils were often mandated to make land available, and building materials, though rationed, were sometimes prioritised for self-builders. This era cultivated a strong ‘do-it-yourself’ ethos, seen not just as a cost-saving measure but also as a patriotic contribution to national reconstruction. Schemes such as the ‘Labour for Houses’ campaigns encouraged volunteer labour, and groups often formed co-operative societies to pool resources and expertise, building entire estates of homes together. These collective efforts demonstrated the potential for significant housing delivery outside of traditional developer models.

Decline in the 1970s and 1980s

Following the post-war boom, the latter half of the 20th century witnessed a significant decline in self-build activities. This downturn can be attributed to several interconnected factors. Economically, periods of inflation, high interest rates, and financial instability made long-term construction projects riskier and more expensive. Simultaneously, the UK housing market shifted towards an increasingly dominant model of mass-produced housing delivered by large-scale commercial developers. These developers, benefiting from economies of scale and streamlined processes, could often deliver homes faster and, at times, more cheaply than individual self-builders. Regulatory changes also played a role; planning permissions became more complex, and access to suitable, affordable land became increasingly constrained as land values rose and development concentrated in the hands of fewer, larger entities. Culturally, there was a diminished emphasis on the ‘do-it-yourself’ spirit of the post-war years, replaced by a growing consumer culture that favoured readily available, finished products.

Resurgence in the Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries

The tide began to turn in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, ushering in a renewed interest in self-build housing. This resurgence has been multifaceted. A growing and persistent housing affordability crisis has pushed individuals to seek alternative routes to homeownership. Simultaneously, there has been a societal shift towards greater personalisation and a desire for homes that truly reflect individual lifestyles and values, a demand that mass-market housing often fails to meet. The rise of environmental awareness has also been a significant driver, with self-builders often prioritising energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and reduced carbon footprints – features that were historically expensive or complex to integrate into standard developer builds but are now more accessible and desirable. Technological advancements in construction, including the proliferation of offsite manufacturing and modular systems (such as kit homes), have made the building process faster, more predictable, and less intimidating for those without extensive construction experience. Furthermore, the advent of the internet and specialist media (e.g., self-build magazines, TV shows like ‘Grand Designs’, online forums) has demystified the process, providing accessible information, inspiration, and community support, empowering more individuals to consider self-build as a realistic option. Policy support, as detailed later, has also played a crucial role in legitimising and promoting the sector, responding to growing public interest and the need for diverse housing solutions.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

3. Current Landscape of Self-Build Housing in the UK

The current landscape of self-build housing in the UK presents a compelling paradox: significant untapped potential coexisting with persistent structural barriers. While the sector has seen a marked resurgence, its overall contribution to new housing supply remains comparatively modest when viewed internationally, yet it is increasingly recognised as a vital component of a diverse and resilient housing market.

Statistical Overview and International Comparisons

Estimates suggest that self-build housing currently accounts for approximately 7-10% of new homes in the UK, translating to roughly 10,000 to 14,000 projects annually. Some sources suggest this figure could occasionally reach 12-15% in certain years or regions, but a consistent rate of 20,000 or more remains an aspiration. This proportion, while an improvement from previous decades, is notably lower than in many other developed nations. For instance, in Germany, self-build and custom build homes can account for over 50% of new housing supply, and similar figures are observed in countries like France, Austria, Belgium, and parts of the United States. In Ireland, the rate has historically been even higher. The reasons for this disparity are complex, rooted in historical planning traditions, land ownership patterns, cultural perceptions of risk, and the regulatory environment. Unlike the UK, many European countries have more readily available, affordable serviced plots specifically earmarked for individual builds, supported by streamlined planning processes and specialist financial products. The UK’s highly concentrated land ownership and planning system, coupled with a strong reliance on large volume housebuilders, have historically created a more challenging environment for individual self-builders.

Government Initiatives and Policy Framework

Recognising the significant potential of self-build to alleviate the chronic housing shortage, stimulate local economies, and promote innovative, sustainable homes, the UK government has implemented a series of initiatives designed to bolster the sector. A landmark piece of legislation was the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, which placed a legal duty on local authorities in England to establish and maintain a register of individuals and associations seeking to acquire land for self-build and custom-build homes. Crucially, the Act also imposed a ‘sufficient number of serviced plots’ duty, requiring councils to grant enough planning permissions for self-build and custom build projects to meet the demand identified on their registers within a three-year period. This was a direct attempt to increase land availability and streamline planning for these projects.

Building upon this, the Self and Custom Build Action Plan, first published in 2021 and periodically updated, serves as the government’s comprehensive strategy for the sector. Key objectives of this plan include:
* Increasing the number of self and custom build homes: Aiming to make it a mainstream option for homeownership, significantly boosting the overall housing supply.
* Improving access to finance: Acknowledging the unique challenges of self-build mortgages and introducing schemes like Help to Build.
* Enhancing land availability: Encouraging local authorities to proactively identify and release suitable plots, including public land, and ensuring compliance with the 2015 Act.
* Streamlining planning processes: Working with local authorities to simplify applications and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
* Promoting innovation and sustainability: Encouraging the adoption of modern methods of construction (MMC) and high environmental standards within self-build projects.
* Boosting skills and capacity: Supporting the development of a skilled workforce and providing resources for self-builders.

These policy interventions signify a strategic shift towards viewing self-build not just as a marginal activity but as a legitimate and desirable pathway to address diverse housing needs and foster community engagement.

Economic Impact and Demographics of Self-Builders

Beyond simply delivering homes, the self-build sector contributes significantly to the wider UK economy. It supports a vast network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including architects, builders, tradespeople, material suppliers, and consultants, many of whom are locally based. This often results in a higher proportion of project expenditure being retained within local economies compared to large-scale developer builds. Furthermore, self-build projects are frequently at the forefront of adopting innovative construction techniques and sustainable technologies, driving research and development within the industry.

Demographically, self-builders in the UK tend to be slightly older than first-time buyers in the traditional market, often in their late 30s to 50s, and typically possess higher household incomes or accumulated equity. They are often motivated by a desire for a bespoke home that meets specific lifestyle requirements, a preference for higher quality and sustainable features, and the potential for greater control over the building process and budget. While perceived as an option for the affluent, a significant proportion of self-builders are middle-income families seeking to leverage their own efforts to achieve homeownership or a higher standard of living than they could afford through the conventional market. There is also a growing interest among younger generations, particularly for custom build or group self-build projects, which can mitigate some of the financial and project management risks.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

4. Financing Options for Self-Build Projects

Financing stands as one of the most formidable and frequently cited barriers to self-build housing in the UK. The unique characteristics of building a home from the ground up, rather than purchasing a finished property, mean that conventional mortgage products are often unsuitable, necessitating specialised financial solutions. Understanding these options is paramount for any prospective self-builder.

Challenges with Traditional Mortgages

Traditional residential mortgages are designed to lend against the value of a completed property. Lenders typically release the full loan amount or a significant portion upfront, secured against the ready-to-occupy home. This model is fundamentally incompatible with self-build projects, where the ‘asset’ being financed is initially just a plot of land and gradually increases in value as construction progresses. Releasing a large sum at the outset without a tangible, complete property to secure it against represents an unacceptable risk for most mainstream lenders. Consequently, a bespoke approach to financing has evolved to meet the specific needs of the self-build sector.

Specialised Self-Build Mortgages

Specialised self-build mortgages are the primary financial instrument for individuals undertaking their own home construction. These products are designed to release funds in stages, aligning with the incremental progress of the build. This staged payment structure mitigates risk for the lender, as each subsequent release of funds is triggered by an independent valuation confirming that the previous stage of work has been completed and the property’s value has increased accordingly.

There are two main types of self-build mortgages:

1. Arrears Mortgages: This is the most common type. Funds for each stage of construction are released after that stage has been completed and a surveyor has confirmed the work and corresponding increase in property value. This means the self-builder must have sufficient funds to cover the costs of each stage before the mortgage funds are released. This can place significant pressure on cash flow and requires substantial upfront capital or access to alternative bridging finance.
2. Advance Mortgages: These products are less common but highly beneficial. Funds for each stage are released before the work commences, providing the self-builder with the necessary capital to pay for materials and labour for that stage. This significantly eases cash flow management and reduces the need for substantial personal savings or temporary loans. However, advance mortgages typically come with stricter lending criteria, higher interest rates, and may require a larger deposit due to the increased risk assumed by the lender.

Stages of Fund Release: While variations exist between lenders, typical stages for fund release include:
* Land Purchase: Often a significant initial release if the land is part of the mortgage, or funded by the deposit.
* Foundations/Substructure: After the groundworks are completed and inspected.
* Wall Plate Level/Superstructure: Once the main wall structure reaches a certain height.
* Roof On/Wind and Watertight: When the roof structure is complete, and the building is enclosed from the elements.
* First Fix: Installation of wiring, plumbing, and heating systems before walls are plastered.
* Second Fix: Installation of fittings, fixtures, internal doors, and finishes.
* Completion: Final inspection and release of the remaining funds.

Lender Criteria and Considerations: Self-build mortgages typically require a larger deposit compared to standard mortgages, often ranging from 20% to 35% of the estimated total project cost (land plus build). Lenders will also scrutinise the self-builder’s financial stability, income, credit history, and critically, the viability and realism of the project itself. This includes assessing detailed plans, a comprehensive budget, and a realistic build schedule. Interest rates on self-build mortgages can sometimes be slightly higher than standard residential mortgages, reflecting the increased risk and administrative complexity for the lender. Fees, such as arrangement fees, valuation fees for each stage, and potentially broker fees, also need to be factored into the overall cost.

Government Support Schemes: Help to Build

Recognising the financial hurdles, the UK government introduced the Help to Build equity loan scheme, launched in April 2021 as part of the wider Self and Custom Build Action Plan. This initiative aims to make self-build more accessible and affordable, particularly for those with smaller deposits. How it works:
* Equity Loan: The scheme offers an equity loan of up to 20% (40% in London) of the total project cost (land and build costs combined). This means the self-builder only needs to secure a 5% deposit and a self-build mortgage for the remaining amount.
* Eligibility: Applicants must be building their primary residence, have a minimum 5% deposit, and obtain a self-build mortgage from a Help to Build approved lender. There are also maximum property value limits, which vary by region.
* Repayment: The equity loan is interest-free for the first five years. From year six, an annual interest fee applies. The loan must be repaid when the home is sold, the mortgage is repaid, or after 25 years, whichever comes first.

Help to Build significantly improves affordability by reducing the initial deposit requirement and leveraging government support to bridge the funding gap, making self-build a realistic option for a broader demographic.

Other Funding Sources

In addition to specialised mortgages and government schemes, self-builders often utilise a combination of other funding sources:
* Personal Savings: A common approach, particularly for initial land purchase or to cover the gaps in arrears mortgages.
* Re-mortgaging Existing Property: For those who already own a home, equity release can provide a capital injection.
* Bridging Finance: Short-term, high-interest loans used to cover immediate cash flow needs, often between stages of an arrears mortgage.
* Development Finance: More typically for larger, group self-build projects or custom build developers, but can be accessed for ambitious individual projects through specialist lenders.

Budgeting and Cost Control

Effective financial management is absolutely critical. A detailed, realistic budget encompassing all potential costs – land, planning fees, architectural fees, materials, labour, utility connections, insurance, surveys, structural warranty, and crucially, a substantial contingency fund (typically 10-20% of the total build cost) – is essential. Regular monitoring of expenditure against the budget, prudent procurement of materials, and diligent negotiation with tradespeople are vital to prevent budget overruns, which are a common challenge in self-build projects.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

5. Design Considerations in Self-Build Housing

One of the most profound advantages of self-build housing is the unparalleled opportunity for customisation and the creation of a dwelling perfectly attuned to individual needs, aesthetic preferences, and lifestyle. However, this freedom comes with significant responsibilities and a complex array of design considerations that must be meticulously navigated.

Personalisation Versus Practicality and Regulatory Compliance

While the allure of a bespoke home is strong, the design process is a delicate balance between personal aspirations and the immutable realities of practicality, budget, and regulatory compliance. Every design decision, from the overarching architectural style to the minutiae of internal finishes, must be weighed against its impact on functionality, constructability, long-term costs, and adherence to established standards.

Architectural Design and the Design Brief

The initial phase typically involves developing a comprehensive design brief. This document, often created in collaboration with an architect or architectural designer, articulates the self-builder’s vision, functional requirements (number of rooms, specific spaces), aesthetic preferences (modern, traditional, vernacular), lifestyle needs, and budget constraints. An experienced architect can translate these aspirations into a buildable design, optimising space, light, and flow, while also ensuring the design is appropriate for the site’s topography, orientation, and local context. Key considerations for architectural design include:
* Site Context: How the building interacts with its immediate surroundings, views, privacy, and local architectural character.
* Massing and Form: The overall shape and size of the building, its impact on the street scene, and its energy performance.
* Materials Palette: Selection of external and internal materials, considering durability, aesthetics, maintenance, and embodied energy.
* Spatial Planning: Efficient layout, circulation, and relationships between different functional zones within the home.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is increasingly central to self-build design, driven by environmental consciousness, rising energy costs, and evolving building regulations. Self-builders have a unique opportunity to integrate advanced sustainable features from conception.
* Fabric First Approach: This fundamental principle prioritises a highly insulated, airtight building envelope. This includes generous levels of wall, roof, and floor insulation; high-performance windows and doors (e.g., triple glazing); and meticulous attention to detailing to eliminate thermal bridges and air leakage. A well-designed fabric significantly reduces heating and cooling demands, forming the passive basis for an energy-efficient home.
* Renewable Energy Systems: Integration of renewable technologies can dramatically reduce or eliminate reliance on fossil fuels. Options include:
* Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: For electricity generation.
* Solar Thermal Panels: For hot water heating.
* Air Source or Ground Source Heat Pumps: For efficient heating and cooling.
* Biomass Boilers: Utilising sustainable wood fuels.
* Ventilation: Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are often specified in highly airtight homes to provide continuous fresh air while recovering heat, further improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
* Water Management: Rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses (flushing toilets, garden irrigation) and greywater recycling systems (treating shower/bath water for reuse) contribute to water conservation.
* Sustainable Materials: Specifying materials with low embodied energy, recycled content, responsibly sourced timber, and local provenance can significantly reduce the environmental impact of construction. Examples include timber frame construction, sheep’s wool insulation, lime renders, and recycled aggregates.
* Orientation and Passive Design: Designing the building’s orientation to maximise natural daylight and passive solar gain in winter, while incorporating shading (e.g., overhangs, brise soleil) to prevent overheating in summer. Thoughtful window placement can also enhance natural ventilation.
* Building Regulations Part L: Compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation of Fuel and Power) is mandatory. Self-builders often aim to exceed these minimum standards, sometimes aspiring to achieve Passivhaus certification or other advanced energy performance ratings, which demand rigorous design and construction principles.

Adaptability and Longevity (Lifetime Homes / Accessible Design)

Designing for the future needs of occupants and for broader accessibility ensures a home’s longevity and value. Concepts like ‘Lifetime Homes Standards’ or ‘accessible design’ advocate for features such as:
* Level access throughout the ground floor.
* Wider doorways and hallways.
* Reinforced walls for future grab rail installation.
* Adjustable height worktops.
* Space for a future through-floor lift.

These considerations allow a home to adapt as residents age or if mobility needs change, preventing the costly and disruptive need for future modifications.

Smart Home Technology

Modern self-builds increasingly integrate smart home technologies for enhanced convenience, security, and energy management. This can range from intelligent lighting and heating controls to integrated security systems, automated blinds, and smart appliances, all controllable via central hubs or mobile devices. Designing for comprehensive cabling and infrastructure upfront is crucial for future-proofing.

Compliance: Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Navigating the regulatory landscape is a critical design consideration.
* Planning Permission: This determines the appearance, size, and use of a building. Applications require detailed drawings and often include design and access statements. Key factors include local development plans, conservation area restrictions, green belt policies, and impact on neighbours. Self-builders must understand the difference between outline planning permission (agreeing to the principle of development) and full planning permission (detailed design approval). Pre-application advice from the local authority planning department is highly recommended.
* Building Regulations: These are statutory requirements for health, safety, welfare, convenience, and sustainable use of energy. They cover structural integrity, fire safety, ventilation, drainage, energy performance, and accessibility. A qualified building control body (either local authority or approved inspector) will inspect the work at various stages to ensure compliance. Failure to comply can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.

Balancing these complex requirements with personal vision and budget necessitates careful planning, professional input, and a thorough understanding of the design process. The design phase is arguably the most critical for laying the foundation for a successful and satisfactory self-build project.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

6. Land Acquisition Strategies

Securing a suitable and affordable plot of land is consistently identified as one of the most significant and often the most challenging hurdles for prospective self-builders in the UK. The scarcity of available plots, combined with high land values and the complexities of the planning system, necessitates a strategic and often tenacious approach.

The Enduring Challenge of Land

The UK operates within a highly constrained land market, characterised by high population density, stringent planning regulations, and a concentration of land ownership. This creates an environment where small, individual plots suitable for self-build are rare, expensive, and frequently come with significant planning restrictions or infrastructure deficits. Many developers prefer to acquire larger sites for volume housebuilding, further reducing the supply of individual plots. This scarcity is a primary reason why the UK’s self-build rate lags behind other European countries.

Types of Land Suitable for Self-Build

Self-builders typically seek specific types of land:
* Serviced Plots: These are plots that already have outline or full planning permission for a dwelling and have connections to essential utilities (water, electricity, gas, foul and surface water drainage, broadband) or are located where these connections are readily accessible. They are highly desirable but often command a premium price.
* Infill Plots: Small pieces of undeveloped land within existing residential areas, often created by subdividing larger gardens (known as ‘garden grabbing’ if controversial, but can be legitimate infill). These benefit from existing infrastructure but can be subject to strict planning controls regarding their impact on neighbouring properties and character.
* Brownfield Sites: Previously developed land (e.g., former industrial sites, old garages, derelict buildings). While often cheaper, they can come with significant remediation costs (e.g., contamination, demolition) and may require complex planning permissions. However, brownfield development is often encouraged by planning policy.
* Greenfield Sites: Undeveloped land, typically outside urban areas. These are generally much harder to get planning permission for due to green belt policies, conservation concerns, and lack of existing infrastructure.
* Rural Exception Sites: Small sites in rural areas specifically released for affordable housing, often for local people. These are usually subject to very strict conditions regarding occupancy and affordability.

Sources and Strategies for Identifying Land

Given the challenges, self-builders must employ a proactive and multi-pronged approach to land acquisition:

1. Local Authority Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Registers: Mandated by the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, these registers are maintained by every local authority in England. By registering, individuals signal their demand for self-build plots in a specific area. Councils are then obligated to grant sufficient ‘development permissions’ to meet this demand. While not a direct plot-finding service, the registers are a vital policy tool that incentivises councils to identify and facilitate suitable land. Self-builders should register with all relevant local authorities where they would consider building.
2. Specialist Land Agents and Property Portals: Traditional estate agents often list land, but specialist land agents and online portals dedicated to self-build plots (e.g., Plotfinder, BuildStore’s PlotSearch) are often more effective. These platforms compile listings of land with and without planning permission, sometimes even offering serviced plots from developers.
3. Auctions: Property and land auctions can be a source of plots, but they require swift decision-making, often without extensive due diligence. This route carries higher risk and is generally recommended for experienced buyers or those with professional advice.
4. Direct Approach to Landowners: Identifying potential infill plots (e.g., large gardens) or undeveloped land and directly approaching the owners can be a successful, albeit time-consuming, strategy. This often involves researching land registry records to identify ownership.
5. Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and Group Self-Build: By forming groups or engaging with CLTs, self-builders can pool resources, increase their collective buying power, and potentially access larger sites that might otherwise be out of reach for individuals. CLTs also have a mandate to provide affordable housing and can navigate complex planning processes more effectively.
6. Developers Offering Serviced Plots (Custom Build): A growing number of developers are responding to the self-build market by acquiring larger sites, obtaining outline planning permission, installing infrastructure (roads, utilities), and then selling individual serviced plots to self-builders. This is a key component of the ‘custom build’ route, as it significantly de-risks land acquisition and infrastructure provision for the individual.

Due Diligence and Site Assessment

Once a potential plot is identified, rigorous due diligence is essential. This typically involves:
* Site Surveys: Topographical surveys (mapping the site’s contours), ground condition surveys (to assess soil type, potential contamination, stability for foundations), and ecological surveys (identifying protected species or habitats).
* Utility Connections: Verifying the availability and cost of connecting to water, electricity, gas, foul and surface water drainage, and broadband. Proximity to existing services is crucial.
* Access: Ensuring legal and practical access to the site, including rights of way.
* Restrictive Covenants and Easements: Investigating any legal restrictions on the land’s use or rights held by third parties (e.g., pipelines, public footpaths).
* Planning History: Reviewing past planning applications for the site or neighbouring plots to understand the local authority’s stance.
* Local Development Plan: Understanding the local planning authority’s policies for the specific area, including conservation areas, flood risk zones, and designated green spaces.

Navigating Planning Permission

Obtaining planning permission is a critical and often lengthy process. It involves submitting detailed proposals to the local planning authority, which assesses the development against local and national planning policies. Key aspects include:
* Pre-application Advice: Engaging with the local planning department early to discuss initial ideas and identify potential issues before a formal application.
* Design and Access Statements: Detailed documents explaining the rationale behind the design, its context, and how it will be accessed.
* Public Consultation: Neighbouring properties are often consulted, and the application may be reviewed by planning committees, particularly if contentious.
* Conditions: Planning permissions are often granted with conditions (e.g., specific materials, landscaping, timing of works) that must be adhered to.

Successfully acquiring suitable land is a testament to perseverance, thorough research, and a willingness to explore diverse avenues. It is often the longest and most frustrating phase of the self-build journey, but its successful completion unlocks the potential for the entire project.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

7. Common Challenges in Self-Build Housing

While the rewards of self-build are significant, the path is frequently fraught with challenges that demand resilience, meticulous planning, and an ability to adapt. Prospective self-builders must realistically assess these hurdles to mitigate risks and ensure project success.

Project Management Complexities

For many self-builders, the most overwhelming aspect is the sheer scale and complexity of project management. Without prior experience in construction, overseeing a multi-stakeholder, multi-phase project can be incredibly demanding. Key areas of difficulty include:
* Scope Management: The temptation to make changes or add features mid-project (known as ‘scope creep’) can lead to significant delays and cost overruns. Maintaining a clear, defined scope from the outset is crucial.
* Time Management and Scheduling: Creating and adhering to a realistic construction schedule is vital. Delays can arise from unforeseen weather conditions, supplier issues (material shortages, late deliveries), subcontractor availability, or delays in inspections and approvals. Managing interdependencies between trades is a complex task.
* Cost Management and Budget Adherence: Despite meticulous initial budgeting, unexpected costs are almost inevitable. These can range from unforeseen ground conditions, changes in material prices, or additional regulatory requirements. Maintaining a substantial contingency fund (10-20% of the total build cost) is non-negotiable.
* Quality Control: Ensuring that all work meets the required standards, both aesthetically and structurally, necessitates regular site visits, inspections, and a clear understanding of building regulations and best practices. Snagging (identifying and rectifying defects) is an intensive process at the end of the build.
* Risk Management: This encompasses health and safety on site (CDM Regulations 2015 place duties on domestic clients), securing adequate insurance (site insurance, public liability, professional indemnity for consultants), and obtaining a structural warranty (e.g., NHBC, BLP, LABC Warranty) which is essential for mortgageability and future sale.

Skill Gaps and Labour Management

Unless the self-builder possesses extensive professional construction experience, there will invariably be skill gaps that necessitate hiring professionals. Finding reliable, skilled, and affordable tradespeople can be a significant challenge.
* Finding Trades: Sourcing reputable electricians, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers, roofers, etc., often involves recommendations, checking references, and evaluating portfolios. Demand for skilled trades can lead to long waiting lists and higher costs.
* Managing Subcontractors: Self-builders act as the main contractor, coordinating various trades, ensuring they adhere to schedules, and resolving any conflicts or quality issues. This requires strong communication and negotiation skills.
* DIY vs. Professional Input: Deciding which tasks to undertake personally (to save costs) and which to outsource (for expertise and safety) is a critical decision. While DIY can save money, it can also lead to delays, errors, and potential safety risks if skills are overestimated.

Regulatory and Bureaucratic Hurdles

The UK’s planning and building control systems, while essential for quality and safety, can be complex and intimidating for novices.
* Planning Permission: As detailed previously, obtaining permission can be lengthy, with potential for refusal or demanding conditions. Navigating local development plans, engaging in pre-application discussions, and responding to objections require specialist knowledge.
* Building Regulations: Ensuring compliance with all aspects of Building Regulations (Part A-P) through regular inspections by an approved inspector or local authority building control officer is mandatory. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, costly remedial work, and difficulties selling the property.
* Other Approvals: This may include party wall agreements (if building near a neighbour’s boundary), highway approvals for access, environmental permits, and utility connection applications, each with its own administrative process.

Financial Management and Unexpected Costs

Despite careful planning, financial management remains a constant source of stress. Budget overruns are common due to:
* Price Fluctuations: Volatility in material costs (e.g., timber, steel, insulation) can significantly impact the budget.
* Supply Chain Delays: Delays in material deliveries or skilled labour can extend the project timeline, incurring additional costs (e.g., rental accommodation, increased interest on loans).
* Unforeseen Site Conditions: Discovering unexpected ground conditions (e.g., unstable soil, buried obstructions, contamination) or unmapped services (e.g., old drains, power cables) can lead to substantial additional excavation, remediation, or re-design costs.
* Changes in Specification: Even minor changes to fixtures, fittings, or finishes can accumulate into significant cost increases.
* Professional Fees: While budgeted, architectural, structural engineering, planning consultant, and project management fees must be carefully tracked.

Psychological and Emotional Toll

The cumulative effect of these challenges can lead to significant stress, decision fatigue, and emotional strain. The self-build journey is often described as a ‘rollercoaster’ of emotions, impacting relationships and personal well-being. Managing expectations, seeking support, and taking regular breaks are crucial for maintaining mental resilience.

Mitigating these challenges requires thorough preparation, a realistic outlook, strong organisational skills, willingness to learn, and knowing when to seek professional advice or delegate tasks. The most successful self-builders are often those who embrace problem-solving and maintain a flexible, yet determined, approach.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

8. Self-Build Routes: Custom Build and Kit Homes

The term ‘self-build’ encompasses a broad spectrum of approaches, ranging from a highly intensive, hands-on DIY effort to more supported, developer-assisted models. Understanding these various routes is essential for prospective self-builders to choose the path best suited to their skills, budget, time availability, and desired level of involvement. The two most prominent alternative routes to a full self-managed build are Custom Build and Kit Homes.

1. Full Self-Build (DIY or Self-Managed)

This is often what people traditionally envision when they hear ‘self-build’.

• DIY Self-Build: This route involves the highest level of personal involvement, with the self-builder undertaking a significant proportion of the physical construction work themselves. This maximises cost savings on labour but demands substantial time, physical stamina, and a broad range of practical skills. It carries the highest personal risk regarding quality, schedule, and budget, but offers unparalleled control and a deep sense of achievement. Typically, self-builders will still hire professionals for specialist trades (e.g., plumbing, electrics, structural work) where specific certifications or complex skills are required for safety and regulatory compliance.

• Self-Managed Self-Build: In this scenario, the self-builder acts as the project manager, procuring materials, hiring and coordinating all subcontractors (e.g., bricklayers, roofers, electricians, plumbers), and overseeing the entire construction process. While they may undertake some minor DIY tasks, their primary role is organisational and supervisory. This route requires strong organisational skills, an understanding of construction processes, and excellent communication abilities. It offers significant cost savings compared to purchasing a developer-built home and retains a high degree of design control, but still involves considerable time commitment and responsibility for managing the entire project lifecycle.

2. Custom Build

Custom build sits between buying a standard new-build home and undertaking a full self-build, offering a hybrid approach that provides significant benefits.

• Definition: In a custom build scenario, an individual purchases a serviced plot of land from a developer or custom build enabler. This plot typically comes with essential infrastructure (roads, utilities) already in place and often has either outline or full planning permission already granted for a dwelling. The self-builder then works with the developer, or a selected builder from a panel, to design and construct their home, often choosing from a range of pre-approved designs that can be customised, or in some cases, pursuing an entirely bespoke design within specific parameters.

• Types of Custom Build Models:

  • Shell Build/External Structure: The developer builds the external structure of the house (foundations, walls, roof, windows, doors), making it wind and watertight. The self-builder then takes over the internal fit-out and finishes, allowing for significant personalisation and potential cost savings on interior labour and materials.
  • Turnkey Custom Build: The developer manages the entire construction process from design to completion, but the self-builder retains a high degree of choice over internal layouts, fixtures, fittings, and finishes. This option offers maximum convenience with personalisation, akin to commissioning a bespoke home without directly managing the build.
  • Group Custom Build: Multiple individuals or families come together to commission a developer to build several homes on a single site. This can offer economies of scale, shared infrastructure costs, and a collective voice in the design and planning process, fostering a sense of community.

• Benefits: Custom build significantly reduces some of the most daunting challenges of self-build. The developer handles land acquisition, infrastructure provision, and often secures initial planning permission, thereby de-risking these complex stages. It offers a balance between personalisation and professional support, making it an attractive option for those who desire a tailored home but lack the time or confidence for a full self-managed build. It can also lead to faster construction times due to streamlined processes.

• Limitations: While more personalised than standard new builds, custom build typically offers less cost saving than a full DIY or self-managed self-build, as the developer’s profit margin is included. The degree of design flexibility can also vary, with some schemes offering extensive customisation and others being more restrictive, requiring choices from a pre-defined palette of options.

• Examples: Companies like Graven Hill in Oxfordshire are prime examples of large-scale custom build sites, offering a variety of plots and build routes, from fully serviced plots for self-builders to customisable homes built by developers.

3. Kit Homes / Prefabricated Homes

Kit homes, or prefabricated homes, represent a growing and increasingly sophisticated segment of the self-build market. They involve constructing significant portions of the house in a factory environment before transporting them to the building site for assembly.

• Definition: Kit homes are manufactured off-site as pre-engineered components or modules, delivered to the site, and then erected. This can range from a basic timber frame structure to highly insulated panels (like Structural Insulated Panels – SIPs) or fully volumetric modules complete with internal finishes.

• Types of Prefabricated Systems:

  • Timber Frame: The most common form of off-site construction in the UK. The structural frame (walls, floor, roof cassettes) is manufactured in a factory, delivered flat-pack, and rapidly erected on site.
  • Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): High-performance composite panels, typically consisting of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings. They offer exceptional thermal performance and speed of erection.
  • Modular Construction: Entire rooms or sections of a building are manufactured as three-dimensional modules, complete with internal finishes, and then transported to site and craned into position.
  • Volumetric Construction: Similar to modular but often involves larger, more complete sections of a building.

• Benefits:

  • Speed of Construction: Factory production is unaffected by weather, and on-site assembly is significantly faster than traditional methods, often achieving a ‘wind and watertight’ stage within weeks.
  • Cost Certainty: Many kit home suppliers offer fixed-price packages, providing greater budget predictability.
  • Quality Control: Factory conditions allow for precise manufacturing tolerances and rigorous quality control, leading to high-quality, consistent components.
  • Energy Efficiency: Off-site manufacturing often facilitates higher levels of insulation and airtightness, leading to superior energy performance and lower running costs.
  • Reduced Waste: Factory production typically generates less waste than on-site construction.
  • Simplicity: The structural shell is assembled by a specialist team, reducing the complexity of the initial build stages for the self-builder.

• Limitations:

  • Design Flexibility: While improving, some kit home systems may offer less architectural design flexibility compared to a bespoke, traditionally built home, with choices often constrained to a catalogue of designs or specific system capabilities.
  • Transportation and Access: Large modules or panels require good site access for delivery and often a crane for erection.
  • Reliance on Manufacturer: The self-builder is reliant on the kit manufacturer for the core structure, meaning careful selection and due diligence on the supplier is vital.
  • Foundations: The kit home still requires a conventionally built foundation on site, which must be precisely executed to match the factory-made components.

• Examples: Companies like HebHomes specialise in architect-designed, energy-efficient timber frame kit houses, offering a range of customisable options. Other prominent providers include Potton, Oakwrights (for oak frame kits), and various SIPs manufacturers. (hebhomes.com)

Choosing the right self-build route is a pivotal decision, profoundly influencing the entire project experience, budget, timeline, and level of personal involvement. Each route offers a distinct balance of control, cost, and complexity, requiring self-builders to realistically assess their resources and aspirations.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

9. Resources and Support for Self-Builders

The self-build journey, while challenging, is not undertaken in isolation. A growing ecosystem of resources, support networks, and professional bodies exists to guide and assist prospective and active self-builders in the UK. Leveraging these resources effectively can significantly de-risk the process and enhance the likelihood of a successful project.

1. Government Initiatives and Platforms

• Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Registers: As established by the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, these local authority registers are fundamental. Individuals and groups interested in building their own homes are encouraged to register with their local council. This not only formally expresses demand for self-build plots in a specific area but also places a duty on councils to meet this demand by granting sufficient planning permissions for serviced plots. The registers are a crucial tool for both informing local planning policy and, in some cases, directly connecting self-builders with potential land opportunities.
• Self Build Portal (selfbuildportal.org.uk): This government-backed online platform serves as a central hub for information and guidance on self-build and custom build projects in England. It provides comprehensive advice on all stages of the process, from finding land and securing finance to design, planning, and construction. It also features case studies, news updates, and links to other relevant resources and support organisations.
• Help to Build Equity Loan: Detailed in Section 4, this government financial support scheme is a key resource for making self-build more accessible, particularly for those with smaller deposits. Information on eligibility and participating lenders is readily available through the Self Build Portal and specialist mortgage brokers.

2. Professional Associations and Industry Bodies

• National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA): NaCSBA is the leading voice for the self and custom build sector in the UK. It plays a crucial role in lobbying government for supportive policies, raising awareness of the benefits of self-build, and providing a wealth of information and resources for self-builders. NaCSBA’s website offers guidance, news, case studies, and a directory of member companies (architects, builders, suppliers, lenders) that are experienced in the self-build market. They also organise events and campaigns to promote the sector. (nacsba.org.uk)
• BuildStore: As a specialist provider of self-build finance and services, BuildStore is an invaluable resource. They offer bespoke self-build mortgages (including those linked to Help to Build), insurance products, and a comprehensive ‘PlotSearch’ database for finding land. Their team of advisors possesses deep expertise in the intricacies of self-build finance and project management, offering tailored advice and support. (buildstore.co.uk)
• Warranty Providers: Organisations like NHBC, BLP (Building LifePlans), LABC Warranty, and Premier Guarantee offer structural warranties (often 10 years) that are essential for mortgageability and provide protection against major structural defects. These providers also often conduct technical audits during construction, offering an additional layer of quality control and peace of mind. Their websites typically provide detailed specifications and guidance for self-builders.
• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA): For those seeking professional design input, RIBA’s ‘Find an Architect’ service can connect self-builders with chartered architects experienced in residential projects. Architects can provide invaluable guidance from initial concept through to project completion. (architecture.com)

3. Media, Events, and Online Communities

• Self Build Shows and Exhibitions: Events like the National Self Build & Renovation Show at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (Swindon), The Homebuilding & Renovating Shows (across the UK), and Grand Designs Live provide unparalleled opportunities to meet architects, suppliers, builders, and finance providers under one roof. They feature seminars, workshops, and advice centres, offering practical guidance and inspiration. The National Self Build & Renovation Centre itself is a permanent visitor centre with exhibits, advice, and a training academy. (nsbrc.co.uk)
• Specialist Magazines and Websites: Publications such as ‘Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine’, ‘SelfBuild & Design Magazine’, and their associated websites offer a wealth of articles, guides, product reviews, and real-life case studies. These resources provide practical advice, technical insights, and inspiration. (homebuilding.co.uk)
• Online Forums and Social Media Groups: Vibrant online communities of self-builders provide platforms for sharing experiences, asking questions, seeking recommendations, and offering peer support. These informal networks can be incredibly valuable for navigating common challenges and gaining practical tips.
• TV Programmes: Shows like ‘Grand Designs’ and ‘Building the Dream’ (though sometimes glamorising the process) highlight both the triumphs and tribulations of self-build, offering inspiration and a realistic (if sometimes exaggerated) view of the journey.

4. Professional Services

• Architects and Architectural Technologists: Crucial for translating ideas into buildable designs, navigating planning permission, and often assisting with tender documentation.
• Project Managers: For self-builders who lack the time or experience to manage the build themselves, hiring an independent project manager can be a wise investment, overseeing the schedule, budget, and coordination of trades.
• Building Control Bodies (Local Authority or Approved Inspectors): These professionals ensure compliance with Building Regulations throughout the construction process.
• Self-Build Consultants: Independent advisors who can offer guidance on specific aspects of the self-build process, from plot appraisal to cost control.

By actively engaging with these diverse resources, self-builders can significantly enhance their knowledge, build a strong support network, and increase their chances of delivering a successful and rewarding homebuilding project.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

10. Future Directions and Policy Recommendations

The self-build sector in the UK stands at a critical juncture. Despite growing recognition of its potential and recent policy support, it continues to face systemic barriers that prevent it from reaching its full capacity. To elevate self-build from a niche pursuit to a mainstream housing option, a concerted effort across government, industry, and local authorities is required. The following policy recommendations outline a pathway for sustained growth and greater impact.

1. Strengthening the Policy Framework and Implementation

• Enhance and Enforce the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015: While groundbreaking, the Act’s implementation has been inconsistent. Stronger national guidance and, where necessary, enforcement mechanisms are needed to ensure local authorities rigorously meet their duty to provide sufficient serviced plots. This includes clearer definitions of ‘serviced plots’ and ‘development permissions’.
• Embed Self-Build in Local Plans: Local planning authorities should be mandated to proactively allocate land specifically for self-build and custom build in their Local Plans. This goes beyond reactive registers, requiring forward-planning and designated sites, including a proportion on larger strategic developments.
• Streamline Planning and Building Control Processes: Develop a simplified, accelerated planning application route for well-designed, sustainable self-builds that meet pre-approved design codes or site-specific masterplans. Foster better coordination between planning and building control departments to provide a more cohesive and efficient service for self-builders. Consider establishing specialist self-build planning officers in every local authority.
• Review Permitted Development Rights: Explore expanding permitted development rights for certain types of self-build, particularly for extensions or infill plots, where appropriate safeguards are in place, to reduce the planning burden.

2. Enhanced Financial Accessibility and Innovation

• Expand and Diversify Help to Build: Increase the funding allocation for the Help to Build equity loan scheme and review its eligibility criteria and property value caps to ensure it remains accessible to a broader range of incomes and in diverse regions. Explore mechanisms for more flexible advance-stage equity loan releases.
• Incentivise Mortgage Lenders: Work with the financial services sector to encourage more mainstream lenders to offer competitive self-build mortgage products, particularly advance-stage options. This could involve government-backed guarantees or incentives for lenders to reduce perceived risks.
• Explore Alternative Funding Models: Investigate and pilot innovative financing models such as collective mortgages for group self-build, shared ownership self-build, or rent-to-buy schemes where the self-builder gradually buys out an initial partner (e.g., housing association) over time.
• Provide Grants for Infrastructure: Establish a dedicated fund or expand existing infrastructure funds to help de-risk and enable the provision of serviced plots, especially on smaller sites or those requiring significant utility connections.

3. Increasing Land Supply and Accessibility

• Proactive Public Land Release: Mandate central and local government bodies to identify and release suitable public land for self-build and custom build, ensuring that a proportion of such land is genuinely ‘shovel-ready’ with necessary infrastructure.
• Serviced Plot Mandates on Large Developments: Require large-scale housing developments (e.g., those over 50 or 100 units) to allocate a percentage of their plots as serviced plots for self-build or custom build, either for direct sale or via custom build developers.
• Support for Small Plot Creation: Introduce incentives for private landowners to subdivide large gardens or underutilised plots for self-build, while ensuring sensitive design and integration into existing communities.
• Address Infrastructure Gaps: Develop a national strategy to address the ‘last mile’ infrastructure challenges for self-build plots, ensuring timely and affordable connections to utilities.

4. Promoting Sustainability, Quality, and Innovation

• Incentivise High Environmental Performance: Offer financial incentives (e.g., reduced stamp duty, council tax rebates, enhanced Help to Build terms) for self-build projects that exceed minimum building regulations for energy efficiency and achieve near-zero or net-zero carbon standards. This aligns with national climate goals and encourages innovation.
• Support Modern Methods of Construction (MMC): Actively promote the adoption of offsite manufacturing, modular, and kit home solutions through grants, awareness campaigns, and by ensuring planning and building control systems are well-equipped to assess and approve such innovative approaches.
• Knowledge Transfer and Best Practice: Establish national centres of excellence for sustainable self-build, promoting research, demonstrating best practices, and disseminating information on innovative materials and construction techniques.
• Quality Standards and Consumer Protection: Enhance consumer protection for self-builders, ensuring robust warranty schemes and clear contractual frameworks are in place, particularly for custom build and kit home routes.

5. Education, Awareness, and Skills Development

• National Awareness Campaign: Launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign to demystify self-build, highlight its benefits, and showcase diverse self-build routes, targeting a broader demographic beyond traditional enthusiasts.
• Skills Training and Support: Develop training programmes for prospective self-builders covering project management, budgeting, and basic construction skills. Simultaneously, support vocational training for tradespeople in modern construction methods relevant to self-build (e.g., timber frame erection, MVHR installation).
• Professional Development for Local Authorities: Provide dedicated training for local authority planning and building control officers on the nuances and opportunities presented by self-build and custom build.

By systematically addressing these policy areas, the UK can unlock the full potential of self-build housing, empowering more individuals to create high-quality, sustainable, and affordable homes, thereby making a substantial contribution to meeting the nation’s diverse housing needs.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

11. Conclusion

Self-build housing represents far more than just an alternative construction method; it embodies a powerful solution to many of the intricate housing challenges currently facing the United Kingdom. From alleviating persistent housing shortages to fostering the creation of truly personalised, cost-effective, and inherently sustainable living environments, the sector offers a rich tapestry of benefits that resonate with individual aspirations and national objectives alike. It empowers homeowners to craft spaces that meticulously reflect their lifestyles, values, and environmental commitments, often achieving higher standards of energy efficiency and design quality than typically found in the volume-built market.

However, as this comprehensive report has detailed, the path to self-build is not without its significant hurdles. Entrenched challenges pertaining to the accessibility of finance, the scarcity and cost of suitable land, and the complexities of regulatory compliance (including planning and building control) continue to act as formidable barriers. Despite these difficulties, the sector’s trajectory is one of growing recognition and cautious optimism, significantly bolstered by ongoing government initiatives, the unwavering advocacy of industry associations, and the increasing availability of specialized resources and support systems.

To truly unlock and unleash the full potential of self-build housing, a sustained and collaborative effort is imperative. This necessitates continued and enhanced policy support from the government, particularly in refining and enforcing existing legislation, expanding financial aid, and proactively addressing the critical issue of land supply. Concurrently, the industry must continue to innovate, offering diverse self-build routes and high-quality services that de-risk the process and broaden its appeal. Crucially, individuals embarking on this journey must approach it with thorough preparation, realistic expectations, and a willingness to embrace continuous learning and problem-solving.

In summation, self-build housing is not merely a niche market; it is a vital, dynamic component of a healthy and diverse housing ecosystem. By strategically addressing its inherent challenges and fostering an environment of proactive support, self-build can and will play an increasingly significant role in meeting the UK’s diverse housing needs, empowering individuals, stimulating local economies, and championing the creation of a more sustainable and resilient built environment for future generations.

Many thanks to our sponsor Focus 360 Energy who helped us prepare this research report.

References

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• Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine. (n.d.). Official Website. Retrieved from homebuilding.co.uk
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• Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015. (2015). Retrieved from legislation.gov.uk
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