Can I build my own house in the UK?

Daydreaming about building your dream home is something many of us have done at one time or another. We’re always hearing that there’s a UK housing shortage, so it’s worth looking into if you're struggling to see how you’re ever going to get on the property ladder. We’ve helped many self-builders turn this dream into a reality here at Ryders Services with our construction supplies.

The people on TV's Grand Designs seem to manage it but it does look to a) require a lot of lolly and b) involve huge time as well as financial investment, effort, and stress. Then there's the fact it must be built to a standard that no passing big bad wolf can blow down.

So, the answer to the question is yes, you can build your own house in the UK. But it’s a bit more complex than that. From securing the land to getting the planners on the side, there’s a lot to consider here, so let’s get blogging.

Don’t lose the plot

Finding the land can be the lengthiest part of the process, and coveted suitable plots can be both expensive and in short supply. The UK Government actively encourages self-build projects. Local councils must consider applications in accordance with the Right to Build legislation, so more power to the self-builders elbow.

You can start by looking up land listings on sites like Rightmove, Plotfinder, BuildStore where you should find plots for the same, but prepare for stiff competition.

Council registers

Investigating what’s going down on a local council level is another bright idea. Some maintain registers of people interested in building their own homes and may release land from time to time.

Hammer it out

Sold to the gentleman in the corduroy Cap! Yes, you can snap up your own little corner of the earth at property auctions or through private sellers too.

Brownfield sites

Brownfield sites are another option. This is previously developed land, so you might be factoring in additional costs should it require remediation work.

Planning status

Once you’ve found land, you need to check its planning status. A plot with existing planning permission will save you time as against buying land that’s yet to be approved for development.

Planning permission

You might think that you’ve jumped through all the plannng hoops by this point but no. Even if you own the land, you can’t just start sending the diggers in. You need full planning permission from your local council, so buckle up Buck Rogers, this process can feel like Light Years. Well, months and months in earth time once you’ve submitted all the involved plans of your dream home for them to pour over but hopefully not pour cold water over. Or spill coffee on them.

What do you need to be aware of in the planning permission stages?

Conservation matters

Your ideal home must comply with local design requirements, and this counts in large amounts in conservation areas or near listed buildings.

Impact on the environment

With our rapidly changing climate, you'll need to assess the risk of flooding, wildlife habitats, or tree preservation.

Infrastructure

Then there’s the small matter of how your new build potentially affects local roads, drainage, and utilities.

How much does it cost to build your own home in the UK?

Now let’s get down to brass tacks. Your self-build budget.

Is building your own house cheaper than going down the conventional route? Perhaps, but not always. There are just so many variables to consider. But you can make it uniquely yours, and this is of course one of the biggest pull factors for many a self builder.

Breakdown of costs

(for illustrative purposes only)

Financing a self-build is different from applying for a regular mortgage. You’ll likely need a self-build mortgage, which releases funds in drips as the project progresses.

Land Purchase

This can cost you from £10,000 in remote areas to over £500,000 in prime locations.

Planning and legal fees

We’re talking roughly between £5,000–£10,000.

Architect and design fees

This is typically between 5 and 15% of the total build cost.

Construction costs

From £1,500 per square metre for a basic build to £3,000+ for more high-end homes.

Contingency cushion

You should perhaps budget for an extra 10-20% just in case unforeseen expenses fly at you, as is life's tendency.

Should you do it yourself or hire professionals?

This of course greatly depends on budget and how much of the build you could manage to do yourself safely and up to scratch, and this greatly depends on your skills and the scale of the project.

On Grand Designs, some self-builders fancy themselves as project managers, take an awfully long break from work, and then hire tradespeople. Some are naturals, others muddle through. Or you might prefer to leave it all to the professionals and busy yourself with tasks like painting and flooring.

DIY and Kit builds

A DIY build can save you money but requires expertise and a realistic appraisal of yours before you get in over your head. Kit homes, pre-designed structures that are assembled onsite are again a cost saver and are a lot more convenient. Or you could go for the contractor build, hiring a company to come in and do it all for you and this tops the list in terms of how much you’ll be shelling out.

Red tape

Planning permission in the bag, it’s then time for Building Regulations to get in on the act. They ensure your home is safe, and energy-efficient, with accessibility that meets certain standards. You must comply by involving the inspectors at every stage or risk having to tear down all your unapproved hard graft.

Insurance

Site insurance covers your project during construction, and structural warranties protect against defects for 10-plus years.

Utilities

Connecting water, gas, electricity, and broadband can be costly and complex.

Neighbours & Disputes

The Party Wall Act may apply if you're building close to property boundaries.

How long does it take to build your own home?

Roughly speaking, Land Purchase and Planning can take anywhere between six to 12 months, including finding and securing land, plus obtaining permission. Design and pre-build can be around three to six months -finalising plans, securing finances, and preparing the site.

The actual construction itself can take about nine to 18 months, depending on complexity.

Then there are final finishing touches to the interior, snagging, and landscaping. This can take up to six months. In total, expect the process to take two to three years from start to finish.

Is building your home worth the hassle?

If you don’t mind a long and drawn out process and living in temporary accommodation, van or caravan, or with relatives and friends, enduring the odd setback and all that bureaucracy, then yes!

Sources

rightmove.co.uk

plotfinder.net

buildstore.co.uk