Self-Build Help Increasing

One of the ways in which the government wants to increase the number of properties being developed is to provide more opportunities for those who want to build their own homes. New research has highlighted that a number of local councils are already providing this support. If this level of activity continues, we could see the market double in the next three years, making a significant difference to the property market.

The survey that covers the levels of self-build and custom-build activity within English council areas was carried out by the National Custom and Self-Build Association. Their research showed that 39% of English councils have started to increase the opportunities that they provide to self-builders. 20% of the councils have their own register to match those who are looking to build their own property with potential sites or have assessed the potential demand amongst the local population.

This study shows that councils are supporting the self-build market through a number of initiatives. Over 30 of them are already identifying locations that are suitable for private developments, and some of them are also selling off public land that can be used in this way. Some of them are looking at re-using old public-sector locations for residential developments, which could include features such as a cast iron balcony. Other initiatives include calling for private sites within extensions to villages and urban developments, as well as using the changes to the planning system to make it easier and more affordable to build your own home.

There is a wide variation in the support offered by the different councils. Those in the North East, alongside the West Midlands and the South West, provide the most support to residents, whereas London councils have up to now provided the least.

The Future of the Self-Build Market

Across the country, activity amongst local councils has almost trebled since 2012. This has enabled more people to realise their dream of creating their own home with exactly the right features for them, whether this is a cast iron balcony or an open-plan kitchen. These activities will help to create up to 10,000 custom and self-build properties in the coming three years. If this level is reached, it will mean that the market has doubled from its current position.

This increase in activity in the sector will help to create a more diverse property market with a greater variety of styles on offer. It will also support small local businesses, from developers and builders to suppliers. In order to grow the sector further, there needs to be a more consistent approach to support, both on a practical and financial level. This will inspire more people to take up the self-build opportunities.

With the current high demand for properties throughout the country, it's important that the government and local councils work together to establish a solution. One of the ways of achieving a greater number of available properties is to open up the self-build market. With more people building their own homes, there would be less of a concern across the sector.