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Self build is a well established contributor to the country's housing stock going back to the 1920's, and provides better quality homes that meet people's requirements and suit their individual lifestyles.
The concept and definition of self build is broad; each project is different and the level of engagement in the project varies. While for some, the term 'self build' indicates that people physically build the house themselves, the self build model typically involves purchasing a plot or property, managing the build, and appointing tradesmen and professionals to carry out the construction phase.
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There are huge opportunities for aspiring home builders, in a climate when the market is taking its time to recover; there has never been a better time to self build. In the past three years, more plots have come onto the market, and prices have fallen by over a third. There are thousands of building, renovation and conversion opportunities across the country, with prices starting from £25,000.
When it comes to building the house, there's a wide range of building systems, products, materials and technologies available, to help homebuilders create their dream home, whether building from scratch, or renovating an existing home. And, as well as achieving a home that is custom-built, self builders can make impressive savings on labour and materials - effectively ending up with what would be the developers profit as 'in-built' equity - typically 25% - 30%.
The desire to build and create more sustainable and energy-efficient homes has also prompted increased interest in self build and renovation. Significant advances in the eco sector in recent years have been made building a sustainable and energy-efficient home more desirable and achievable than ever. Furthermore with changes to Building Regulations through the Code for Sustainable Homes, and the Government's Renewable Heat Incentive and Feed-in Tariffs, which reward homeowners for generating and using renewable energy, interest in this sector is expected to increase further.
Self builder facts
- Almost 80% of self builders are over 40
- 75% are married
- 60% have no children living at home
- Over 65% require long-term finance
- 3rd or 4th time mortgage holders
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