Self build accounts for 'one third of new detached homes'

The self build sector is continuing to grow and now accounts for one in three of all new detached homes being built, it has been reported.

The Builders Merchants Journal has claimed that the growth of the sector has led to material manufacturers and suppliers being "urged" to consider the self build sector as a "more effective target market".

Citing figures from Emap Glenigan, the journal has revealed that there were close to 20,000 applications during the first six months of 2008 from people planning a self build.

Imitiza Farookhi, chief executive officer of the National House Building Council, said: "Our calendar year-to-date figures show there has been a 48 per cent reduction in the number of applications to start new homes by the private sector."

According to Inside Housing, private developers are reluctant to build new homes while the market is still in freefall and figures suggest that the slump is set to continue, which could be good news for the self build sector.