The Maize Knowledge Hub
Thinking About Self-building? 6 Questions To Ask Before You Start
01
Do I Have the Necessary Budget and Funding?
02
Am I Prepared for the Time Commitment?
03
Do I Have the Required Skills and Knowledge?
04
Have I Considered the Legal and Planning Requirements?
05
Do I Have the Support of a Good Team?
06
Am I Prepared for the Challenges?
Asking these questions will help you assess whether self-building is a realistic and suitable option for your circumstances in the UK.
Researching Is Key To Help You Make The Right Decision
Finding The Right Plot Of Land For Your Self-build: A Step-by-step Guide
Finding the perfect plot of land for your self-build project can be both exciting and challenging. Over the course of our journey, we explored several avenues to track down the right site, each offering its own unique advantages. Here’s how we went about it and the tips we learned along the way:
01
Scouring Estate Agents
Our first step was to dive into estate agents’ listings. We created a detailed spreadsheet to keep track of every potential plot, saving URLs for easy access. After visiting over six different sites and staying in constant contact with agents, we made sure to ask to be added to their contact lists for upcoming plots. We also communicated our budget range clearly, which encouraged agents to keep us informed about new opportunities.
Tip: Organization is key. Make sure to chase agents regularly and keep a record of who is calling you. This will help you stay on top of the latest listings and avoid missing out on any new opportunities.
02
Exploring Land Companies
Next, we looked into reputable land companies like Plot Finder and Potton, both of which specialize in selling plots and offering self-build services. Potton, for example, provides an all-in-one service that covers both land purchase and home construction, which made it easier to envision the whole process. We also attended their workshops to learn more about self-building and see what plots were available. Additionally, Mullen Homes is another company that offers plots for sale, so we kept an eye on their listings as well.
Tip: Regularly check these websites for updates on new plots and developments. Attending workshops can also be a great way to connect with experts and learn more about the self-build process.
03
Signing Up for Council Self-Build Registers
Another great resource we discovered was the council self-build registers in areas we were interested in. Many councils have a set number of plots available for self-builds, and being on the list ensures that you’ll be contacted when suitable plots become available. We made sure to get in touch with the relevant councils to confirm our registration and keep track of any updates.
Tip: Councils can be slow to respond, so be prepared to follow up. Persistence is essential, as it could be the key to securing your ideal plot.
04
Searching the Planning Portal
Our final strategy was to search the planning portal for any self-build projects in areas we were interested in. By searching for terms like “self-build,” we were able to uncover plots that had already received planning permission. I created a spreadsheet to track planning references, the size of each plot, and the contact details for the relevant parties. While some landowners responded politely to let us know their plots weren’t for sale, we persisted and eventually received a positive response. In total, we had more than 15 rejections before landing the “yes” that led us to our future home.
Tip: Be thorough in your search and keep a detailed record. If a plot has services like water, electricity, and sewage, you’ll have an easier time moving forward with your project, so don’t compromise on essential requirements.