Build your own home

The Government wants to help more people to build their own homes. The process is called self-build but can also be known as custom-build. Both achieve the same goal but in different ways.

Self-build is when an individual (or a group of individuals) build a house (or houses) on their own land. This is sometimes with the help of a subcontractor.

Custom-build is when an individual (or a group of individuals) gets a builder, contractor or other company to build their home (or homes) on land they own.

Self- or custom-build give you greater control over which kind of house you’d like to live in. It allows you to design and build it yourself. Both options need significant input into the design of the home than other forms of traditional housing. Building your own home is still subject to standard planning permissions. We provide a planning pre-application advice service to anyone who is considering building a property. The service provides several benefits including

  • saving time and money
  • reduces the number of unsuccessful planning applications
  • making sure you provide enough information for your final application

If you are submitting a self-build or custom-build planning application complete the proforma and submit with your application.

Any self-build or custom-build planning permission will be subject to a planning condition that makes sure the new home(s) are occupied as self or custom build for a minimum period of 3 years.

We also operate a self-build register for individuals and associations who wish to build their own home. For more information on self-build homes please visit the Self-build portal. The Government has also published guidance on self-build and custom housebuilding.

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