The National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) has released an infographic sharing the data from its 2023 consumer aspirations survey, which finds that three quarters of self builders are over 55.
The research, which is conducted in association with the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA), is the third annual survey of those interested in self building, made up of users of NaCSBA’s Self Build Portal or visitors to the NSBRC in Swindon. This resulted in the survey capturing the opinions and actions of 759 responses, giving weight to the data.
In line with the sentiments expressed in previous surveys, the data showed that over 90% said they would not buy a new, spec-built home, while over 90% also said that sustainability, including micro-renewables, was a major consideration for them.
Most self builders are between 55-64, with just 1 in 10 under 45. This older age profile has risen slightly over the last three years, but NaCSBA continues to lobby for more opportunities for younger self builders, such as more small sites.
While the average joint household income is £67,000, many people build with lower household incomes, but this is often because they are retired.
Only 40% of respondees said they worked full time.
NaCSBA welcomes the fact that over two thirds of resondees successfully found land to build a brand new house.
Of those who are self building, self-managed is the most common route, with 40% opting to get stuck in.
The spend for plot and build is up, on average ranging between £350,000-500,000. This has gradually been creeping up, in line with other costs going up across the board.
Two-thirds of respondees are using, or plan to use, savings to fund their project. This is typically made up of personal savings and the equity in their existing property.
Timber frame remains the most popular choice of build method for self builders, at 24%, with SIPs/prefabricated systems closely following at 23%. Brick and block was 14%.
There is good news that 4 out of 5 people had heard of the Right to Build legislation and the registers, as previous surveys showed less awareness. Just over half of respondees had signed a local self build register, which remains a vital part of every self builder’s journey.
Signing might not get you the plot you want, but it ensures the council knows you want to build and it has a statutory duty to consider this when carrying out its housing and planning work. NaCSBA encourages everyone considering a project to sign up to their Right to Build. For FAQs about the registers click the link below.
NaCSBA member Tapco Roofing Products has been supplying roofing materials for self builds and renovations for over 10 years, and in this time it has learnt a lot about helping its clients secure the right contractor for their project.
Here’s Tapco’s tips for selecting a contractor – which work just as well as a guide to securing a range of contractors for your build, and your starting point should always be trusted members of the National Custom and Self Build Association.
Before you hit the internet, there are a few local sources you should consider for finding contractors, and you should aim to talk to a few different ones to help you make your assessment.
Local community: Ask around with friends or local people in the neighbourhood, especially if they’ve recently completed a project that you feel looks good. Just make sure you’re sensible and safe if you’re knocking on doors.
Material suppliers: Roofing materials distributors like Tapco Roofing will know many good – and bad – contractors locally. In particular they’re usually happy to pass on tips about reliability and which are prompt payers, and many will have notice boards for local contractors.
Local officials: Strike up a relationship with a local building control officer in your area, as they will know which firms go above and beyond and comply with building regulations from the very start.
Online resources: As well as NaCSBA’s members, there are many trade sites for finding contractors, such as Checkatrade, MyBuilder etc that use reviews for work done. Ditto, Forums and Facebook groups, will often lead you to local people who have built who may be able to share their leads. But always do your research beyond this.
Essentially this is the research that will help you ensure your money is well spent. Try to choose a reputable firm, ideally with a few years in the business. Remember the company must be trading if you’re to rely on the warranty it gives you for its work, and a trusted, long-operating contractor will be a better bet than a start up.
Not all of them will have a website, but they may well be on social media such as Facebook, and this can indicate how professional they are. You should also check to see if they are registered on Companies House, which may have reports and any former bankruptcies.
Again, chatting to distributors and building regs officials will also help you make your decision. As well as references from clients, consider asking for a trade reference from the supplier where they buy their materials from.
Get a shortlist and then consider the following:
Communication can break down on any project, so try to maintain good terms with your contractor at all times. Be firm but fair and listen to what they have to say as difficulties often arise, such as material delays or increases.
NaCSBA members all sign up to its Code of Practice which can be a useful first level of arbitration if things do go wrong.
Politely encourage your contractor to tidy up the project daily as they leave, as this makes the process much easier on everyone. Remember that ladders and materials must be secured daily.
Anyone planning a custom and self build project will spend a lot of time researching their build route and other products, and many package or system manufacturers have useful advice on their websites that you can take advantage of.
As such, it is well worth looking at a range of house manufacturers’ websites to gain an understanding of not only what they deliver as a company, but the principles and products that underpin their offerings.
For example, NaCSBA member Beattie Passive recently overhauled its website, and has a very useful section for self builders.
Beattie Passive is a specialist offsite manufacturer that has built over 450 homes, working in a range of fields such as modular housing and retrofitting, with a focus on structures for self builders that reach Passivhaus standards. It offers a range of routes to the build, including design only, structural – where it erects the house, or turnkey, where it undertakes the entire build.
But the website offers far more than the hard sell. For example, if you’re unsure what Passivhaus actually means, then the website includes useful resources that explain the principles and systems on offer. Helpfully for self builders, it also features a customer journey that illustrates what the company does and what the self builders does on the different models – and when, and other insight, such as what a structural thermal envelope is.
In addition, Beattie Passive also runs a Self Build Academy (pictured) for anyone interested in the route, including professionals, that takes people through a stick build Passivhaus home (ie one that is constructed on site).
Many other companies specialising in custom and self build have a range of useful information, from videos to infographics, so check out NaCSBA members in the directory and benefit from this free source of advice and inspiration.
Timber frame home supplier Scandia-Hus has added a brand new show home – the Mulberry – to its site in West Sussex. Self-builders can book a visit to the new house, which officially opens on the 19 March, at its show centre just outside of East Grinstead.
With over 45 years experience in timber frame homes, Scandia-Hus has become a trusted name in the package manufacture sector, creating energy-efficient properties and sharing their expertise with self-builders.
A visit to the show centre gives would-be builders the chance to see a Scandia-Hus first hand, as well as the opportunity to discuss their project with the knowledgeable team. Visitors can also book a one-to-one consultation with experienced Project Managers to discuss their own project.
Visitors can experience and research a range of products, including windows, doors, kitchens, and underfloor heating, and see how the homes feel to walk around as spaces.
With its Scandinavian roots, Scandia-Hus has built a reputation for combining Swedish technology with British architectural style and craftsmanship.
The timber used is sustainably sourced and is fabricated to create an airtight structure that works well with many renewable energy technologies.
To demonstrate how these work, the eco-friendly Mulberry runs on an air source heat pump, whilst the adjacent property utilises a ground source heat pump, popular solutions that can help reduce carbon emissions.
The new build is one of three properties at the Scandia-Hus show centre, which also includes the contemporary Adelia and the traditionally styled Oakleigh.
Anyone coming to self build for the first time will know that finding a plot can be the biggest hurdle in getting a project off the ground.
There have been many initiatives to support the process of finding land for developing on. First off, NaCSBA would advise anyone to sign up to their local self build register, which every council in England must host (but not in other countries of the UK).
You can find your register on our Right to Build Portal page, where you’ll also find some FAQs about what this will and won’t do for you. In addition, there is a template complaint letter if you need it, if your authority applies tests or charges which you feel are unfair.
You’ll find lots of other advice to get you started on our ‘How to Build’ support pages, including advice about finding land and plots.
But NaCSBA member ProAktive insurance has produced a handy infographic on different types of plots, which you may also find of use in understanding the issue of types of land.
We love their clear approach, but would point out that unlike greenfield (or fields) or brownfield, Greenbelt does in fact refer to an allocation of land by type and is specific planning term. This land has been specifically designated as a buffer to prevent cities and towns sprawling into the countryside. However, it is not all green and lovely, as it can include previously developed land too.
It’s highly emotive, but also raises many issues as most Greenbelt was established many years ago. However, local plans do often review Greenbelt, so the situation can change.
Have a look at Urbanist Architecture’s handy map of Greenbelt land to get an idea of what is around you. We can’t vouch it’s 100% accurate, but it is a useful starting point.
A NaCSBA member update
The Structural Timber Association (STA) has published a new guide for consumers, Mortgages for Timber Self Build Homes, to support anyone wishing to commission their own home with timber.
The Grenfell Fire triggered a crisis for cladding, which inevitably became wrongly associated with issues around timber in general as a build system, and resulted in some self builders questioning their choices around timber.
However, timber is a universal choice for housing across the world, and evidences great longevity when specified and built properly.
Self build has traditionally embraced a range of innovative housing choices – and timber remains a trusted and practical approach for a range of applications on owner commissioned homes – not least timber frames.
To alleviate concerns about the mortgageability of such methods, the Structural Timber Association has published a guide that addresses concerns and sets out the parameters for anyone building with wood.
The guide points out that the idea that timber systems are difficult to mortgage is a myth. Instead, it stresses the fact that self builders must follow the rules lenders set around features such as cladding, as with any mortgage, as this sets the parameters for the risk to the mortgage company. This ensure that the resale value is protected.
The guide explains how these principles are applied by mortgage lenders, and what the rules mean for your choices. It also helps you understand how you can ensure that your design complies with your lender’s eligibility rules.
The STA has a library section that includes a range of helpful guidance for both professionals and consumers (search for self build in the box) around the use of structural timber in properties, including:
In addition to the new guide – part of a range, the STA runs its own accreditation scheme for its members, STA Assure. By choosing a company that a company that is accredited by the scheme self builders can have confidence that their supplier is competent and qualified to the latest standards.
The STA Assure Membership and Quality Standards Scheme sets performance levels of STA members and non-members, based on a rigorous and independent audit. This safeguards the self builder, enabling them to partner with reputable company for their build,
STA Assure is recognised by the NHBC and six of the industry’s leading structural warranty and building control bodies – LABC Warranty, Premier Guarantee, Protek Warranty, Build-Zone, Self-Build Zone and ABC+ Warranty.
NOTE: this has now been superseded by new advice
Government announced on 13 May that people could, once again, move house, provided they followed guidance on keeping safe. The announcement means that limited viewings can once again be conducted, although virtual sales are to be encouraged.
Government has issued advice recommending that people do not move house while the emergency stay at home measures are in place in order to limit the spread of Coronavirus. The advice is meant for renters and buyers.
This comes as banks call for the entire housing market to be suspended for the duration of the crisis, although confirmation of this happening does not seem to have been released, despite conflicting reports. However, with surveyors unable to visit properties, the market has effectively stalled naturally.
The advice not to move calls for a flexible approach by stakeholders and not for people to pull out of transactions, saying that when a property is occupied, “we encourage all parties to do all they can to amicably agree alternative dates to move, for a time when it is likely that stay-at-home measures against coronavirus (COVID-19) will no longer be in place.”
While there is an exemption in place for critical home moves, Government is urging people to do all they can to avoid this scenario.
Consequently it has put the following measures in place:
In the case of anyone self isolating or showing symptoms then moving house should categorically not be an option.
To support customers who have already exchanged contracts for house purchases and set dates for completion, UK Finance has confirmed that all mortgage lenders are working towards finding ways for customers to extend their mortgage offers by three months, to delay moving.
However, if customer’s circumstances change during this process or the continuation of the sale would lead to financial hardship then lenders are encouraged to work with customers to help them manage the situation.
The government advice has targeted advice for a range of housing sale professionals, including estate agents, conveyancers, surveyors and removal companies.
Anyone wanting to Self Build in Shropshire will want to keep an eye on Shrewsbury, where Shropshire Council is planning to bring on a 47 plot Self-Build site, off London Road.
Shropshire Council recently ratified a decision to invest in the infrastructure for the site, meaning that the development can now be submitted for planning permission. This will include full permission for infrastructure by the end of the year, enabling the roads, landscaping and services to be put in, together with outline permission for the individual plots.
It is expected that each plot will come with a Plot Passport, setting out boundary and height restriction on some of the plots, otherwise the individual will be able to design their own unique home.
The 4.41 hectare site has excellent links with Shrewsbury, and slopes down towards the River Severn making it an appealing location.
If things work out the council is hoping to bring the plots to market in 2020, with 37 Self Build plots, and 10 affordable-housing plots on offer.”
Shropshire currently has around 80 people on its Custom and Self Build Register, with around 500 from previous registers. Many of the people registered have identified Shrewsbury, pictured, as a desirable place to build, creating local demand.
Councillor Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for housing and strategic planning, said: “This is a really exciting initiative. The London Road development will be an exemplar scheme, which is eagerly anticipated by other councils that are contemplating their own Self Build schemes. It’s the first-of-its-kind for Shropshire Council and is intended to showcase the potential for future self build developments.
“We’re aiming to provide a low-density Self Build, low-carbon, hybrid and unique development scheme for people that want to build their own homes and we hope this will provide a stepping stone to further Self Build plots in the future.
Shropshire County Council has an excellent reputation for working to help more people Self Build, both through bringing projects on, but also in the fact that it contacts people on its register with a quarterly newsletter sharing advice and information about upcoming sites.
The council also carries information about available plots on its website, and has an innovative single affordable plots policy for qualifying Self Builders. Together, this work led to it winning Best Council for Custom and Self Builders’ at the prestigious Build It Awards in 2018.
Anyone interested in the London Road site should sign up with Shropshire County Council’s Custom and Self Build register and keep an eye on the local press and the plots page on the council’s website. We hasten to add that by being on the register does not guarantee you a plot as demand is high.
Anyone interested in creating their own home through Self Build and Custom build should visit the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, the UK’s only permanent exhibition for everything Self Build. And to help spread the word the NSBRC has created its first ever TV ad, showing on All4 around homes-based programmes such as Grand Designs. What a reflection of a growing market!
National Self Build and Renovation Show takes place on 18-20 October and is the perfect time to visit the centre, whether your a first-timer or returning visitor. The three days of the show are packed with live demonstrations, seminars and a range of experts on hand to share their advice and insight, helping you make those important decisions about your own project.
Whether you are planning your build, or just putting together ideas for your dream project, the centre is a wealth of information, with the opportunity to find out more about a range of build methods and products. Or you can get 1-2-1 advice on a range of subjects from the in-house experts, or financial advice from BuildStore’s in-centre experts.
Tickets are free and parking is plentiful, with the centre located off the M4, near Swindon.
While most Custom and Self Build homes are not able to access Help to Buy, Graven Hill, the UK’s largest self and custom build development in Bicester, has enabled its purchasers to access the loan scheme for its Custom Build properties.
Help to Buy is available on all custom build homes at Graven Hill, such as the Eden home, shown, and the event is open to both first-time buyers and existing homeowners. Offering a practical route to making the dream of a tailored home a reality, Help to Buy allows buyers to apply for a 20 percent equity loan from the Government, meaning only a five percent cash deposit is needed, with the remainder covered by a 75 percent mortgage.
Karen Curtin, managing director at Graven Hill, said: “At Graven Hill, we are keen to create a community that is accessible to everyone. Help to Buy is a key part of this, ensuring that all our custom build homes are affordable, even to those taking their first steps onto the property ladder.
“Many people are still unsure of the benefits of the Help to Buy scheme, so this event will provide a brilliant opportunity to talk to industry experts, ask questions and find out everything you need to know about the scheme.
NaCSBA is aware that Help to Buy creates an unfair advantage for speculative house building, and is talking to Government about redressing this balance through the introduction of a Help to Build scheme.
If it were to go ahead, this enable more people to access finance to create their own Self and Custom Build home.
