Custom and Self-Build

The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (as amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016) provides a legal definition of self-build and custom housebuilding. The Act does not distinguish between self-build and custom housebuilding and provides that both are where an individual, an association of individuals, or persons working with or for individuals or associations of individuals, build or complete houses to be occupied as homes by those individuals.

Custom builds

Custom Build Housing is when people work with a specialist developer to deliver a home that is tailored to meet their requirements. If you're interested in Custom Build Housing, there are a number of options including:

Buying a plot and working with an architect to design the home.

Choosing a plot and customizing the layout from available options.

Selecting a plot and design from pre-set choices, built to a fixed budget.

Buying through mainstream builders offering limited custom options.

Self-builds

Self-build Housing is when people directly organise the design and construction of their home.

If you're interested in Self self-build housing, the approach is more 'hands-on' than Custom Build Housing. The options for Self-Build Housing range from buying your land either individually or with others interested in building their own home to commissioning a developer to build your home to your own design, or even getting involved in the construction of your home yourself.

Custom and self-build benefits

Choosing a custom or self-build project offers significant benefits. It gives you control over designing a home that fits your lifestyle and adapts to future needs, allowing you to optimize your plot, maximize views and natural light, and achieve better comfort and energy efficiency. Additionally, it's often a more cost-effective option, as you avoid the profit margins typical with developer-built homes, getting more value for your money. You also have the flexibility to decide how involved you want to be in the building process.

Custom or self-build register

Section 1 of the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (as amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016) requires local councils across England to maintain and take into account a register of individuals interested in self-build or custom-build projects in their areas.

The register helps the Council find out more about the demand for custom and self-build plots in the district, including the preferences that those interested in the scheme have in relation to plot location, plot size, budget and building approach. This information will assist the council in understanding how it can better help those interested in the scheme. Please note, however, that registration does not guarantee that a suitable plot will become available.

Before registering an interest, it would be worth considering what is involved and how much custom and self-build could potentially cost. Build costs will vary depending on the specifications that you want and can afford. For an estimate of costs, there are many useful toolkits which can be found through a simple online search.

If you are still interested, please complete our online custom and self-build registration service. Providing you meet all of the eligibility criteria; your details will be added to the Custom and Self-Build Register.

The register will not be a public document, but we may publish headline data from it annually.

You may also be interested in the government's Help to Build Equity loan.

Should you have any queries on Custom and Self-Build Housing, including how to register for the scheme, please get in touch with our Strategic Housing team on 01205 314305 or email planning@boston.gov.uk

Further Reading

Self-build and custom housebuilding - GOV.UK

Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/17/enacted

The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Regulations 2016 The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Regulations 2016

The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding (Time for Compliance and Fees) Regulations 2016 The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding  (Time for Compliance and Fees) Regulations 2016

Apply for a Help to Build: Equity Loan: How the loan works - GOV.UK