UK Self Building Lags Way Behind the Rest of Europe

A new report by AMA Research, "Self Build Housing Market Report – UK 2016-2020" has found that the UK compares unfavourably with the rest of Europe when it comes to Self Building.

Only 10% of new private sector housing built in the UK are Self Builds, compared to countries such as Austria, Belgium, Italy and Sweden that have self-build rates that are 67-83 per cent of new private sector building.

The Government knows this and in recent years have launched a number of initiatives designed to encourage more self build projects.  Most noticeably the 'Right to Build' in September 2014 which was designed to enable self builders get their projects started easier.  

From 1 April this year councils started keeping a register of self and custom house builders, helping them plan for future housing and land use - so make sure you have registered with your local authority.

Only 1 in 10 new build projects in the UK last year was a self build.
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These initiatives make it easier for intrepid self builders to get going but it needs to be coupled with a shift in thinking as to what actually a self build is and how attainable it really is for people. Many UK home owners like the idea of building their own home but can easily be scared off from the idea, it simple seems unattainable, too much work, too much money, it can be just too daunting.

However, it shouldn't be and it really can be well within the grasp of many more home owners.

​Firstly, stop thinking about a Self Build as being a Grand Design project. It can be if you have the budget and desire for that, but it doesn't have to be, the smallest of homes can be self built and can still be creative and innovative - or pretty much 'bog' standard if you prefer.

​Self Building can utilise awkward plots, plots that developers would not want to touch can be ideal for a self build project, and cost effective.

A Self Build home can make full use of energy saving products and solutions that many large housing developers have not yet embraced, making the cost of heating and running your home much cheaper, in fact it could easily be free to heat, or even generate you a profit.

Figures vary, but some 2014 figures claimed that the cost of the average new UK home from a housing developer was £230,000 for a 3 bedroom detached, compared to the average cost of a 3 bedroom detached self build being only £155,000 - financially it can really stack up, helping you jump into a new position on the housing ladder.

We would say though that no matter what size of Self Build you can afford or want to build, it is your opportunity to easily create and build your home around how you live and how your home should work for you.

There is also a growing knock on affect from the government led drive with an increase in the amount of Self Build Finance that has become available, with specialist lenders now being supported by specific self build mortgage options from the main high street lenders.

Finally, there is lots of support available, from sourcing your plot to financing your build and obtaining planning for the home that is right for you and your needs. So don't be daunted, use the yourHomeBuild social media forums to read stories and ask questions, learn from experts and past self builders, it could be the right option for you no matter what size of project.