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- the MAIZE KNOWLEDGE HUB
thinking about Self-Building? 6 QUESTIONS to ASK before you START
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Do I Have the Necessary Budget and Funding? Self-building can be a costly venture. Do you have access to enough capital to cover land purchase, construction, permits, and potential unforeseen costs? Will you need to secure a self-build mortgage, and are you aware of the financial planning required?
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Am I Prepared for the Time Commitment? Self-building takes time—often much longer than buying an existing home. Are you prepared for the months (or even years) it could take to complete your project? Do you have the time to oversee the build and manage the process?
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Do I Have the Required Skills and Knowledge? Self-building requires a wide range of skills, from project management to understanding planning regulations. Do you have the knowledge to manage the design and construction or will you need to hire professionals? Are you willing to learn along the way?
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Have I Considered the Legal and Planning Requirements? The UK has specific rules and regulations for self-build projects. Have you researched the planning permission requirements for your location? Are you aware of building regulations, local authority guidelines, and potential zoning restrictions that could impact your project?
researching is
KEY to help you make the
RIGHT
DECISION
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Do I Have the Support of a Good Team? Even if you're handling much of the work yourself, having the right professionals (architects, surveyors, contractors) on hand is crucial. Do you have access to trusted experts who can help ensure your project runs smoothly and meets legal requirements?
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Am I Prepared for the Challenges? Self-building is known for being rewarding but also challenging. Are you mentally and emotionally prepared for the stress, setbacks, and tough decisions that can arise during the build process? Do you have a contingency plan in case things don't go as expected?
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Asking these questions will help you assess whether self-building is a realistic and suitable option for your circumstances in the UK.
- the MAIZE KNOWLEDGE HUB
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:
Finding the RIGHT Plot of Land for YOUR Self-Build: A Step-by-Step Guide
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.
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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.
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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.
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these are the routes
WE took to find our PLOT
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.
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Conclusion
The process of finding land for a self-build can take time, and it’s important to be patient and organised. By diversifying our search strategies—whether through estate agents, land companies, council registers, or the planning portal—we were able to find the right plot for our dream home. It wasn’t a quick or easy journey, but the perseverance and effort ultimately paid off. Hopefully, these insights can help guide you through the process and bring you closer to your own self-build dream!