Self build housing
The terms 'self build' and 'custom build' are used when individuals or groups are involved in creating their own home. The amount of personal involvement will vary. For example, some self-builders physically build all or part of a home themselves. Or a developer may have a site and then find a number of self-build clients and build their homes to their specification under a contract.
Self build homes
Self build describes projects where the people involved play a very significant part in the process. They may help organise the project, commission an architect or builder, or do some of the construction or finishing off work too. Self-building does not necessarily mean picking up bricks and physically getting stuck in, most self-builders will be involved in the creative side of the process.
Custom build homes
Custom build describes a more hands-off approach where a specialist developer co-ordinates the whole process for the people involved.
What you need to consider
If you are interested in building your own home you will need to consider:
- how long it will take
- your budget
- whether land is available in the area you want to build
- what professional help you need and where to find it
For more information about self build or custom build projects to decide what would be the right route for you please visit the Self Build Portal.
Registering your interest
At the moment, we are trying to assess the level of interest for self build or custom build homes in the West Oxfordshire.
This information will help us decide if there is a demand locally, and to develop specific planning policies for the provision of self-build or custom housing plots.
Eligibility
So that we can get a realistic idea of local demand only register if you are:
- over 18
- a British citizen, a national of an EEA State other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland
- seeking to acquire a serviced plot of land build a house to occupy as your sole or main residence.
An association is eligible for entry in the register if each member of the association meets all of the eligibility requirements set out above.
We will need to take some details from you including:
- what type of project you are interested in
- what you want to build
- where you wish to build
- what finances you may have in place.
We will use the information to explore ways in which it might be possible for people and plots to be brought together. Registration does not however guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified, or become available.
We will not pass identifiable information from the Register onto anyone outside the Council without the written consent of the person who registered their details. If you would like to know more about how we use your personal information please view the self build privacy notice.
Sources of funding, help and advice
These organisations can offer advice and potential funding:
- you may be eligible to apply for a central government loan to assist you from GOV.UK Custom Build Serviced Plots Loan Fund
- for advice around finance and mortgages, plot finding, project management or materials visit BuildStore
- guidance for small builders and community organisations to help them assist people who want to build their own homes Right to build toolkit