Self-build, build, build

13 November 2020

The 30th October was designated as Right to Build day and to mark the occasion the government announced a review to make it easier for people to build their own home.

Approximately 15,000 such dwellings are built each year, a figure that has increased by 50% in two years according to official figures. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick wants to increase this number.

Councils are currently required to keep a record of those who wish to build in their local area. By 30 October each year, the councils should have granted planning permission to enough suitable plots to match demand.

The review will examine how effectively these arrangements support self and custom building, a market that has been estimated to be worth around £4.5 billion to the UK economy.

Perhaps this will ultimately stimulate more demand from people needing to hire equipment and source materials.

Photo: Michal Jarmoluk/StockSnap