For many people in the UK, owning a home is not only a sound investment but the opportunity to put down permanent roots, create stability and modify surroundings to personal taste and style.
Buying a property is one of the biggest purchases you will most likely make in your life, and while there might appear to be plenty of properties to choose from, finding your dream home isn’t always that straightforward.
If you’re at a property search stalemate, or you simply want to make your mark by creating your own bricks and mortar masterpiece, self-build could make sense. Here, Rex Nye, from NYEs Building Supplies, provides five reasons why you should consider building your own home.
1. Wishes granted
In 2016, the UK government gave local authorities the responsibility to provide serviced plots of land to individuals or associations for custom or self-build housing. Right-to-Build, as it is known, includes several funds that offer money to self-builders and small developers to help plan and develop housing in their communities. Before embarking on a self-build project, it’s worth doing a bit of research to find out if you qualify for any funding by registering with the Right-to-Build scheme.
2. Dream on
Building your own home can not only be more cost effective than purchasing a ready-made structure, it also allows you to let your imagination run wild and include features that might not be possible in other properties. Extras that are usuallydeemed luxuries, such as underfloor heating, voice controlled lighting and surround sound systems, can become reality. Just make sure they are factored into your budget before any building begins.
3. Keeping it green
Installing energy efficient features in an existing property can prove to be extremely costly. By starting from scratch, you can ensure that your self-build possesses all the environmentally friendly credentials your heart desires – and pockets can cope with. Whether it’s solar panels or a state-of-the-art biomass stove, there are numerous ways to enhance a home and make others green with envy.
4. Land the right plot
Although it’s likely that your choice of location will be limited by affordability and availability of land, with a bit of perseverance self-build provides you with the potential to plot your property in the perfect place. However, it will require patience and plenty of investigation. Speaking to the local council is a good place to start. Farmers, land developers or utility companies that might have undeveloped land in the area you’re researching are also worth talking to as they may consider an offer.
5. Once in a lifetime
Unless you’re Kevin McCloud, building your own property is most likely going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. While getting it out the ground might be a bit more complicated compared to an off-the-shelf purchase, building your own home an extremely rewarding, albeit potentially long-winded, experience. However, with proper planning and preparation, you could be the proud owner of a property that is more than you ever dreamed of.