Self-builders 'tend to have larger homes'

Householders who are looking to build their own homes usually need deep pockets if they want to see their dream realised, the Home Building Federation has claimed.

Steve Turner, spokesman for the organisation, commented: "If you look at the statistics, the majority of self-build homes that have been built over the last few years tend to be larger homes which require more land and so are more appropriate for people who can afford to own larger homes.

"If you look at where self-builds are built, they tend to be on plots that are out of town on greenfield sites in the countryside and [are] bigger homes, which means they are expensive," he noted.

Meanwhile, housing minister Mark Prisk has called on mortgage providers to help double the self-build market over the next decade.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the government minister said fresh thinking is required from builders, designers and lenders.

"I am not pretending self-build is the sole answer to the housing crisis we face but it is a potential element. And it is an opportunity that I would like perhaps to encourage you to think of incorporating, as you look forward, and indeed seek to be different," he added.

Mr Prisk pointed out that the number of self-build mortgage products has increased from 14 to 24 in the last year, while independent forecasts are predicting a further 140 per cent rise in the near future.

If you are thinking about building a property, you could pick up a few tips at the South West Homebuilding and Renovating Show this weekend. Taking place at the Bath and West Showground on November 17th and 18th, visitors will be offered practical advice about rebuilding their home, such as where to place switches and sockets, how to go about getting planning permission and other useful information.