What is self-build

Read an explanation of what is and what is not considered to be a self-build project, find the legal definition and access relevant planning guidance.

Self-build is a handy term, but it is actually a self-build and custom housebuilding. It is where people build or commission their own homes. The rules are the same for both.

People can be:

• individuals (which includes singles, couples, families and other households) or
• associations (which are groups of Individuals)

People can:

• build their own home, or
• manage the construction of their own home, or
• get someone else to build the home for them

But they must:

• have primary input into the final design and layout of the home, and
• be the initial owner and occupier of the home

What is not self-build?

There is a legal definition of self-build and custom housebuilding in the relevant Act and there is Planning Practice Guidance on the subject, but here are some common examples of what is not considered to be self-build or custom housebuilding:

• off-plan housing - homes purchased at the planning stage prior to construction and without input into the design and layout from the buyer
• build-to-sell - homes built for sale and not for occupation by the initial owner
• build-to-rent - homes built for renting out and not for occupation by the initial owner
• second homes - homes built for purposes other than occupation as a sole or main residence by the initial owner