Building your Own Home Could Soon Become A Reality

Ever dreamed of building your own home and living in it? If so, you’re one of millions of people in the UK sharing similar aspirations and it could soon become a reality rather than a pipe dream for some after a bill put forward by a Conservative MP gained government approval at a second reading.

Entitled the ‘Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Bill’ and put together by Richard Bacon, it aims to help overcome the country’s housing crisis by making it easier for wannabe self-builders to obtain land from local authorities as occurs in countries such as Germany where self-build homes are widespread. Over 60% of properties in Germany are built or commissioned by self-builders.

It will also give those looking to take their first step onto the housing ladder more opportunity to have a home of their own, though it’s fair to say that many people observe self-building as being the preserve of the rich, a perception that this bill is seeking to transform.

Mr Bacon points to the findings of The National Custom and Self Build Association as justification for the bill’s passing who discovered that there are around one million people wanting to self-build in the next 12 months and a further seven million people looking to do it at some point in their lifetime.

He said: “There is an enormous pent-up demand for people who wish to go and get a dwelling of their own and build their own house and it doesn’t have an outlet, the blockages are too severe.

“My Bill seeks to do two things – to create a register containing information on people who wish to get a piece of land and build a dwelling and then to have local councils have some regard to that register when bringing forward housing plans could make quite a significant difference.”

The bill has to receive the final green light before parliament dissolves for next year’s General Election, otherwise it will fail.

If you’re currently undertaking a self-build project or have plans to in the future then get in touch with JCW for all your floor screeding requirements.