The UK is currently in a housing crisis with one of the main contributing factors a lack of housing supply due too much red tape and lengthy planning applications.
The promotion of self-build and custom-build aims to combat the undersupply and encourage innovative design and construction, supporting those with finance, land supply, planning regulations and scarcity of information to design and build their own homes.
The Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, requires local authorities to maintain a register of people and groups who want to acquire a serviced plot of land to build their own home. This quantifies the demand for custom and self-build plots, which local authorities are then required to plan to meet in the same way as for other types of housing.
Self-build and custom-build definitions are often used interchangeably. Whilst both self-build and custom-build require the purchaser to be involved throughout the process, the difference between the two can be distinguished by how much involvement a purchaser may have.
Build Process
The Lifecycle for a typical 18 month Project from brief to completion
Self-build is where a purchaser organises the design and construction of their own home. This can involve finding a serviced plot of land, gaining planning permission and instructing their own architects and build contractors. This provides increased flexibility for the purchaser to design and build their own home from inception.
Custom-build can be considered less risky, with the purchaser working closely with a property developer to find a serviced plot, manage the construction, and secure financing. The purchaser may enter into a design and build contract with a developer who will assist with the design and construction of the property.
Custom-build plots offer flexibility, with some schemes offering purchasers a variety of housing designs to choose from. In most cases, custom-build plots must adhere to specific design guidelines to comply with existing planning permissions. Developers can ensure this in various ways. Buyers may choose from a predetermined list of house types and exterior materials. A custom-build plot can also be delivered to shell-and-core, where the developer provides a watertight structure and the purchaser selects the interior layout, fixtures and fittings.
Our planning applications are expertly prepared, utilising first class consultants, informed designers and unrivalled housing demand data relating to the supply of planning permissions under the “Right to Build” legislation. Our design team consists of award-winning Designers, Architects and Engineers capable of transforming your land into a fantastic new community that reflects the desires of local homebuyers and the local planning authorities
Achieving the home you’ve always dreamed of, with the security element incorporated as part of the design stage. An Impregnable Bespoke Home can open the possibilities of your dream home becoming reality while keeping your family safe, with one of our design and build packages. We have many established design templates to work from, which can be personalised to your exact family’s lifestyle needs. Alternatively, we can start from scratch and offer a completely bespoke option.
We understand how important building a luxury home is to our clients and we take our responsibility very seriously. Whatever the project, our clients can rest assured that their home will be completed with meticulous attention to detail, back by our impeccable service and aftercare. After we have completed a project, we maintain an ongoing relationship with our clients, ensuring that we continue to provide a great aftercare service. Many of our clients have gone on to ask us to do additional work, or to help them with future projects.
At Impregnable we offer investment opportunities to high net worth individuals by entering into a joint venture to develop a plot of land. We test the viability of the specific project until we find a solution that gives us the required returns to both parties. If a project is confirmed as feasible with strong returns, we then design the house, complete the build process and bring the house to market fully dressed. This is all taken care of internally meaning a hassle-free solution for lenders and investors. We also offer similar solutions to clients that have plots of land that they wish to develop.
Financing your Self or Custom-Build project can be scary, but choosing the right partner can significantly alleviate the stress. Impregnable works closely with our Finance partners so, buyers, investors, and contractors alike can access the most appropriate and reliable financing options available.
For custom and self-build projects, a stage release mortgage is typically the best solution, releasing funds in stages as the build progresses. Choosing the right type of stage release product is critical, as it directly impacts cash flow and the smooth running of the build. Here’s an overview of the three main types:
Description: Funds are released only after each stage of the build is completed and inspected.
Best For: Buyers who already own their plot and need mortgage finance.
Considerations: Often requires significant cash deposits upfront, especially for projects involving off-site manufacturing (like timber-frame) or complex designs. This can make them less practical for innovative or highly customized builds.
Description: Provides funds at the start of each build stage, giving buyers the cash flow needed to cover material and labour costs reducing the reliance on personal savings.
Best For: Buyers with limited upfront capital.
Considerations: Ensures projects can progress smoothly without financial strain.
Description: Funds are released based on agreed costs at each stage of the build, eliminating the need for interim valuations.
Best For: Complex or high-value projects, or multi-unit developments where developers are building homes on a contract basis.
Considerations: Offers a straightforward and predictable solution.
All our plots for sale come with outline planning permission, and we can also provide full Architectural design packages. Once you have chosen your plot you can work with our Architectural team to customise your design to meet your aspirations and lifestyle requirements.
Plots vary in size and cost, giving you the choice when creating your dream home building journey. Our build packages can also be tailored to meet your individual requirements and budget.
Your Vision, Our Expertise you can Benefit from our vast experience, with our dedicated team to guide you through this complete turnkey process, so that all your choices are seamlessly blended into the build process and making sure you are aware of all the benefits and pitfalls that exist. Our attention to detail will shine throughout the entire process to ensure that you are delighted with your new home, working closely with you to ensure your vision is realised. Client build packages can be extended beyond the build completion in the form of a complete dress of the house by our network of interior designers, if required.
Consultancy services for Self and Custom-Build. We provide a series of professional services to assist in the sales and development of other sites. We provide expert advice across a range of topics, enabling our clients to develop with confidence. Helping our clients understand the self and custom build aspect of a project, and the different models available, gives a tremendous value by providing invaluable advice and offering an approach covering all angles of the project, such as planning, design, legals, finance and marketing.