Proposals to help people build their own homes welcomed

Proposals to help more people build their own homes have been ‘warmly welcomed’ by the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.

Richard Bacon’s review of Custom and Self Build, commissioned by the Prime Minister, finds huge potential in the sector which could deliver 30-40,000 more homes every year, and recommends a major-scaling up of self-built homes to boost the overall housing supply. This will see homes that can be built in weeks that are better designed, built to the highest environmental standards and with cheaper household bills.

The government has committed £150 million for the Help to Build scheme which will allow home builders to borrow money with lower deposits. The government is also providing funding for local councils to create high quality serviced plots that are ready to go, stepping up self and custom build housing projects across the UK.

The report was commissioned to improve the housebuilding industry by giving customers more choice, and to make home building a mainstream, realistic and affordable option for people across the country.

The Bacon Review puts forward six recommendations, including: a greater role for Homes England, with the creation of a new Custom and Self Build Housing Delivery Unit; creating a custom and self build ‘Show Park’ and a more robust approach to legislation; and promoting greener homes and increased use of Modern Methods of Manufacturing (MMC).

Jenrick said: “As we build back better we want to help more people build their own home, making it an option for thousands who’ve not considered it or ruled it out before. This will help get more people on to the housing ladder, ensure homes suit people’s needs whilst providing an important boost to small builders and businesses too.

“I warmly welcome Richard Bacon’s report which matches our ambitions for the custom and self-build sector. We will consider it fully and respond to the recommendations in due course. The launch of the Help to Build equity loan scheme will be a game-changer to the self and custom build market and will allow individuals to borrow with lower deposit mortgages which will go towards the design and build of their new home.”