Is Self-Building Really Worth It?

Come on, we’ve all done it. Switched onto a property programme and fallen into the daydream of building our very own house. A walk-in wardrobe, a home cinema, a room just for shoes… sounds great, doesn’t it? But what’s the reality of a self-build project?

On the one hand, building your own home seems like a great way to get everything you’ve ever wanted out of a property. On the other, are you really prepared for all that comes with building a house? 

In this quick read, we look at why building your own property isn’t for the faint-hearted. 

Red tape and admin

Let’s say you’ve found the perfect location – just like buying a house, there will be lots of legal hoops to jump through (and pay for). Once that’s over, it’ll be time to submit a planning application to the local council – so you’ll need professionally drawn plans from an architect. You’ll also need to consider whether there’s access to the property or if you need permission for this, too. If your site is in a secluded area, you’ll also have to think about mains water, electricity and gas supply. 

And don’t forget, you’ll need to meet planning regulations for new-builds and organise building control to assess the site at various stages of construction. 

If you thought the paperwork and costs of buying a normal property were onerous, then get ready to treble that with a self-build project. 

Trusted team 

Unless you’re a builder or architect yourself, you’ll need a team of trusted professionals around you to build your home. And unless you’re going to project-manage the build, you’ll need someone to keep on top of all the different aspects, from budget to deliveries to keeping to timescales. 

Finding a build team who you work well with is one of the biggest hurdles self-build hopefuls often face. 

Self-build mortgage 

Your mortgage application for a self-build property may not be as straightforward as when purchasing a pre-built residence. Instead, you may need a self-build mortgage, which helps finance the purchase of the land and then the build. Instead of being released at completion, this mortgage is released in stages. It’s best to speak to a broker about the ins and outs of this type of lending. 

Tip: You may also need to apply for self-build insurance to cover any issues that arise. 

Budget

A self-build project isn’t going to be cheap. It’s essential you keep a firm grip on your budget throughout the purchase and construction process so you can afford to get it all done. 

Is it worth it? 

While shows like Grand Designs may have you dreaming of a self-built home, a renovation project could offer you the same freedom to design and extend without the headache of finding a plot and starting from scratch. 

If you’re looking for a new home and want to revamp an old property, get in touch with our sales team at Allen Residential on 01761 412 300. We can help you find what you’re looking for. 

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Meet Our Founding Director James

Meet Our Founding Director James

James Allen is the founding director and owner of Allen Residential. James started in estate agency back in 1997 and after working for a couple of strong independent estate agencies he established Allen Residential in 2005 Keen to invest back into his team, James is dedicated to ensuring that each team member at Allen Residential is a key part of the business, emphasizing the importance of their contributions. His leadership style highlights the significance of a cohesive and dedicated team, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment. The business has flourished in recent years, thanks to the staff's commitment to excellence and the implementation of effective systems. James' appreciation for his team’s hard work and dedication is evident, making Allen Residential a thriving and dynamic company.

Why choose Allen Residential?

Why choose Allen Residential?

With an owner who has 35 number of years experience in the industry and 20 years of company history, we bring knowledge, reliability, and expertise to every property transaction.

Our approach is casual and professional, aiming to form personal connections with the people we work with instead of treating them as a number.

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