Come to an open day. Walk the site, meet the team, and pick the plot that feels right.
Come to an open day. Walk the site, meet the team, and pick the plot that feels right.
Self-build mortgages are often more accessible than buyers expect, with deposits from as little as 5%. Funds are released in stages against build milestones, so many people stay in their current home throughout the build.
Buildstore — our preferred broker — has a panel of building societies ready to lend specifically against our plots and the build itself, meaning faster decisions and fewer surprises. Cost-based mortgages are available from 95% LTV for plot and build, with a current drawn-down rate of around 6–7%.
Self-build mortgages are often more accessible than buyers expect, with deposits from as little as 5%. Funds are released in stages against build milestones, so many people stay in their current home throughout the build.
Buildstore — our preferred broker — has a panel of building societies ready to lend specifically against our plots and the build itself, meaning faster decisions and fewer surprises. Cost-based mortgages are available from 95% LTV for plot and build, with a current drawn-down rate of around 6–7%.
A £3,000 reservation fee secures your chosen plot.
Once you reserve, solicitors are instructed and the conveyancing process begins. We provide a technical pack up front which includes title, Design Code, Plot Passport, surveys, services info, and management company arrangements.
Most buyers complete within three to four months of reservation.
A £3,000 reservation fee secures your chosen plot.
Once you reserve, solicitors are instructed and the conveyancing process begins. We provide a technical pack up front which includes title, Design Code, Plot Passport, surveys, services info, and management company arrangements.
Most buyers complete within three to four months of reservation.
Both design routes work beautifully, and most buyers know within a few conversations which suits them.
FACTOR
ARCHITECT-LED TRADITIONAL
TURNKEY CUSTOM-BUILD
Best for
Maximum design freedom and bespoke architecture
Fixed price, predictable timeline, minimum involvement
Time on site
12–18 months typical
4–8 weeks assembly;
6–9 months total
Cost certainty
Firms up as design develops
Fixed price agreed up front
Design freedom
Bespoke design with your architect
Adapted from manufacturer’s range
Point of contact
You manage architect, builder, suppliers, or appoint a specialist project manager.
One contract, one warranty, one contact
Both design routes work beautifully, and most buyers know within a few conversations which suits them.
FACTOR
ARCHITECT-LED TRADITIONAL
TURNKEY CUSTOM-BUILD
Best for
Maximum design freedom and bespoke architecture
Fixed price, predictable timeline, minimum involvement
Time on site
12–18 months typical
4–8 weeks assembly;
6–9 months total
Cost certainty
Firms up as design develops
Fixed price agreed up front
Design freedom
Bespoke design with your architect
Adapted from manufacturer’s range
Point of contact
You manage architect, builder, suppliers, or appoint a specialist project manager.
One contract, one warranty, one contact
Your design team prepares and submits a detailed planning application for your house (within the Design Code framework).
Once your application has been approved by the local authority, your build can begin. Construction typically takes six to twelve months.
On moving day, you become part of a like-minded community — enjoying the home you designed, built around how you actually live.
Your design team prepares and submits a detailed planning application for your house (within the Design Code framework).
Once your application has been approved by the local authority, your build can begin. Construction typically takes six to twelve months.
On moving day, you become part of a like-minded community — enjoying the home you designed, built around how you actually live.
The full Self-Build Simplified PDF walks through every step in more detail. Read it at home, share it with a partner; or chat with us if you have any questions not answered here.
