New self-build platform launches in the North West

Self-Build option can be cheaper

The team behind The Strategic Land Group has this week launched the UK’s first dedicated self-build tech platform, MyPlot.

Salford-based MyPlot streamlines the process of building your own home, from sourcing the right plot through to hiring the experts to take a home from concept through to reality.

With a directory of experienced self-build providers – from mortgage advisors, through to architects and contractors – listed on the site, it’s the first ever platform to offer everything in a single location.

Self-build accounts for just 7-10% of new housing in the UK – around 12,000 homes per year – while, in countries including Austria, Belgium, Italy and Sweden, self-build figures as high as 83%.

Yet, despite established demand for self-build, house hunters have found themselves unable to consider it a viable solution, while the property industry has failed to harness its potential.

As of April 2019, just eight per cent of homes in the UK were self-build – but MyPlot intends to change that.

The first business created solely to boost the UK self-build market, it aims to support the Government target of increasing annual completions to 20,000.

MyPlot director Paul Smith said: “The proportion of self-build homes in the UK is significantly lower than elsewhere in Europe, but by launching MyPlot we hope to remove some of the obstacles that prevent people from pursuing it as a viable alternative to purchasing a home.

“In recent years the Government has been very supportive of self-build, introducing policies to oil the wheels and make it more attractive financially, but it’s often the practical considerations that put people off, such as financing the project and living arrangements during the build.

“Those who do believe self-build could be an option usually don’t make it past the first hurdle of finding a plot, let alone securing planning and a self-build mortgage. MyPlot democratises self-build, removing the mystery from the process.”

He added: “There is also a job to be done to challenge the assumption that self-build is something pursued only by the wealthy or those with ‘Grand Design’-style ambitions. In reality, it’s a financially savvy option, costing around a third less than it would to purchase an equivalent property.”

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