Bids about to open for custom-build home plots

The UK’s first-ever council-led development of custom-build plots with some specifically designated for first time buyers, will welcome bids from buyers from 1 November.

The six custom-build plots are part of a larger mixed-use development of 140 new homes at Lowfield Green by City of York Council, which includes a community-led housing scheme by Yorspace.

Two of the plots have been restricted for first time buyers only, as they offer a more affordable option, and are designed to help people onto the property ladder.

Councillor Denise Craghill

This supports the council’s pledge to offer a breadth of options to a range of lower-income households and is in addition to shared ownership of homes from the open market as well as council-owned homes.

40% of all the homes at Lowfield Green will be affordable and Homes England helped fund work done to prepare the site for development.

Custom-build plots are serviced with all required utilities – electricity, water and telephone cable – as well as with road access to enable buyers to get on site. With outline planning permission already secured, construction can begin immediately after detailed planning has been granted.

All plots are large enough for a detached home of between three and five bedrooms with an integrated garage if needed.

They also benefit from south-facing back gardens and uninterrupted views of the new village green to the front.

To support this self-build project, City of York Council has engaged Custom Build Homes – a UK enabler of custom build housing – to deliver aspects of the development process including consultancy, pre-agreed mortgage lending, as well as leading the sales and marketing for the site.

Bidding for all six plots opens on 1 November and all bids need to be in for 29 November.

Prospective purchasers will have the opportunity to view the plots, with the first viewings to be arranged by appointment only, on the morning of Saturday 9 November.

All bids will be assessed and, if no suitable applications have been received by first time buyers, the allocated plots may be offered to other applicants.

Councillor Denise Craghill, executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods at City of York Council, said: “Supporting first-time buyers to secure a plot and build a home that they can afford is a first in the UK. We’re proud to be offering this addition to our affordable home options.

“We are also delighted to have the expertise of Custom Build Homes to support us with our first serviced self-build plots.

“By implementing our low-energy recommendations from the Design Code, these self-build homes will be affordable to run in the long-term.”

Tom Connor, head of operations at Custom Build Homes, said: “It is incredibly refreshing to work with a council which is so proactive in their supply of serviced plots for custom-build in their area.

“Lowfield Green promises to be an excellent place to create a home and live in one of the most beautiful cities in the country. We are delighted to part of the development and sales process.”

Ryan Blair, head of residential sales at Custom Build Homes, said: “The design code attached to the development remains as flexible as possible, allowing plot purchasers to design a home which truly is bespoke to them.

“We look forward to supporting bidders as they realise their potential to live in a home designed and created for them.”

All serviced plots can be seen and bid for at lowfieldgreen.custombuildhomes.co.uk or e-mail lowfieldgreen@custombuildhomes.co.uk for more information.