Where are the best places to build your own home in England?

Right to Build data presents a mixed picture

Right to Build requires England’s local authorities to keep a register of self- and custom-home builders seeking a plot with planning permission within the authority. Authorities must provision a plot within three years of registration.

The Government has published the data on these registers so that for the first time, we have an indication of demand for self- and custom-build homes, and how that demand is being met.

Our report shows it’s a mixed picture. Demand is highest in expected hot-spots such as the south west, but also in more rural shires close to major conurbations, especially around the south east and into East Anglia.

In terms of providing plots of land, Cherwell in northern Oxfordshire leads the way, with Cornwall following, but the numbers are very up and down with some authorities reporting no planning permissions through the register.

Cost of building your own home

Based on the amount declared to LABC Warranty as the reconstruction cost for the individual home and specified within the home’s Certificate of Insurance, our research shows that in the 12 months to February 2021, the most likely (median) cost of a self-build home varies between £267,000 and £275,000.

Our report also shows that this cost varies surprisingly little across the regions of England, especially when comparing to the price of plots. Based on a snapshot of available plots via online portal PlotBrowser, costs range from £50,000 to £100,000 in more affordable areas, to more than £750,000 in Greater London.

Read our report “Best Places to Build Your Dream Home in England” here.