Over one third of people believe self-build is an effective route to owning their own home

According to the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC), 39 per cent of people surveyed at its Self Build & Renovation Show would consider building their home because they believe self-build is an effective route to owning their own home.  71 per cent of people surveyed were very likely (41%) or likely (30%) to build their own homes.

76 per cent of people surveyed would also consider self-build to ensure they have a home tailored to specific requirements and future needs, whilst 45 per cent would build their own home so they can have creative control over the design process.

The survey also found that over 50 per cent of people would want a home with environmentally sustainable benefits, such as using solar panels, heat pumps and building to PassivHaus standards.

When asked about what issues they believe are holding them back from building their own home, the majority of people at the show, 33 per cent, stated finding land is a major barrier as well as having the right skills, 19 per cent, knowledge of self-build, 23 per cent, and the time and flexibility, 19 per cent, to make it happen. Perhaps the most surprising result was that just six per cent of people believe money is a barrier.

Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director at NSBRC, says:

“The common assumption associated with self-build is that it’s for the wealthy, but that’s not the case. The survey conducted at the National Self Build & Renovation Show proves this as so few ordinary self builders, with realistic ambitions, believe money is holding them back from building their own home. There can be a saving of up to 15% on the cost of traditionally purchasing a home and now, more than ever, there are additional governmental initiatives available including the Home Building Fund, the Right to Build coupled with an improved availability of self build mortgages.”

Currently, self and custom-build only accounts for seven to ten per cent (approximately 13,000) of new housing across the UK per year, which is a significantly lower rate than other European countries. However, the Government’s set target of 300,000 new homes a year by the middle of the next decade could change this.

Harvey continues:

“There are strong motivations for self-build in the UK. Not only does it allows greater consumer choice and flexibility, it gives creative control back to the homebuyer. But self-build isn’t just about the building element, it also allows for greater environmentally sustainable housing, builds strong communities and it cost-effectively achieves a home that meets the needs and aspirations of individual households.”

When asked what luxury item would be featured in their self build projects, half (49%) listed a technology linked to heating and energy use, with solar panels the most desired item.  High up the list were battery storage systems which, when combined with solar, allow homeowners to generate, store and sell energy.

The NSBRC, in Swindon, is the only permanent visitor centre in the UK.  With Project Management and Self Build courses as well as Eco and Design & Build workshops available at the centre, it’s the ideal place for those looking to undertake self build, renovation or home improvement projects.

Since 2014, the NSBRC has been employee-owned with each team member owning shares either directly or through the Employee Ownership trust.

The survey was conducted during May 2018 at the National Self Build & Renovation Show and the data is taken from 308 respondents.

Visit www.nsbrc.co.ukfor more details.