Self-build and custom house-building register

The Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 requires all local authorities in England, including Hastings Borough Council, to keep a register of people who are seeking to acquire serviced plots of land in the Borough on which to build their own homes.

The Council has therefore set up a Register to determine the demand for sites from those interested in undertaking self-build or custom build housing projects.

What is the difference between self-build and custom built homes?

Self-build projects are typically where individuals or groups of individuals directly undertake or organise the design and construction of their new home. This may also include the self-builder arranging for an architect or contractor to build their homes for them, or projects that are delivered by kit home companies. Community-led projects may also be defined as self-build as often members of the community may organise or undertake quite a bit of the construction work for themselves.

Custom build homes tend to be where an individual or group of individuals employ a specialist developer to deliver the home and can involve everything from sourcing a site, to managing the finance and build process to final completion. This method is a more hands-off approach but homes can still be tailored to individual requirements.

How much does it cost?

From 31 October 2019, a fee of £40 was introduced for first time applicants and those supplying supporting information for the first time.  This fee covers processing and entry onto the Register for the rest of the base year (until 30 October).  For associations of individuals (groups), a fee is payable for each member included in the application.

Please note a successful application does not guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified or become available.

Apply to be on the Register

Finding a plot and applying for permission

Further Support

Further support and information for self-build or custom build projects is available from the Government websites:  

The Self Build Portal
National Custom and Self Build Association
Right to build task force