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Self-build market slow to grow

15 Jan 16 While several leading house-builders are reporting record output for 2015, new figures suggest that the self-build sector is not enjoying the same kind of resurgence.

Self-build planning applications for new homes rose a little in 2015, but it was still the second lowest year for eight years.

Latest data from construction industry analyst Barbour ABI shows that there were fewer than 18,000 self-build planning applications for new homes submitted in 2015, which is 30% below the 2010 peak figure.

Barbour ABI lead economist Michael Dall said: “With a government-backed £350m boost to funding for self-build and a commitment to removing the main barriers that hold back many thousands of custom build projects every year, the news is not encouraging that self-build planning applications are still below the levels that they were in the midst of the recession.

“However with the recent changes that have come into force, such as councils freeing up more land for self-build and an increase in grants available, this should have a positive effect on the forecasted number of self-build applications in 2016.  While the modest increase in 2015 is welcome there is still a long way to go for these types of properties to make any significant impact on the current housing crisis in the UK.

 “The government’s target is to double the amount of self-built homes by 2020. Only time will tell as to whether the recent removal of red tape will develop into an increase of spades in the ground for self-build properties.”

Region

   Planning applications in 2015

South West

3660

South East and London

4905

Scotland

2225

Northern England

2686

Midlands & East Anglia

3680

Wales

785

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