According to the association, self-commissioned homes account for seven per cent of the UK’s housing supply compared to a share of 40 per cent in comparatively developed countries.
It also said the demand for self-build homes as recorded by the Right to Build Registers was “severely underestimated”, suggesting that between 2019 and 2022 independent reports found there were 83,000 people considering self build. However, the number of people on the Right to Build Registers only came to 29,697, indicating an undermeasurement of 64 per cent.
The NaCSBA said a lack of building plots could result in a bottleneck in the development of self-commissioned homes.
Better self-build policy
As well as a plot shortage, the association said the combination of a lack of finance, poor education and ineffective policymaking was preventing the growth of self and custom build.
The NaCSBA proposed that the government create home policies that were not more time consuming or costly than a larger development, as well as not introducing policies that delayed or created uncertainty.
It also suggested that self-build policies should not lead to solutions or options that the self builder is unable to access.
Tony Hall, head of business development at Saffron for Intermediaries, said: “Saffron is proud to be a member of NaCSBA, and to be supporting its report addressing the critical need for more self-commissioned homes in the UK housing market. We know that many UK residents are keen to explore building their dream homes, and today’s findings show that this is being underestimated on many levels.
“This shortfall not only risks limiting available land for self-commissioned homes but also limits the growth of a sector known for producing greener, better-built residences that contribute positively to local communities. At Saffron, we are committed to playing our part in this by offering adaptable solutions that help those looking to build or design their own homes, as part of our broader mission to support borrowers who don’t necessarily fit the traditional borrower profile.”
Peter Johns, CEO of the NaCSBA, added: “This report is the latest milestone in NaCSBA’s mission to create a thriving self and custom build sector that can support the UK’s housebuilding ambitions. The benefits of encouraging self-commissioned housing are clear, and while progress has been made in recent years, it is important for us to address challenges in the sector now so it can reach its full potential.
“We welcome Saffron and all our members’ support in this goal and look forward to working together to drive change in this area.”
Saffron BS joins Connect for Intermediaries panel
Connect for Intermediaries has added Saffron Building Society to its lender panel to give its advisers access to the mutual’s range of mortgages.
This includes its self-employed, buy-to-let and self-build products.
Kevin Thomson, sales director at Connect for Intermediaries, said: “I am thrilled that our members now have access to all of the Saffron Building Society’s range including their packaged products.
“In a landscape where client needs are evolving and becoming more intricate, having access to lenders servicing all market sectors is crucial. This collaboration with Saffron will provide our network members with an expanded opportunity to meet the diverse needs of their clients.”
Hall added: “I am delighted to broaden our relationship with Connect, which now includes supporting both their broker network and packager team. Our broad product proposition is well placed to support meeting the diverse needs of Connect’s clients through our adaptable lending solutions.”
