Advice and resources
Get useful information and links to other organisation who could help you.
Planning permission
You will need to get planning permission for your project. You can find out about our services, or look at the Planning Portal for information about planning.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Many new developments are liable for the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), however some self build projects are exempt from the payment.
If you are eligible for CIL relief, you need to claim the relief before you start work on site.
Self Build Portal
The Self Build Portal gives information and advice about:
- finding a plot
- sources of finance
- routes to self build
- construction methods
- sustainability
- case studies
- events
Home Build Fund
The government's Home Building Fund provides loans to people planning to custom build on serviced plots.
Eastern Community Homes
We have formed a partnership with Eastern Community Homes.
They provide tools and support for groups interested in affordable community-led housing. This can include Community Land Trusts, cooperatives, co-housing schemes, self-help housing, group self-build, or almshouses.
They provide advice from the initial idea or vision, right through to delivery. They help groups to access a network of technical advisors and housing associations.
BuildStore
BuildStore provides information about self building, renovation and conversion products and services.
National Community Land Trust Network
The National Community Land Trust Network provides advice and support for newly-formed groups.
The Self Build Guide
The Self Build Guide provides information about land, house design, finance and resources.
UK Cohousing
UK Cohousing provides information about cohousing, where people live privately but come together as a community to share activities like cooking, childcare and gardening.
Which?
The Which? guide to building your own home gives step by step advice, depending on where you are in the process.
Professional organisations publish lists of their members who may be able to help your project. You may want to look at: