Self-build: an old way to make new housing

The case for self-build is well established: improved design quality, stronger community formation, better integration within existing urban fabric, and greater support for local SME economies. Yet despite these advantages, delivery remains marginal within the UK housing market.

Local authorities continue to fall short of overall housing targets. Meanwhile, the majority of new homes are delivered by listed volume housebuilders, limiting diversity of typology, tenure and design. Although many local plans include policies supporting self-build and custom housebuilding, implementation is constrained by land availability, planning complexity, viability pressures, and inconsistent access to finance.

By contrast, countries such as Austria, Germany and France deliver an estimated 60–80% of new homes through self- or custom-build models (figures indicative rather than absolute), compared with approximately 7–10% in the UK. These higher proportions are underpinned by structural conditions: a reliable supply of serviced plots, clearer and more predictable regulatory frameworks, a mature SME construction ecosystem, and financial products aligned with commissioned homes.

The question, therefore, is not whether self-build can contribute to housing delivery, but how to establish the conditions in which it can scale. What structural changes are required? What practical steps can be taken locally? And how do we move from isolated examples to a coherent, repeatable model for wider adoption?

Five speakers from different backgrounds - architects, builders, community groups, planners, developers - will each present a project that explores self or custom build in some way. We will then conclude with a discussion and a Q&A before heading to the local pub for final questions!

A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available alongside a few vegetarian nibbles.