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Second phase of UK custom build fund announced

The second phase of the £150 million fund is now open to bidders and will create up to 10,000 so-called ‘serviced plots’ which is land prepared for house building and connected to utilities such as gas and water, so builders can go straight in and build.

According to Housing Minister Brandon Lewis the average self build takes two years but those using serviced plots can cut this by up to a year and he believes it will help further unlock the massive potential the custom build industry has to expand.

The custom and self build industry currently accounts for around 10,000 new homes every year but the government is backing industry led efforts to double that by 2020.

The £150 million fund is open to small builders and community groups as short term loans to help get the land ready for housebuilding. The land can then be sold as individual plots to people looking to build their own home.

Lewis said he was determined to ensure as many people as possible could fulfil their custom build ambitions so he has given the green light for the first three bids to proceed to the next stage of assessment.

Subject to successful completion three small builders in St Helens, South Norfolk and West Lindsey will receive a share of £850,000 to help provide 41 plots.

‘Custom build should not be something that’s confined to a small and select group of people. Anyone who aspires to build their own home should have the opportunity to do so. We want to see the industry grow significantly and this £150 million fund will help further unlock the massive potential it has to help even more people achieve their ambitions,’ said Lewis.

‘This fund will help create shovel ready serviced plots so small developers and custom builders can get on and build, finishing their projects more quickly,’ he added.

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