The Government’s Help to Build scheme enabling prospective self and custom builders to apply for funding has been welcomed by Graven Hill, the UK’s largest self and custom build community.
Karen Curtin, managing director at Graven Hill, believes the Help to Build scheme was long overdue, and is a signal that the UK is finally moving in the right direction to shake up a housing market that still relies on outdated construction mindsets and approaches
She commented: “The Help to Build scheme is a dream come true for many would-be self-builders, and we’re in full support of the initiative. With applications now open, the UK is finally moving in the right direction as we continue to revolutionise the housing market. Gone are the days of self and custom building being for the few – we are thrilled to see it become an option for the many.
“Self and custom building have always been popular at Graven Hill, and we expect to see interest continue to increase as a result of the scheme. In the current climate, the financial support that Help to Build will provide has never been more welcome.”
She added: “Offering people choice has always been our priority, with accessibility at the heart of Graven Hill. Our existing support already includes Plot Passports which provide a simplified planning process and allow fast track planning, enabling us to make the self and custom-building process as straightforward as possible. Help to Build now means there is even more opportunity for all homeowners to create a home that’s tailormade to their needs.”
The Help to Build scheme will provide budding self and custom builders with an accessible route towards building their own home, backed by an initial £150 million in dedicated funding. Both first-time buyers, and those already on the property ladder, can now take the first step towards owning the home they’ve always dreamed of creating.
The scheme enables purchasers to secure a plot with a minimum five percent deposit, paired with a Government-backed equity loan similar to the existing Help to Buy scheme, but is not limited to first-time buyers. For those seeking personalisation without a self-build project, the scheme also covers custom build homes. A less hands-on alternative to self-building, custom building allows purchasers to customise their property from a menu of options, without the commitment of a self-build.
With much of Europe ahead of the UK when it comes to self and custom building, this new initiative will be an important step forward for the housing market. Graven Hill has championed self-building since its launch in 2016, aiming to change the nation’s approach to new housing. Offering a diverse range of homes, including self and custom builds, Graven Hill has something for everybody, no matter their circumstances.
