Build Your Own Home

What is self build and custom build?

The legal definition of Self build from the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 is as follows;

Self-build and custom housebuilding are defined in the Housing and Planning Act as: “… the building or completion by— (a) individuals, (b) associations of individuals, or (c) persons. working with or for individuals or associations of individuals of houses to be occupied as homes. by those individuals.

Self-build usually means that you are directly involved in the design and building of your home.

You could build your home:

• Yourself
• With the help of a contractor
• With a group of other self-builders, sharing knowledge and expertise

Custom build usually means that you work with a specialist developer to design and build your home. It is more of a ‘hands off’ approach. 

The developer could:

• Help you find a plot
• Build your home
• Arrange finance for the cost of building your home

Useful links:

• Self Build Portal
• The National Custom and Self-Build Association website

You can apply to be included on the Mid Sussex self build and custom house building register of interest

Please complete our online registration form

Please note that in order to ensure that the information held is up to date and accurately reflects demand within the district, the Register has recently been reviewed and as part of this review the following have been introduced:

• A requirement for evidence of local connection
• An amended application form
• An annual review / re-registration process
• An initial registration fee of £50 for all applications and
• An annual renewal fee of £25 for Part One entries only

Please note that all applications to the Register of Interest are valid until the end of the current base period on 30th October. To renew your application for the following base period you will need to submit a new form and if you are a Part One entry to pay the renewal fee (no renewal fee is payable if you are a Part Two entry). Renewal reminder letters are sent out at the end of September each year.

Be aware that

Registration is for our information only. It does not mean you will get a plot.

Land for custom and self build within Mid Sussex is sold at market value.

The register is divided into two parts:

• Part One – People who have an evidenced local connection to Mid Sussex
• Part Two – People who do not have an evidenced local connection to Mid Sussex

There are other self and custom build registers that are operated by third party companies. The Council will only accept applications via our online registration form on this page.

The following site has planning permission to provide 2 serviced plots for custom build housing

You would have a choice over various internal and external aspects of the property which is to be built for you on the plot, and it is understood that the price guide for each of the completed properties is £575,000.

Once you have agreed your choices and reserved matters approval has been obtained, the properties will take some months to complete. It is however understood that they could be ready for occupation sometime during 2025

If you are interested please contact Nicki Dennis, the Sales Director at Elivia, at nicki.dennis@eliviahomes.co.uk and please also copy in melanie.sharp@midsussex.gov.uk so that we are also aware of your interest.

Community Land Trusts are not-for-profit organisations that buy land and keep its value for the benefit of the local community.

Only the value of the buildings are bought and sold which means affordable housing, either to rent or to buy, can be built on this land.

Community land trusts are not just for housing, they can also be used to provide employment space, village shops, and more.

Mid Sussex District Council is pleased to support the Sussex Community Housing Hub - an enabling service providing advice and support to community-led housing groups such as:

• Community Land Trusts
• Co-housing
• Co-operative housing
• Self build groups

More information:

• National Community Land Trust Network 
• Read our leaflet: Community land trusts in a nutshell
• Read about the Community land trust umbrella project
• Sussex Community Housing Hub - Action in Rural Sussex
  

Contact:

Tom Warder
Tel: 01273-407302
Email: tom.warder@ruralsussex.org.uk

Housing Enabling & Development Officer
Nick Hewer Royle
Tel: 01444 477309
Email: Nicholas.Royle@midsussex.gov.uk