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.

Please complete our online registration form

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 with a local connection to Mid Sussex
• Part Two – People who do not have a local connection

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.

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

Helen Blackith, Housing Enabling Manager
Tel: 01444-477232
Email: helen.blackith@midsussex.gov.uk