Last month saw the first reading of a new piece of government legislation, which carries the potential to revolutionise the custom and self build sector, generating unprecedented opportunity for those wishing to realise their personalised property aspirations.

The draft legislation, entitled the Housing and Planning Bill 2015, requires councils to increase the amount of land available for custom and self-build housing projects, and sets out plans to double the number of homes of this description by 2020, with a preliminary target of 20,000 properties. The Bill amends and supplements the responsibilities assigned to councils via the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 legislation, which will drive forward custom projects and make provision for the interests of those seeking to develop independent housing projects. 

Working in unity with existing acts, the Housing and Planning Bill 2015 additionally requires local planning authorities to ensure that there are sufficient serviced, permissioned plots available to satisfy the local demand from those wishing to construct a custom or self-build property. Along with the Government passing Permitted Development Rights - which allows for optimised flexibility when converting or remodelling - as a permanent legal fixture, 2015's legislative developments promise massive potential for success in the sector. 

Providing custom and self-builders with the tools and flexibility to implement their designs cultivates the ideal conditions for a boom in personalised property building, and indicates how the Government are increasingly serious about the role custom and self-build projects play in helping to fulfil housebuilding quotas. The Government's inclusion of the sector in its long-term housebuilding agenda serves as well-deserved recognition for the contribution custom and self-builds make toward quality housing, and generates support for small business and individual creativity. 

There's so many different ways you can customise your home. For more information on home improvements, contact us today!