Custom build homes made simple.
Navigating the custom house building sector requires specialist knowledge and expert project management. Whether you’re a landowner looking to sell plots, a developer managing a custom build site, or an individual planning your dream home, we are here to help.
What is custom build?
Custom Build is an alternative approach to self-building which allows you to design your own unique home whilst benefitting from more developer support. With custom build, you work together with the developer to customise a pre-existing design, which the developer then builds out on your behalf. It's an ideal route for those who want a new home tailored to their needs without managing the entire build process themselves.
If you’re interested in custom build development, we provide specialist planning and development services to help you navigate the custom build development process. Whether you’re a developer purchasing a custom build site, working with a developer, or buying a serviced plot, we can help to ensure your project is legally compliant and financially viable.
What are the key features of custom build?
✔ Flexibility – buyers have primary input on house design, materials, and interior layout.
✔ Less Risk & Complexity – developers handle infrastructure, reducing buyer workload.
✔ Planning-Approved Plots – plots come with outline or full planning permission.
✔ Customisation Choices – buyers can choose from design templates or tailor specifications.
✔ Mortgage-Backed – more lenders are offering custom build mortgages to support buyers.
Our custom build services.
✔ Custom Build Plot Assessments – reviewing the planning potential of custom build projects
✔ Local Demand & Custom Build Register Analysis – helping you to understand demand.
✔ Self-Build & Custom Build Policy Advice – ensuring compliance with regulations.
✔ Planning Applications for Custom Build Homes – managing the entire process from design to approval.
Understanding the custom build development journey.
The custom build process differs from traditional housing developments, requiring careful planning at every stage. We guide developers, landowners, and self-builders through this journey to ensure a smooth experience.
The Key Stages:
1. Land Identification & Feasibility Studies
Finding the right site and assessing its potential.
2. Planning Permission & Infrastructure
Securing planning approval and installing essential services.
3. Serviced Plot Sales & Buyer Engagement
Marketing plots and supporting buyers in customisation.
4. Design & Build Coordination
Managing the relationship between buyers, architects, and contractors.
5. Project Compliance, Completion & Handover
Ensuring high-quality finishes and final approvals.
The Right to Build Legislation
and what it means for self & custom builders.
The 'Right to Build' legislation, introduced in 2016 by amendments to the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act, requires local authorities in England to keep a register of individuals and groups looking for self or custom build plots. This means councils must ensure enough land is available to meet demand every year.
How This Legislation Affects You:
✔ Access to Suitable Land – developers are encouraged (and often required) to release land for self and custom build projects.
✔ Opportunities for Landowners – if you own land, you can develop serviced plots to meet this growing demand and use the permissive legislation to your advantage.
✔ Support from Local Authorities – many councils actively promote custom build housing developments and must give relief from CIL and BNG requirements under the right circumstances.
What support can we offer?
Whether you’re an individual looking for a serviced plot or a developer managing a multi-plot custom build site, navigating the complexities of the custom build process requires expert support.
As a specialist custom build project management business, we offer tailored services to guide landowners, developers, and self-builders through every stage of their journey. From understanding Right to Build legislation to managing multi-plot developments and plot sales and build-out strategies, we provide end-to-end project management to ensure your development is successful.
Our Multi-Plot Custom Build Services:
✔ Planning & Design Coordination – we help developers design masterplans that meet custom build planning policy requirements.
✔ Infrastructure & Servicing Management – we ensure roads, drainage, utilities, and plot services are in place.
✔ Plot Sales Strategy – we develop marketing and sales plans for custom build plots, optimising sales conversions and ensuring buyers are well-supported.
✔ Custom Build Buyer Support – we assist developers and plot buyers in choosing house designs, appointing contractors, and managing build stages.
✔ CDM & Health & Safety Compliance – ensuring all regulatory requirements are met throughout the build process.
Need help managing a custom build development?
We provide expert project management.
Want to know how you can benefit from self-build CIL relief?
We provide detailed advice and support.
Do you need help with legal agreements?
We have access to industry-leading lawyers and have draft templates to suit your circumstances.