Building your own home is becoming a more realistic option due to legislation aimed at boosting self-build projects.
Local authorities must now ensure there are enough serviced building plots to meet demand for self-build and custom-build homes.
With home ownership hitting a 25-year low, self-building could be the best and only means of affording the property of your dreams.
While it is not the right option for everyone, self-building can be an affordable way for you to get your ideal property. If the plot is right for you, now could be the best time to strike. Here’s five picks for housebuilding locations based on investment potential or quality and affordability of plots:
Clacton
Compared to the plot prices in the North, the South of England can be prohibitively expensive. However, little gems can still be found.
Clacton has received a hard wrap recently but with the Local Councils making a concerted effort to pump funding onto the area the tables are starting to turn. Now could be a great time to jump on in and pick up a little gem with sea views. Unlike the North your plot is likely to be smaller as space is at a premium, but that isn’t something a little basement excavation can’t handle.
Clacton benefits from the seaside location, summer tourists, and good road and rail travel links. You can get to London in just over an hour.
Once your dream property is complete you can take a stroll on the sandy beach and dust off your lounger.
Aintree
The resurgence and regeneration of Liverpool makes the City a very attractive place to be. But, with most city plots being gobbled up for commercial development, you should look at the surrounding towns and suburbs.
This is one of the few locations in the North where you can still find more than reasonable priced plots and even a trusty barn conversion in desperate need of love and attention.
Depending on what you are looking for from your property you might want to consider transport links and local surrounding facilities and attractions.
Looking at the plots in Aintree available right now, most, if not all, benefit from reasonable access to the motorways (M57) and trains. You can be in Liverpool city centre within 20 minutes via rail.
If all the DIY gets too much you can always take a day off and pop to the Aintree Race Course for a little flutter and some lunch before heading back to the hard work.
Plus if you get your property finished prior to race season, here’s the best Grand National tip we can give you; rent out your new build and charge a small fortune for accommodation during the Grand National and Ladies Day!
Briston Norfolk
A beautiful, traditional little village where you can still pick up some modest plots for reasonable money.
Some beautiful costal walks are accessible within 30 minutes and the National Trust Reserve is just a short distance from your doorstep.
The plots that are available range from two story dwellings to plots big enough for 85 houses. Norfolk has nearly 100 miles of beautiful coast line which draws people from all over the World looking for a relaxing break away or scoping out the area with a view of relocation.
Whatever you are looking for is readily available within or nearby this picturesque village.
Aberystwyth Wales
Come and live in an area of outstanding beauty.
Aberystwyth is simply stunning, it has it all, a university which ensures a constant flow of youth and regeneration and beautiful countryside working harmoniously together.
You can pick up some cracking plots in this area. Most have existing properties rife for demolition. But it’s what you can salvage from the demolition that makes this area so special.
Welsh stone and welsh slate is in abundance on the older properties. Character can be found at every turn, so your architectural eye will have a field day.
The nearest large town is over two hours away. However, you’re probably moving to Aberystwyth to get away from the urban trappings of modern life. But, the local transport is very well connected and its incredibly easy to get around.
Aberystwyth was once described as the Biarritz of Wales – it’s easy to see why, especially when the sun shines.
Wooler Northumberland
Wooler is a great base for residents to interact with tourists itching to make the most of the breath-taking countryside.
To the east is the magnificent coastline which is an Area of Outstanding Beauty, and the plots available are something special too.
Value for money is in abundance and the area is well connected. Newcastle is only 40 minutes away, and Edinburgh is just 90 minutes.
Most plots are available for under £90,000 with views across the countryside from every aspect.
If you are looking for a quieter life or maybe a change in career as a B&B or holiday let proprietor, this could be the area for you.