Self-build and custom housebuilding register
The register records interest from people who want to build their own home in Swindon. Joining does not commit you to building a home or guarantee that we will offer you a plot.
About the register
The Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 requires councils in England to keep a register of people interested in self-build or custom-build projects.
We use the register to understand demand for building plots in Swindon. It may also help us develop a strategy for matching people with suitable plots.
The register is not public. We may publish headline figures, such as the overall level of demand, in monitoring and data reports.
Self-build and custom-build homes
Self-build and custom build are ways for an individual or group to help create their own home. How much you are involved will depend on the type of project.
You will need planning permission for a self-build or custom-build home in the same way as you would for any other home.
Self-build options
Self-build options include:
- One-off self-build: you manage the design and construction and complete a significant amount of the building work
- Contractor-built home: you manage the design and choose a contractor to complete the construction work
- Kit home: you choose a kit home and may need to arrange the foundations before the kit home company builds it
- Independent community project: you work with others to buy a site, divide it into plots, and arrange the design and construction of your home
- Supported community self-build: a social landlord or the Community Self Build Agency helps a group build homes together
Custom-build options
Custom-build options include:
- Developer-built home: you choose a developer with a site and design you like, and the developer manages the project. You may be able to reduce costs by completing some work yourself
- Developer-led group project: a developer organises a group and builds the homes. Group members may complete some work themselves to reduce costs
Who can join the register
To join the register, you must:
- be aged 18 or over
- be a British citizen, a citizen of a European Economic Area country other than the United Kingdom, or a Swiss citizen
- want to buy a serviced plot of land, either alone or with others, to build a home for yourself
- pay the registration fee
Registration fee
The registration fee is £111.35, including VAT.
The fee covers:
- assessing your application
- responding to registration queries
- arranging refunds for applications that are not eligible
- transferring your information to the register database
- reviewing and validating the information and evidence you provide
- checking any supporting documents
We calculate the fee using the department’s average hourly administration cost, plus VAT. The fee reflects the cost of running the register and is not intended to discourage applications or control demand.
After you join
We may contact you with updates about self-build and custom-build opportunities.
We review and update the register regularly. We may ask you to confirm that you still want to build a home in Swindon so that the register remains accurate.
Leaving the register
You can ask us to remove your details from the register. We will do this within 28 days of receiving written notice from you.
If an association wants to leave the register, its lead contact must send the written notice.
Find out more
Visit the Self Build Portal for more information about building your own home.