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The Self Build Wales scheme has expanded to now cater for applicants who either own their own land, or who have found land available to build on. Find out more here

Applicants with their own land

If you already own land, building your own home has never been easier than with the Self Build Wales scheme. 

Established by the Welsh Government, the Self Build Wales scheme aims to remove the barriers and uncertainty that prevent people in Wales from building their own homes.  

If you already own land, you may be able to borrow up to 100% of build costs, plus up to 50% of the value of the land to help with making the plot ready for development (subject to land feasibility and financial viability assessments).

How does the application process work?

Initial fact find

Initial fact find

You will submit all of the information about your land in the ‘what do we need to know’ section below to Self Build Wales.

Decision in principle*

Decision in principle*

The Self Build Wales team will complete a land feasibility assessment before inviting you to apply for a decision in principle via a mortgage advisor, which will include a soft credit check.

Decision in principle* alt="Development loan finance application">

Development loan finance application

Your finance application will provide personal financial details as well as details of the final build design, costs, builders and how you intend to repay the development loan once your home is built. A full underwriting assessment will be undertaken.

Funding offer

Funding offer

Self Build Wales will make an offer to finance your build costs and your house building journey will begin!

*The decision in principle may be subject (but not limited) to the following conditions: 

  • Receipt of a professional valuation of the land (RICS Valuation – Global Standards 2017 (incorporating the IVSC International Valuation Standards)
  • Outline planning permission as a minimum
  • Additional diligence on the land – e.g. confirmation of current land ownership, current owner’s right to sell, any title restrictions 
  • Agreed sales price

In order for the team to complete the high-level viability assessment of the land, in most instances, a minimum of outline planning permission is required.

What happens next?

  • Once any offer conditions, including any land development requirements are fulfilled, Self Build Wales will take a first legal charge over the plot (this may happen sooner if you require help with land development costs) 
  • You will appoint a contract administrator to oversee your build and the build will commence with your TrustMark accredited builder 
  • The build will be regularly monitored and inspected and funds will be released direct to your builder at key stages throughout the development 
  • Once the build is complete, you will repay your development loan (in most instances, it is expected that this will be done by securing a high street mortgage) and Self Build Wales will discharge their legal charge over the land 
  • Please note that if you own another property at this stage, you will be expected to sell it before moving into your new home 
  • You move into your new home!

Please note: the process laid out here is not exhaustive, and some additional conditions may be required. Please review our guidance document for further information.

Further information

If you’re interested in applying, the next step is to decide whether your plot is suitable for the Self Build Wales scheme. We will require the following information from you to determine this:

  • Where is the land located? (Address)
  • What is the size of your plot/site? 
  • What is the size of the home you want to build?
  • How many plots will fit on the site. If more than one, what size are the plots?
  • Does the plot/site have detailed planning permission, outline planning permission; or has a planning application been submitted?
  • Has the land been valued professionally? If not, how much do you believe the land to be worth? 
  • Has the plot/site undergone a development appraisal? 
  • Are there any known restrictions on the land? 
  • Are there any existing structures on the land? 
  • Does the plot/site have road access in place? 
  • Are services (namely utility connections – gas, electricity, water, broadband) in place to the site boundary? 
  • Who is the legal owner of the land? 
  • Are there any legal charges or encumbrances on the land from other lenders? 
  • Do you have any indication of the estimated cost of building your home?
  • Do you know the estimated value of the completed build?

  • You will not be able to let or sell the self-build home for a minimum of five years from the completion date. 
  • The completed self-build or custom-build house must be your only property. 
  • You can only use a builder who is accredited on the TrustMark Scheme. 
  • The cost of development of the land and the build costs should not exceed 75% of the value of the completed build. If a plot is successfully obtained through the scheme, you are not able to apply for another plot in the future. 
  • You will not be allowed to occupy the property until the self-build development loan has been repaid.

In order to participate in the scheme all builders must be TrustMark registered. 

You can search on the TrustMark website for a local registered builder, or you can invite a known builder to join Trustmark online. 

Click here to search for a TrustMark registered builder. 

Click here to register as a builder for the TrustMark scheme.

  • There are no repayments to make during the term of the loan (max 2 years). 
  • Interest will roll-up and is added to the balance of the loan on a monthly basis.
  • An Arrangement Fee of 1.25% of the agreed loan amount will be payable on first drawdown (there may be scope to add this to the loan in some cases)
  • An Exit Fee of 1.25% will be payable on any amount repaid.
  • There are no early repayment charges.
  • Professional fees and charges may also apply, such as (but not limited to) architect, contract administrator, solicitors fees.
  • Land Transaction Tax (“LTT”) will apply to any land purchase, and Applicants are advised to check the LTT amount, and their affordability, prior to agreeing a purchase.
  • Self Build Wales will take a 1st legal charge over the land prior to first drawdown of funds.   
  • Applicants are strongly advised to obtain independent legal advice before progressing with the scheme.

How to apply 

If you’re interested in applying for the Self Build Wales scheme, simply complete our contact form via the button below and one of our expert team will be in touch. 

Contact us

 

Alternatively, please see our guidance document to access more details on the scheme and the application process.