Finding a plot

Where to start your search

Unless you already own a suitable piece of land, finding a building plot is likely to be the most time-consuming part of your self build journey. Demand often outstrips supply, particularly in popular areas, so the more active and resourceful you are, the better your chances.

A good first step is to search the NaCSBA member directory several members specialise in plot-finding services and can give you a feel for availability, likely prices and estate agents active in your chosen area.

Beyond the agents, there are a number of active search strategies worth pursuing:

• Sign up to your local council’s Right to Build register at righttobuildportal.org.uk – this signals demand for plots and councils are legally required to take it into account.
• Check specialist plot-finding websites as well as mainstream property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla, which occasionally list building land.
• Contact local planning offices and ask about permissions that have been granted but where building has not yet started, the landowner may be willing to sell.
• Approach landowners directly — particularly those with large gardens, agricultural buildings, or brownfield land, to ask whether they might consider selling.
• Join (or set up) a local self build club or group where members share leads and help each other to search.
• Offer a finder’s fee to planning agents and architects, who often hear about land before it comes to market.
• If a small builder is developing nearby, ask whether they would consider selling one of their plots, raising cash early can be attractive to them.

For a group build, approach a parish council and ask them to suggest a suitable site. If your plans include affordable homes for local people, they are likely to be supportive. Gov.uk lists public land available for sale through Homes England.