Self build

We are required to keep a register of people wishing to build their own homes. There are two reasons we do this: to help us assess the demand for self- and custom-build, and to allow us to develop housing and planning policies.

You can be added to the Self Build Register by completing our online form.

Please note, you will only be eligible for entry to the register if you are over 18 and you are a British citizen, a national of an EEA state other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland.

As of 1 April 2019, the council has split the register into two parts, and set additional requirements for entry.

Firstly, in order to be added to Part 1 of the register, you must have a local connection to Reading. A local connection means you have (at least one of the following):

• lived in the borough of Reading for at least two years
• been in full-time employment (greater than 16 hours per week) within Reading Borough for at least two years
• an immediate family member (spouse/partner, parent/step-parent, sibling/step-sibling, or adult child/step-child who has lived in the borough of Reading for at least the last five years

You will automatically pass the local connection test if you are current or former personnel (within five years of discharge) of the armed services.

Those who do not pass the local connection test will only be added to part 2 of the register, which has a lower status for use in making policy.

Secondly, you must be able to demonstrate that you would have sufficient resources to purchase a self-build plot worth at least £75,000. We ask for the following evidence:

• An offer for a self-build mortgage from a verifiable lender (for example, a member of the Council of Mortgage Lenders). Any evidence provided must clearly show that the release of funds for the purchase of land – which is usually the first phase of funding released – would amount to at least £75,000.
• Written confirmation and evidence from a qualified financial adviser with active membership of a verifiable and appropriate professional body. This evidence should clearly outline that you have sufficient readily accessible funds/equity to purchase land at the value of at least £75,000.
• Any other information which demonstrates, to the council’s satisfaction, that you have sufficient resources to purchase land at the value of at least £75,000 for your own self-build and custom house building.

There is no charge to be added to the register.

Contact: self.build@reading.gov.uk